ATS Resume Template Mistakes That Get Rejected: What Recruiters Really See

What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

Before jumping into the mistakes, let’s clarify what an ATS is and why it fundamentally changes how resumes are evaluated. An applicant tracking system is software used by companies to filter and organize job applications. The ATS scans your resume for keywords, correct formatting, and relevant information, funneling only the strongest matches to human recruiters.

Imagine submitting the most impressive resume possible, only to have the ATS reject it because it can’t parse your details properly. It’s a frustrating reality. In many cases, your resume’s format plays a more significant role than you realize in whether it passes this technological gatekeeper.

Top ATS Resume Template Mistakes That Get Your Resume Rejected

1. Using Fancy Formatting and Graphics

It’s tempting to get creative with colors, graphics, or intricate layouts—but for ATS, these are a nightmare. Graphics, images, text boxes, and columns often confuse parsing algorithms, making crucial information invisible to the system.

In our experience, even a well-designed infographic resume risks 100% rejection by ATS software. Stick to plain text and standard font styles to ensure your information is readable. Avoid headers and footers as well—the system may ignore anything outside the main body text.

2. Including Complex Tables or Multiple Columns

Tables and columns may look neat visually but cause ATS parsing issues. Content inside tables or multi-column layouts sometimes gets jumbled or skipped altogether.

For example, listing your skills or experience inside a two-column table might make the ATS miss half of it because it reads the document linearly, top to bottom. Instead, list everything sequentially without visual breaks that might confuse the software.

3. Overloading With Graphics and Logos

Adding company logos or decorative icons may enhance human readability but is invisible to the ATS. Worse, it can disrupt the parsing process, making the system skip entire sections.

Resist the urge to "beautify" your resume with graphical elements. White space is fine, but don’t substitute content with images that the ATS cannot interpret.

Common Content and Keyword Mistakes in ATS Templates

4. Lack of Keywords or Incorrect Keyword Placement

ATS systems scan resumes for keywords—the skills, tools, qualifications, and phrases specified in the job description. Missing relevant keywords or burying them in dense paragraphs lowers your ranking.

But keyword stuffing isn’t the answer either. We have seen many resumes get flagged because of unnatural keyword repetition or irrelevant buzzwords. Instead, integrate keywords thoughtfully within concise bullet points and specific job descriptions.

5. Using Uncommon Job Titles or Abbreviations

Using unconventional job titles or confusing acronyms can cause ATS confusion. For example, if the system expects “Sales Manager” but your resume says “Revenue Guru,” it might not recognize you as a match.

Use standard job titles and spell out abbreviations at least once before using acronyms. This simple step improves ATS readability and helps recruiters quickly understand your role.

6. Ignoring Section Headings or Using Nonstandard Ones

ATS software typically scans for standard headings like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Creative or unusual section titles may throw the parsing off entirely.

Stick with conventional labels. For example, don’t rename “Work Experience” to “My Journey” or “Professional Highlights,” no matter how catchy it sounds.

Formatting Errors That Reduce ATS Compatibility

7. Using Headers, Footers, and Sidebars

Many ATS tools can’t read text inside headers, footers, or sidebars, so important information placed there may never get scanned. Contact details, for instance, should always be in the body of the resume.

If you’ve been placing your phone number or email in the header, it’s time to move them into the main section — preferably near the top where recruiters expect them.

8. Saving Your Resume in the Wrong File Format

This might seem trivial, but file formats like PDFs or Word documents need to be ATS-compatible. Some ATS systems struggle with certain PDF types, especially those generated from images or scanned documents.

The safest bets are usually standard .docx or simple .pdf files without fancy formatting. When in doubt, check the job posting for format preferences. We've seen resumes rejected purely because the ATS couldn't open or parse a complex file.

9. Excessive Use of Special Characters and Symbols

Fancy bullet points, stars, checkmarks, or unusual characters may look neat but confuse the ATS parser. Often, the software either ignores them or reads them incorrectly, resulting in garbled text.

Instead, opt for simple bullet points like hyphens (-) or classic dots (•). Also, be cautious with using percentage signs, ampersands, or other symbols in excess.

Content Organization Mistakes That Hurt ATS Scoring

10. Mixing Timeline Formats and Missing Dates

ATS often filters candidates based on date ranges to prioritize recent experience and career progression. If your dates are inconsistent—say, mixing “May 2026” with just years or omitting dates entirely—the system might misinterpret your employment history.

This is a surprisingly common mistake. Always list dates in a clear, consistent format next to each position (e.g., “Jan 2026 – Dec 2026”) and avoid gaps unless you can explain them in your cover letter or interview.

11. Writing Paragraphs Instead of Bullet Points

Dense paragraphs can be difficult for ATS to parse clearly. Bullet points create clean data points, which ATS software processes more reliably. Recruiters also prefer bullet points because they quickly scan your achievements and responsibilities.

Reformat lengthy job descriptions into concise bullet points highlighting measurable outcomes and relevant skills.

Practical Tips to Avoid ATS Rejects and Boost Your Resume’s Impact

Keep Your Resume Clean and Simple

Less is more with ATS resumes. Plain text, classic fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman), single column layout, and straightforward formatting increase your chances of getting through the filters.

Use Job Description Language

Mirror the language and keywords from the job posting. Don’t copy-paste blindly, but identify core skills, tools, and responsibilities and weave them into your resume where relevant.

Test Your Resume Against ATS Criteria

Try parsing your resume through free ATS simulation tools online. This quick check will tell you what the software 'sees' and highlight any errors you might have missed.

Maintain Standard Section Headings

Stick with clearly labeled sections: Contact Information, Summary or Objective, Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, etc.

Save and Submit in the Right Format

Unless the job posting states otherwise, a .docx file is typically safest. When submitting PDFs, ensure they are text-based and not image scans.

Real-World Observations: Why Do ATS Resume Mistakes Matter So Much?

In many hiring processes, ATS rejection rates can exceed 70%. We've worked with recruiters who filter hundreds of applications daily—the first step is an automated cut. Mistakes that seem minor to candidates can lead to outright dismissal without a human review.

Moreover, we’ve noticed candidates who tailor their resumes to humans but forget how the ATS reads them, resulting in missed opportunities despite strong qualifications. The irony is that by optimizing for ATS compatibility, you also improve clarity and readability for recruiters.

Ultimately, understanding the technology and the recruiting workflow is a strategic advantage that often separates successful applicants from those lost in the shuffle.

Conclusion: Make Your Resume Work Twice as Hard — For ATS and Recruiters

The era of submitting fancy, overly designed resumes for online applications is effectively over. Your ATS resume template has to strike a delicate balance: it must be technically readable by software while still appealing and clear for human reviewers. Avoiding common ATS resume mistakes — from complicated formatting and hidden content to missing keywords and unusual terminology — can dramatically increase your chances of getting an interview.

Take the time to carefully format, test, and tailor your resume using the principles outlined here. Don’t underestimate the importance of compliance with ATS standards—it’s the first and sometimes toughest hurdle in your job search.

For job seekers keen on exploring ATS-friendly templates and in-depth guidance, our free guide is a valuable next step. By mastering these details, you’ll let your skills shine while ensuring no automated system stands in your way.

Remember, your resume isn’t just a document—it’s your ticket through the digital gatekeeper. Make every word and format choice count.