Common Mistakes That Hurt Your Resume's Performance in ATS

Intro

Recent advancements in technology have brought substantial benefits to talent acquisition. The utilization of artificial intelligence has significantly reduced the time spent by recruiters on activities like screening, assessing, and engaging with job seekers on a larger scale.

AI-powered tools, such as systems that automatically align resumes with job requirements and chatbots that swiftly address common queries from applicants, have transformed the recruitment landscape. They have alleviated the heavy administrative workload from hiring teams.

However, recent studies suggest that the relentless pursuit of efficiency might be worsening a major challenge faced by organizations today. This pursuit could also hinder the effectiveness of these recruiting technologies in achieving their primary objective: finding suitable candidates for vacant positions during a time of severe labor shortages.

Specifically, new research has highlighted that the way applicant tracking systems (ATSs) and other automated screening tools are set up often leads to the rejection of potentially qualified candidates. These individuals might lack certain formal credentials or do not perfectly match the expanded set of skills that recruiters increasingly demand.

Read more: Which Applicant Tracking System Should I Choose

Common Mistakes To Avoid in ATS Resume Formatting

1. Not having the best date format for your resume

Having the appropriate date format on your resume might seem minor, but it's actually vital to ensure proper parsing of information.

There are two acceptable date formats. The first is MM/YYYY, such as "03/2023." If you opt for this format, consistently use a leading "0" for single-digit months. Avoid using "3/2023," for instance.

The second acceptable format involves spelling out the month followed by the year, like "March 2023." This method is also acceptable and clear for presenting dates on your resume.

Another important aspect to remember is to always include both the month and year on your resume. Solely mentioning the year can lead to confusion. Certain Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) might automatically assign a start date of January 1st to any work experience that lacks specific month details. To avoid this, ensure you include the month alongside the year for each relevant experience listed on your resume. For a Civil Engineering CV, this detail is particularly crucial, as it helps convey your precise career timeline. These fonts are more universally recognized and are less likely to cause problems with parsing or readability in different systems. To ensure your resume has no such issues, you should evaluate your resume with a resume checker before sending.

2. Using unclear abbreviations or acronyms

Using unclear abbreviations or acronyms on your resume can pose a problem, especially when an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) might not recognize or associate them with their full form.

This situation becomes challenging when a hiring manager searches for the expanded version of an abbreviation you've used. For instance, if they search for "certified public accountant" but your resume only mentions "CPA," the ATS might overlook your profile.

To address this, it's crucial to include both the full-length versions of keywords and their acronym counterparts in your resume. By doing so, you increase the chances of your resume being discovered by employers using various search terms within the ATS.

Including the acronym or abbreviation in parentheses after providing the full version will enhance the comprehension of your resume, aiding both the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and human readers who might not be familiar with the abbreviation. This method ensures clarity and improves understanding for all audiences reviewing your resume.

3. Using tables and columns

Employing visuals like tables and columns to structure resume content might seem appealing, but if not formatted correctly, it can confuse Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and potentially lead to your application being disregarded.

The key lies in finding a balance between visual attractiveness and compatibility with ATS systems. To achieve this, simplicity is crucial. Instead of intricate graphics or tables, opt for clear section headers and bullet points. This formatting approach ensures that the ATS can accurately extract and categorize your details.

For Jobscan Premium users, the Power Edit feature offers six ATS-friendly templates. These templates utilize columns that have been thoroughly tested by our team to ensure proper implementation.

4. Using headers and footers

Some job seekers include additional details or design elements at the top (header) or bottom (footer) of their resume. For instance, a logo might appear at the top, or page numbers could be at the bottom, especially if the resume spans multiple pages.

However, using headers and footers can create parsing issues for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) since they mainly focus on the content within the main body of the resume.

It's advisable to maintain one-inch margins on all sides of your resume and ensure these margins are free of any text or design elements. This layout makes it easier for both humans and machines to read and comprehend your resume effectively.

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5. Using a non-standard font

Utilizing a non-standard font in your resume might seem like a way to stand out visually. However, it can pose challenges when your resume goes through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) or when viewed by different devices or software.

ATS systems are programmed to recognize and parse specific fonts accurately. If your resume includes a non-standard font, there's a risk that the ATS might not interpret it correctly. This could lead to issues with the way your information is read, parsed, or even rejected by the system.

To ensure optimal readability and compatibility, it's recommended to stick to standard, widely-used fonts such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. These fonts are more universally recognized and are less likely to cause problems with parsing or readability in different systems.

6. Including Personal Information

Including personal information beyond what's necessary or relevant can be counter productive on a resume. While it's crucial to provide essential contact details such as your name, email address, and phone number, disclosing excessive personal information like age, marital status, race, religious beliefs, or photographs can be unnecessary and even discriminatory.

In most cases, this kind of personal information is not pertinent to job qualifications and might inadvertently lead to bias during the hiring process. Moreover, including such details can take up valuable space that could otherwise be used to highlight your skills, experiences, and accomplishments directly related to the job you're applying for.

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Conclusion

In summary, the impact of Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) on resume performance underscores the significance of avoiding common mistakes that can hinder one's chances of securing a job interview. Overlooking keywords, using incompatible file formats, neglecting formatting standards, and failing to tailor resumes to specific job descriptions are among the critical errors that diminish the visibility and effectiveness of a resume in an ATS.

Recognizing and rectifying these mistakes can significantly enhance the likelihood of a resume passing through the initial screening stages, maximizing the opportunity for candidates to showcase their qualifications and secure coveted job opportunities. It's crucial for job seekers to meticulously craft and optimize their resumes to navigate ATS requirements effectively and increase their chances of landing the desired position.