ATS Resume Killer: 14 Formatting Mistakes Causing Auto-Rejection

Your Resume is Perfect. ATS Systems Can't Read It.

68% of resumes are rejected by ATS systems before any human sees them—not because of lack of qualifications, but because of formatting issues.

You could be the perfect candidate, but if the ATS can't parse your resume correctly, you're invisible.

The 14 ATS-Killing Formatting Mistakes

1. Tables and Text Boxes

❌ Problem: ATS systems can't read content inside tables or text boxes. Your information gets scrambled or lost completely.

✅ Fix: Use simple text formatting with clear headers and bullet points. No tables, no text boxes, no columns.

2. Headers and Footers

❌ Problem: Most ATS systems ignore headers/footers entirely. If your contact info is there, you're unreachable.

✅ Fix: Put ALL contact information in the main body of the resume, at the top.

3. Images and Graphics

❌ Problem: ATS systems can't read images, logos, photos, or graphics. That includes headshots and company logos.

✅ Fix: Text only. No images. Ever.

4. Fancy Fonts

❌ Problem: Decorative fonts (Papyrus, Comic Sans, scripts) confuse ATS parsing.

✅ Fix: Stick to standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, Georgia, Times New Roman, or Helvetica. 10-12pt size.

5. Multiple Columns

❌ Problem: ATS reads left-to-right, top-to-bottom. Columns get read in the wrong order.

✅ Fix: Single column layout only.

6. Special Characters and Symbols

❌ Problem: ★, ♦, →, fancy bullets confuse ATS systems.

✅ Fix: Use standard bullet points (•, -, or *). That's it.

7. Uncommon Section Headings

❌ Problem: "My Journey" or "Where I've Been" instead of "Experience" confuses ATS.

✅ Fix: Use standard headings: Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, Projects.

8. PDF with Image-Based Text

❌ Problem: Some PDFs are just images of text, which ATS can't read.

✅ Fix: Use Word (.docx) or text-based PDF. Test by opening PDF and trying to copy text—if you can't, neither can ATS.

9. Merged or Split Text

❌ Problem: Putting phone and email on same line without clear separation: "john@email.com555-123-4567"

✅ Fix: Separate with | or line breaks: "john@email.com | 555-123-4567"

10. Inconsistent Date Formatting

❌ Problem: Mixing formats: "Jan 2020 - Present", "3/2019-12/2020", "2018-19"

✅ Fix: Pick ONE format and stick to it: "January 2020 - Present" OR "01/2020 - Present"

11. Acronyms Without Full Spelling

❌ Problem: "SEO" without ever spelling out "Search Engine Optimization"

✅ Fix: First mention: "Search Engine Optimization (SEO)", then use acronym

12. Skills in Graphics/Charts

❌ Problem: Star ratings or progress bars for skills

✅ Fix: Simple text list: "Python: Advanced | JavaScript: Intermediate"

13. Embedded Links Without Text

❌ Problem: Just a hyperlink with no text description

✅ Fix: Include full URL text: "Portfolio: www.myportfolio.com" or "GitHub: github.com/username"

14. Non-Standard File Names

❌ Problem: "Resume_Final_FINAL_v3_UPDATED.docx"

✅ Fix: "FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf" or "John_Smith_Software_Engineer_Resume.pdf"

The ATS-Safe Resume Template

Correct Format Structure:

JOHN SMITH
Email: john.smith@email.com | Phone: (555) 123-4567 | LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith | Location: San Francisco, CA

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
[3-4 lines of text, no special formatting]

EXPERIENCE
Job Title | Company Name | City, State
Month Year - Month Year
• Achievement with quantifiable result
• Achievement with quantifiable result
• Achievement with quantifiable result

EDUCATION
Degree Name | Major
University Name | City, State | Graduation Year

SKILLS
Category: Skill 1, Skill 2, Skill 3
Category: Skill 4, Skill 5, Skill 6

How to Test Your Resume's ATS Compatibility

The Copy-Paste Test

1. Open your resume PDF/DOCX
2. Try to select and copy all text
3. Paste into plain text editor (Notepad/TextEdit)
4. Check if it's readable and in correct order

If it's a jumbled mess, so is what the ATS sees.

The Free ATS Check (ResumeVera)

Upload your resume to ResumeVera's free ATS checker and get:

• Instant ATS compatibility score (0-100)
• Specific formatting issues flagged
• Keyword density analysis
• Section-by-section parsing preview (what ATS sees)
• One-click fixes for common issues

ATS-Safe vs. ATS-Killer: Visual Comparison

❌ ATS Killer Resume:

• Two-column layout with sidebar
• Contact info in header
• Skills shown as progress bars
• Headshot in corner
• Fancy fonts and colors
• Company logos next to each job

Result: 15% ATS score → Auto-rejected

✅ ATS-Safe Resume:

• Single column, simple layout
• Contact info in main body at top
• Skills listed as plain text
• No images or graphics
• Standard fonts (Arial 11pt)
• Clear section headings
• Consistent formatting throughout

Result: 92% ATS score → Forwarded to recruiter

The $10,000 Question: PDF or Word?

Short answer: Both.

Word (.docx): Best for online applications through company websites or job boards (ATS-friendly)

PDF: Best for email submissions or when you need to preserve formatting (ensure it's text-based, not image-based)

Pro tip: Always have both versions ready. Read the job posting—if it specifies a format, use that. If not, use Word for better ATS compatibility.

Your Action Plan

1. Test your current resume: Upload to ResumeVera's free ATS checker
2. Fix formatting issues: Use our ATS-safe templates
3. Verify parsing: Do the copy-paste test
4. Get score above 85%: This is the threshold most companies use
5. Reapply with confidence: Your resume will now make it past the robots

Don't let formatting kill your chances. You've worked too hard to be rejected by a robot.