9 signs that your resume is not ATS-friendly

Most American employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to ease the hiring process. The use of ATS allows employers to store, filter, and sort candidates for open positions with ease. If you want to get noticed by many large and medium-scale employers, your resume must be ATS-compatible.

Today, we will discuss what makes your resume not ATS-compatible.

Lack of keywords

Use your phone to set a timer for less than thirty seconds. Now, scan your resume quickly. Did any important keywords jump out at you? An ATS-friendly resume contains specific keywords that the employer has mentioned in the job description. One way you can ensure that your resume has all the right keywords is to highlight keywords in the job description, get a printout of the resume, compare the two, and cross out all the keywords you spot on the resume.

Non-standard headings

There’s a reason why certified professional resume writers advocate using standard resume section headings. Non-standard, quirky section headings like “Who I am” instead of “Summary” will confuse the ATS.

Unprofessional formatting

Certain formatting choices you make can cause your resume to be less compatible with the ATS. Look for excessive use of graphics, images, or fancy fonts on your resume. If you have used excessive italics, underlined text, bold letters, and other formatting options, your resume will be less ATS-friendly.

Complex language

You should use professional but simple language to describe your achievements on a resume. Overly complex language and overwhelming amounts of industrial jargon will make your resume a difficult read for the ATS. Use simple and concise language to frame your achievements.

Tables and text boxes

Both tables and text boxes are not ATS-friendly elements on a resume. Most ATSs have trouble parsing information mentioned within these design elements. If you have used a table to divide sections on your resume, the ATS will have trouble extracting meaningful information from it.

Missing contact information

Mentioning your contact details in the header or the footer of your resume is a big ATS mistake. Most ATSs have trouble parsing information within the header or footer of a document. Include your contact details below your name and credentials on the resume. Avoid using icons to highlight contact info.

The wrong file format

Most of the time, employers specify which file format they want you to submit the resume in. If you submit your resume in a different file format, the ATS might not be able to read it at all. This may get you rejected from the competition.

Issues with white space

We always say that you must use white space strategically on your resume to bring out important information. Too much white space and gaps between the content of your resume can confuse the ATS.

The wrong fonts

Are you using fancy fonts with swirls and curls to write your resume? That is not an ATS-friendly move. Use standard, professional Sans Serif fonts to create your resume. Arial, Calibri, and Times New Roman are some good choices. ATSs can have trouble reading unique and uncommon fonts on a resume.