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How to Detect ATS Parsing Errors Before Submitting
Quick answer: Use automated tools, run a manual visual scan, and follow a proven checklist. Detecting ATS parsing errors before submitting saves you from being silently rejected and improves your odds of landing an interview.
Why ATS Errors Matter
According to a 2023 report by Jobscan, more than 75% of large employers use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. If the ATS cannot parse your document correctly, it may discard your application regardless of your qualifications.
“A broken resume format is the single biggest reason for automatic rejection.” – Jobscan Study 2023
Detecting parsing errors before submitting lets you fix them while you still have control over the content, rather than learning the hard way after weeks of silence.
Common Types of ATS Parsing Errors
| Error Type | Typical Symptom | Example Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Header/Footer Traps | Text disappears after upload | Remove all headers/footers; place contact info in the body |
| Unsupported Fonts | Characters become garbled | Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman |
| Complex Tables | Data omitted or scrambled | Replace tables with simple bullet lists or plain text |
| Graphics & Images | Entire sections ignored | Convert graphics to plain text; use icons sparingly |
| Improper Section Headings | Keywords not recognized | Use conventional headings: Work Experience, Education, Skills |
| File Type Mismatch | Upload fails or shows blank | Save as .docx or PDF (ATS‑friendly) |
| Excessive White Space | Sections merged incorrectly | Keep consistent spacing; avoid extra line breaks |
Step‑by‑Step Guide to Detect Errors Before Submitting
1. Run an Automated ATS Check
The fastest way to spot parsing problems is to use an online ATS scanner. Resumly’s free ATS Resume Checker instantly shows you how an ATS reads your file and highlights missing sections.
[Resumly ATS Resume Checker](https://www.resumly.ai/ats-resume-checker)
Upload your latest resume and note any red flags such as "Missing Contact Info" or "Unrecognized Section Header."
2. Verify File Compatibility
| Format | ATS Compatibility | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| .docx | Highest | Most modern ATS platforms |
| PDF (ATS‑friendly) | Good | When the job posting explicitly allows PDF |
| .txt | Universal but plain | Rarely needed |
If you used a PDF generated from a design‑heavy tool (e.g., Canva), re‑export as a plain PDF or switch to .docx.
3. Manual Visual Scan
Open the uploaded file in a plain‑text editor (e.g., Notepad) after the ATS scan. Look for:
- Missing bullet points
- Garbled characters (e.g., � or �?)
- Collapsed sections
If the plain‑text view looks jumbled, the ATS will likely misinterpret it.
4. Check Section Headings & Keywords
ATS software relies on standard headings and keyword matching. Ensure you have the following exact headings:
- Professional Summary
- Work Experience
- Education
- Skills
- Certifications (if applicable)
Use the Resumly AI Resume Builder to generate ATS‑optimized headings:
[AI Resume Builder](https://www.resumly.ai/features/ai-resume-builder)
5. Run a Readability Test
A resume that is too dense can cause the ATS to truncate content. Use Resumly’s Resume Readability Test to keep your language clear and concise.
[Resume Readability Test](https://www.resumly.ai/resume-readability-test)
6. Validate Keywords with the Job Description
Copy the job posting into Resumly’s Job‑Search Keywords tool. It will highlight missing keywords you should incorporate.
[Job‑Search Keywords](https://www.resumly.ai/job-search-keywords)
7. Final Export & Re‑Upload Test
After making adjustments, export the resume again and re‑run the ATS checker. Repeat until the scanner shows 0 parsing errors.
The Ultimate ATS Error Detection Checklist
- Save as .docx (or ATS‑friendly PDF)
- Remove all headers/footers
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- Replace complex tables with simple bullet lists
- Eliminate graphics and icons
- Use conventional section headings
- Include contact information in the body (top of page)
- Run Resumly ATS Resume Checker – no red flags
- Verify keyword density with Job‑Search Keywords tool
- Run Resume Readability Test – aim for a score > 70
- Perform a plain‑text preview to catch hidden formatting issues
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Do keep the layout simple and linear. | Don’t embed text inside images or logos. |
| Do use bullet points for achievements. | Don’t use multi‑column tables unless absolutely necessary. |
| Do tailor keywords to each job posting. | Don’t over‑stuff keywords; keep it natural. |
| Do test with multiple ATS tools (Resumly, Jobscan). | Don’t rely on a single tool for validation. |
| Do save a master copy in plain text for quick edits. | Don’t edit the PDF directly with graphic editors. |
Leveraging Resumly’s Suite for Error‑Free Submissions
- AI Resume Builder – Generates ATS‑friendly templates and suggests optimal phrasing.
- ATS Resume Checker – Gives you a real‑time parsing report.
- Buzzword Detector – Highlights overused buzzwords that may trigger ATS filters.
- Application Tracker – Keeps tabs on which versions you’ve submitted and their outcomes.
- Auto‑Apply – Sends the vetted resume directly to job boards, ensuring the same file is used everywhere.
Explore the full feature list here:
[Resumly Features Overview](https://www.resumly.ai/features/ai-resume-builder)
Mini Case Study: Sarah’s Turnaround
Background: Sarah, a marketing specialist, applied to 30 jobs with a visually‑rich PDF resume. She received only two interview callbacks.
Action: She uploaded her resume to the Resumly ATS Resume Checker and discovered:
- Header contained her phone number → removed.
- A two‑column table for skills → converted to bullet list.
- Custom font “Montserrat” → switched to Calibri.
She also used the AI Cover Letter tool to align keywords.
Result: After fixing the errors and re‑submitting, Sarah’s callback rate jumped to 12 interviews within two weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I tell if an ATS has already rejected my resume?
If you haven’t heard back after a reasonable period (usually 2‑3 weeks) and the employer uses an ATS, it’s likely the resume didn’t parse correctly. Use the ATS checker to confirm.
2. Are PDFs always safe for ATS?
Only if they are ATS‑friendly PDFs (generated from Word or Resumly). PDFs created from design tools often embed text as images, which ATS cannot read.
3. Does the ATS care about the order of sections?
Yes. Most ATS prioritize Contact Info, Work Experience, and Skills. Keep that order to ensure proper weighting.
4. Can I use a creative template if I run the ATS checker first?
You can, but only if the template passes the parsing test. Many creative designs fail because of hidden tables or graphics.
5. How often should I re‑run the ATS check?
Every time you make a substantive edit—new job title, added skill, or format change.
6. What if the ATS still shows errors after I follow the checklist?
Try a different file format (.docx vs. PDF) or use Resumly’s Resume Roast service for a human review.
7. Do ATS systems read cover letters?
Some do. Use the AI Cover Letter tool to ensure your cover letter follows the same keyword strategy.
8. Is there a way to see exactly how an ATS reads my resume?
Yes. The ATS Resume Checker provides a plain‑text preview that mimics the ATS view.
Conclusion: Mastering ATS Error Detection Before Submitting
Detecting ATS parsing errors before submitting is a non‑negotiable step in modern job hunting. By combining automated scans, manual checks, and Resumly’s AI‑powered tools, you can guarantee that your resume is read the way you intended. Remember the checklist, respect the do’s and don’ts, and treat each application as a fresh opportunity to fine‑tune your document.
Ready to put your resume through a final check? Visit the Resumly ATS Resume Checker now and submit with confidence.
[Check Your Resume Now](https://www.resumly.ai/ats-resume-checker)
