Why Your Resume Gets Rejected by ATS—and How to Fix It

Forbes

15-07-2025

ATS is a software used by employers to sort, filter, eliminate, and rank job candidates during the ... More hiring process.
What is the most frustrating part of job hunting these days? It's applying for jobs only to hear nothing back. You are pretty sure the resume is getting stuck in the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), the software that employers use to filter, reject, rank, and select a resume before any human being lays eyes on it.
The top error that many make is that they ignore the particulars of how an ATS works. Obsessed with getting the right keywords, they forget that it's a two-step objective. First, get through the ATS platform, and second, ensure you have a results-oriented resume that will impress the recruiter and the hiring manager if they do get to see it.
How ATS works
It is software used by employers to sort, filter, eliminate, and rank job candidates. When you respond to a job opening and apply, the Applicant Tracking System then scans your resume to identify specific information, such as work experience, job titles, education, skills, and any other details the recruiter has specified for the ATS to find. It searches the keywords and compares your content with the job description. It ranks the job applicants, and the top ones are the resumes that the recruiter or hiring manager will see. The others are all eliminated.
What it is not
Many job hunters believe that their resumes are lost forever in a black hole. 'No,' I explain, 'that the ATS is not the Cookie Monster eating your resume never to be seen again.' However, it may feel that way. You need to understand how the system works and what you should do to ensure that you make the cut.
After years of writing resumes and advising job hunters, here are the key mistakes I see that people must avoid. I'll dispel some common misconceptions and provide tips on how to create your resume that will get into the recruiter's hands and ultimately land you an interview.
Keywords, Keywords, Keywords
The system searches for the correct keywords that match the job description. The recruiter uses filters to weed out some resumes by identifying a needed requirement. For example, if they ask for an MBA, and you don't have one, your application is eliminated. So be strategic and review the top skills they ask for and include them.
Typically, the most important skills and credentials desired are at the top of the job listing. Be a detective and highlight the main ones, plus those you know that are essential to doing this job. Upon some careful review, add any requirements that you haven't outlined on your resume. These must be used in a descriptive sentence, not just a skill list. ATS often ignores skill lists, and so do recruiters.
Do not try to stuff your resume with keywords. That never works. Instead, incorporate a work description bullet point that outlines the skill, how you used it, and the results you delivered.
A frequent mistake people make when writing a resume is that they have three rows across the page near the top of the resume. Although old ATS systems only see keywords, modern ones read context. Keep in mind that employers want to know about the results you achieved on the job. Generic statements or just a list of skills that don't highlight accomplishments will never get past the recruiter.
Serious formatting problems to avoid
ATS is a simple recruiting software that is a filing cabinet in the sky. Old systems are not smart (at least not yet), but modern ones are. And they are adding AI capabilities. Formatting can be a problem. It has to be traditional text, not a creative work of art. Most systems can't see color fonts, tables, text boxes, columns, graphics, footers, and headers.
Only use a simple format with a standard font like Arial or Times Roman. Make it readable, no fonts smaller than 11 or 12 points. Never send a PDF unless the ad specifically asks for it. Recruiters say that PDFs can get distorted going through the system.
Job titles matter – a lot
A recruiter spends less than 15 seconds scanning over your resume once they see it. They look at the job title to see if it aligns with the job. ATS will eliminate your resume if it does not see a job title match. Consider what you do in your job. Make the job title reflect the actual role. For example, 'Project Manager' is what is searched for, not some obscure title your company gave you.
Yes, it is okay to alter your title, provided it accurately reflects your actual duties. So, do not try to enhance your level by changing a Director role to a VP one. Lying is a major mistake, so don't do it. When references are checked or LinkedIn is reviewed, this will be a red flag to eliminate you.
Results matter the most
Employers hire for the results you have achieved in your other jobs. They want to learn about them, so your resume must be laced with accomplishments.
Whenever possible, point out the outcome of your actions. These are powerful statements that will get you noticed. When writing about your job description, do not just list job duties. Always state what the result was. Quantify whenever you can. Use numbers, percentages, statistics, and define if you saved money, improved productivity, made money, or created something new, such as a new process, system, design, etc.
Use my success formula: Actions = Results. That means you identify what you did and add the results achieved.
For example:
Streamlined the purchasing process, automated functions that generated $150K in cost savings.
That's how the formula is applied.
Final Advice
The ATS isn't your enemy, though it can block your resume from ever being seen by the recruiter. Small mistakes can cost you big opportunities. When your resume is ATS-friendly, qualified for the job, and points out the results you have achieved, not only will it get into the hands of the recruiter and hiring manager, but it will also land you the interview.