You’ve spent hours crafting your resume, hit submit, and then… silence. If you’ve ever applied for a job and never heard back, there’s a good chance an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) filtered you out before a human ever saw your name.
The good news? It’s not personal, and it’s preventable.
Here’s why ATS software might be rejecting your resume — and what you can do to fix it.
1. Your Resume Isn’t ATS-Friendly
Many applicants unknowingly use formatting that confuses the ATS. Canva or PowerPoint resumes, fancy graphics, tables, columns, and unusual fonts may look great to the human eye, but most ATS software can’t read them properly, resulting in a blank or jumbled file.
What to Do:
Use Word or Google Docs to create your resume
Stick to a clean, single-column layout
Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Aptos)
Avoid graphics, text boxes, and images
Submit your resume as a PDF, if the system allows you, to maintain formatting
2. You Didn’t Use Keywords from the Job Description
ATS software scans resumes for specific keywords, usually those listed in the job posting for skills, qualifications, and tools. If your resume doesn’t include these, the system may mark you as unqualified, even if you are.
What to Do:
Tailor your resume to your ideal role
Mirror the language of the job descriptions (e.g., “project management” vs. “program coordination”)
Include job titles, certifications, and technologies exactly as listed when relevant
3. You Included Irrelevant or Outdated Information
The ATS focuses on relevance. If your resume is cluttered with old experience or unrelated job history, the system may not identify you as a strong match.
What to Do:
Highlight accomplishments that directly align with the role, even if they weren’t a primary part of previous roles
Use an updated professional summary to clearly highlight your value at the top.
4. You Used Uncommon Headings or Abbreviations
Creative headings like “What I’ve Done” instead of “Work Experience” or acronyms like “PMP” without spelling it out can trip up the system.
What to Do:
Stick with standard section headers: “Summary,” “Work Experience,” “Education,” “Skills”
Spell out certifications and abbreviations the first time you use them (e.g., "Project Management Professional (PMP)")
5. You Didn’t Include Enough Context
If your resume is just a list of job duties without results or context, the ATS might see it as lacking depth or fail to connect it with what the employer is looking for.
What to Do:
Use bullet points to describe accomplishments, not just responsibilities
Include measurable results when possible (e.g., “Reduced processing time by 30%”)
Getting past the ATS isn’t about gaming the system — it’s about making your resume readable, relevant, and aligned with what employers are actually looking for. When done right, you increase your chances of not only getting noticed, but getting hired.
Want help optimizing your resume for ATS? Let’s talk, a few strategic changes can make all the difference.