Why Resumes Get Rejected by ATS Filters

Why resumes get rejected by ATS filters is a question that haunts every job seeker who spends hours polishing a document, only to hear crickets after submitting it. In 2023, a study by Jobscan found that 75% of resumes never make it past an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before a human ever reads them. This post breaks down the hidden reasons, provides actionable checklists, and shows how Resumly’s AI tools can turn a failing resume into a passing one.

Understanding ATS Filters

Applicant Tracking System (ATS) – a software platform that parses, stores, and ranks candidate resumes based on keywords, formatting, and relevance. Recruiters use ATS to manage high‑volume hiring, and most large companies run every submission through one.

How an ATS Works

1. Ingestion – The resume is uploaded as a PDF, DOCX, or plain text.
2. Parsing – The system extracts text, sections, and metadata.
3. Keyword Matching – It scores the resume against the job description’s required skills and experience.
4. Ranking – Candidates are ordered by relevance; low‑scoring resumes are often discarded automatically.

Key takeaway: If your resume isn’t formatted for parsing, the ATS will reject it before a recruiter even sees it.

Top 10 Reasons Resumes Get Rejected by ATS Filters

Below is a do‑and‑don’t checklist that directly addresses the most common pitfalls.

1. Unreadable Formatting

• Don’t use tables, text boxes, headers/footers, or graphics.
• Do stick to simple bullet points, standard headings (e.g., Work Experience, Education), and a clean left‑aligned layout.

Why it matters: ATS parsers read linear text. Complex formatting breaks the parsing engine, causing missing sections.

2. Missing Keywords

• Don’t rely on generic terms like “responsible for” without industry‑specific language.
• Do pull exact phrases from the job posting (e.g., “Python development”, “project lifecycle management”).

Stat: According to a 2022 LinkedIn report, candidates who match 80%+ of the listed keywords are 2.5× more likely to be contacted.

3. Wrong File Type

• Don’t submit a JPEG or an image‑only PDF.
• Do upload a .docx or a text‑based PDF (created via “Save As → PDF” from Word).

4. Over‑Optimized with Keyword Stuffing

• Don’t repeat the same keyword 15 times.
• Do integrate keywords naturally within achievements (e.g., “Led a cross‑functional team to deliver a cloud‑based solution that reduced costs by 20%”).

5. Lack of Standard Section Headings

• Don’t rename sections to creative titles like “My Story”.
• Do use conventional headings: Professional Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills.

6. Inconsistent Date Formats

• Don’t mix “Jan 2020 – Present” with “2020‑2022”.
• Do choose one format (e.g., “Jan 2020 – Present”) and apply it throughout.

7. Missing Contact Information in Body

• Don’t place phone/email only in the header/footer.
• Do list them at the top of the document body so the ATS can capture them.

8. Using Uncommon Fonts

• Don’t use decorative fonts like Comic Sans or Papyrus.
• Do stick to Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Times New Roman (10‑12 pt).

9. Ignoring the Job Description

• Don’t submit a one‑size‑fits‑all resume.
• Do tailor each submission: adjust the summary, reorder bullet points, and highlight the most relevant achievements.

10. No Skills Section or Improper Skill Formatting

• Don’t embed skills within paragraphs.
• Do create a dedicated Skills section with a comma‑separated list or bullet points.

Step‑By‑Step Guide to Build an ATS‑Friendly Resume

1. Gather the Job Description – Copy the posting into a text file.
2. Extract Keywords – Highlight required skills, certifications, and tools.
3. Create a Master Template – Use Resumly’s AI Resume Builder to generate a clean, ATS‑compatible layout.
4. Insert Keywords Naturally – Replace generic verbs with the extracted terms.
5. Add Quantifiable Achievements – Numbers beat adjectives. Example: “Increased sales by 30% in Q3 2023.”
6. Proofread for Consistency – Check dates, fonts, and section headings.
7. Export as Text‑Based PDF – Verify the file size is under 2 MB.
8. Run an ATS Simulation – Use Resumly’s Application Tracker to see how the resume scores against the posting.
9. Iterate – Adjust keywords and formatting based on the score.
10. Submit – Apply through the company portal or via Resumly’s Auto‑Apply feature.

Real‑World Example: From Rejection to Interview

Scenario: Maria, a marketing specialist, applied to a digital marketing manager role. Her original resume was a two‑column PDF with a graphic header. The ATS rejected it, and she never heard back.

What Resumly Did:

• Ran Maria’s resume through the Application Tracker – score: 42/100.
• Re‑formatted using the AI Resume Builder, removed tables, added a plain‑text skills list, and inserted exact keywords from the posting (e.g., “SEO strategy”, “PPC campaign management”).
• New score: 88/100.
• Maria received an interview invitation within 48 hours.

Mini‑conclusion: This case shows that why resumes get rejected by ATS filters often boils down to format and keyword mismatch, both fixable with Resumly’s AI tools.

Checklist: ATS‑Ready Resume Quick Audit

• Simple, single‑column layout
• Standard headings (Summary, Experience, Education, Skills)
• Text‑based PDF or DOCX
• Keywords from the job description appear at least 3‑4 times
• No tables, images, or text boxes
• Consistent date format (e.g., “Jan 2020 – Present”)
• Contact info in the body, not header/footer
• Font: Arial/Calibri/Helvetica, 10‑12 pt
• Skills listed as a separate section
• Quantified achievements with numbers

Do’s and Don’ts Summary

Internal Resources to Boost Your ATS Success

• AI Cover Letter Builder – Craft a matching cover letter that reinforces your keywords.
• Interview Practice – Prepare for the next step after the ATS passes you.
• Job Match – Find roles that align with your optimized resume.
• Chrome Extension – Instantly analyze job postings while you browse.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many keywords should I include?

Aim for 5‑7 core keywords that appear in the job description. Over‑stuffing can trigger spam filters.

2. Can I use a creative design if I’m applying to a startup?

Startups may appreciate creativity, but most still run an ATS. Keep a plain version for the initial upload and attach a design‑focused PDF only if the recruiter requests it.

3. Does the ATS read bullet points?

Yes, but keep them concise. Start each bullet with a strong action verb and include a metric.

4. What file size is safe for ATS?

Under 2 MB is recommended. Larger files may be truncated.

5. How often should I update my resume?

After every major project, certification, or role change. Frequent updates keep your keyword pool fresh.

6. Will using Resumly guarantee an interview?

No guarantee, but an optimized resume significantly improves the odds of passing the ATS filter.

7. Are there industry‑specific ATS quirks?

Yes. For example, tech roles prioritize programming languages while finance roles look for CPA, GAAP terms. Use Resumly’s Job Match to see industry‑specific suggestions.

8. How can I test my resume before applying?

Upload it to Resumly’s Application Tracker or a free tool like Jobscan to see a compatibility score.

Conclusion: Beat the Bots, Land the Interview

Understanding why resumes get rejected by ATS filters is the first step toward a successful job search. By simplifying formatting, matching keywords, and leveraging AI‑powered tools like Resumly’s AI Resume Builder, you can transform a hidden‑in‑the‑stack resume into a candidate that rises to the top of the ATS ranking.

Ready to stop being filtered out? Try Resumly today and let the AI do the heavy lifting: create a flawless resume, generate a matching cover letter, and even auto‑apply to the right jobs. Your next interview is just a click away.