ATS Rejects: Top 7 Reasons + Fixes

If you’ve been applying for jobs without getting any responses, your resume might be getting rejected by the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) — before a recruiter even sees it. ATS is used by most companies to filter resumes and decide who makes it to the next round. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it could be silently rejected, no matter how qualified you are.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 7 reasons why your resume fails ATS and provide easy fixes to help you pass the ATS scan and get noticed by hiring managers.

1. Using Complex Formatting

The Problem:

ATS systems are designed to read simple, well-structured resumes. If you use complex formats, such as tables, images, text boxes, or multiple columns, ATS might not be able to read your resume properly, leading to a rejection.

The Fix:

• Stick to Simple Formatting: Use basic resume formats, such as single-column layouts and standard fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman). Avoid graphics, images, and unusual fonts that may confuse the ATS.
• Use Standard Headings: Stick to common headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills”. These headings are easily recognized by ATS and help it categorize your information correctly.

2. Missing Keywords from the Job Description

The Problem:

One of the main functions of an ATS is to match your resume with the job description. If your resume doesn’t include the keywords (skills, qualifications, job titles, etc.) from the job posting, the ATS may reject it.

The Fix:

• Use Job Description Keywords: Carefully read the job description and incorporate relevant keywords into your resume. Include both hard skills (like Java, Data Analysis, Project Management) and soft skills (like communication, teamwork, problem-solving).
• Match Keywords Naturally: Don’t just stuff your resume with keywords. Make sure they are naturally integrated into your work experience and skills sections.

Tip:

Use an ATS checker online (such as Jobscan) to compare your resume with the job description and see which keywords are missing.

3. Using an Unreadable File Type

The Problem:

ATS systems may not be able to parse certain file formats correctly. For example, while PDF files are common, some older ATS systems have difficulty reading them. Similarly, image-based resumes (e.g., .jpg or .png files) are unreadable for ATS.

The Fix:

• Stick to Standard Formats: Save your resume in Word (.docx) or plain text (.txt) format to ensure ATS can read it properly. If you must submit a PDF, check whether the job posting mentions a preference.
• Avoid Image-Based Resumes: If your resume includes images or graphics, ensure it is in a format that ATS can parse, such as Word or plain text.

4. Lack of Relevant Experience or Skills in the Work Experience Section

The Problem:

If your Work Experience section doesn’t clearly show your relevant skills or accomplishments, the ATS may reject your resume. This can happen if you don’t tailor your experience to align with the job description, or if you don’t highlight key skills and achievements in the right places.

The Fix:

• Focus on Relevance: Customize your Work Experience section for each job you apply for. Highlight the skills and accomplishments that directly align with the job description.
• Quantify Achievements: Use numbers and percentages to demonstrate the impact of your work (e.g., “Increased sales by 20%” or “Managed a team of 10”).

Tip:

Use bullet points for easy readability and ensure the most relevant information is at the top of each section.

5. Inconsistent Job Titles or Misleading Job Descriptions

The Problem:

If your job titles or descriptions don’t match what the ATS expects, it could cause confusion or lead to rejection. For example, if you’ve worked in a role called “Web Content Specialist” but the job description calls for a “Content Writer,” ATS might not make the connection.

The Fix:

• Use Standard Job Titles: If possible, use industry-standard job titles. For example, if you’re applying for a Project Manager role but your previous title was “Project Coordinator,” consider mentioning “Project Manager” in your resume, as long as it accurately reflects your role.
• Clarify Job Responsibilities: When describing job duties, match the terms used in the job description. For example, if the job mentions “client management”, make sure to include “client management” if it was part of your responsibilities.

Tip:

If your job title was unique to your company, add a brief explanation in parentheses, such as: “Customer Service Specialist (Call Center Manager).”

6. Overuse of “Uncommon” Words or Phrasing

The Problem:

ATS software is great at identifying common terms and phrases but might miss uncommon words, jargon, or overly creative language. For instance, if you call yourself a “customer satisfaction architect,” an ATS might not recognize this as equivalent to a “customer service representative.”

The Fix:

• Use Standard Terminology: Stick to simple language and use terms that are commonly understood in the industry. For example, instead of “growth architect,” use “business development manager.”
• Avoid Excessive Synonyms: While it's important to vary your language, avoid using too many synonyms in key sections of your resume. The ATS might only recognize one version of a term, so consistency matters.

Tip:

Refer to the job description for industry-standard terms and phrases to increase your chances of matching the ATS.

7. Inadequate or Missing Contact Information

The Problem:

ATS can’t make sense of missing or incorrect contact information. If your phone number or email address is missing or listed incorrectly, the ATS might reject your resume because it doesn’t know how to reach you.

The Fix:

• Double-Check Your Contact Information: Ensure your name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile (if applicable) are clearly listed at the top of your resume.
• Make It Simple: Avoid including unnecessary details in your contact section, like home address. Just focus on the essentials: name, phone number, and email.

Final Thoughts: Fixing ATS Rejection

A low ATS score doesn’t mean you’re not qualified for the job — it just means your resume isn’t optimized to pass through the system. By fixing the common resume mistakes mentioned above, you can improve your chances of getting your resume in front of a hiring manager and landing the interview.

Quick Fixes:

• Simplify your formatting and remove graphics.
• Include keywords from the job description.
• Use standard job titles and avoid jargon.
• Quantify achievements to show your impact.
• Ensure your contact information is complete and correct.

Remember, the key to passing ATS is making sure your resume is both ATS-friendly and recruiter-friendly. Once you’ve optimized your resume for ATS, your chances of getting noticed by hiring managers will go through the roof.

Want to see how your resume stacks up? Try an ATS checker online today to test your resume’s compatibility and get immediate feedback on how to improve your chances of passing the ATS scan!