Top 10 ATS Mistakes That Cost You Interviews in 2025
By JAO Team
Over 75% of resumes never reach human recruiters because of ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters. Here are the 10 biggest mistakes that are costing you interviews—and how to fix them immediately.
1. Using Complex Formatting
Tables, text boxes, columns, headers, and footers confuse ATS parsers. Stick to a simple single-column layout with clear section headings. ATS reads left-to-right, top-to-bottom—anything that breaks this flow gets scrambled.
2. Missing Keywords from the Job Description
If the job requires "Python" and you only mention "programming languages," the ATS won't match you. Mirror the exact keywords from the job posting—especially those listed as "required qualifications."
3. Using Non-Standard Section Headings
"My Journey" instead of "Work Experience" or "What I Can Do" instead of "Skills" confuses ATS. Use standard headings: Work Experience, Education, Skills, Certifications, Projects.
4. Including Graphics, Photos, or Logos
ATS can't read images. Your beautiful headshot or company logos take up valuable space and provide zero value to the ATS. For US/UK/Canadian applications, never include photos—they also introduce bias concerns.
5. Saving as the Wrong File Type
Some ATS can't read older .doc files or scanned PDFs. Use .docx or a text-based PDF (where text is selectable). If the job posting specifies a format, follow those instructions exactly.
6. Using Fancy Fonts
Script fonts, decorative fonts, or unusual typefaces cause parsing errors. Stick to: Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, Helvetica, or Georgia. Use 10-12pt for body text, 14-16pt for headings.
7. Not Tailoring Your Resume to Each Job
Generic resumes rarely pass ATS because each job has specific keyword requirements. You need to adjust your resume for each application. This is where JAO helps—automatically tailoring your resume in seconds.
8. Putting Contact Info in Headers/Footers
Many ATS systems skip headers and footers entirely. Put your name, phone, email, and LinkedIn at the TOP of your resume body, not in the header section.
9. Including Irrelevant Information
Hobbies, references, "objective" statements, and unrelated work experience dilute your keyword density. Every line should strengthen your case for THIS specific job.
10. Forgetting to Spell-Check
If the job requires "JavaScript" and you wrote "JavaScirpt" (typo), the ATS won't match it. Same with misspelled company names, job titles, or certifications. Always proofread carefully.
How JAO Fixes These Mistakes Automatically
Our AI analyzes job descriptions, extracts required keywords, and generates ATS-optimized resumes with:
- Simple, single-column formatting
- Standard section headings
- Exact keyword matching from job postings
- No graphics or complex elements
- Clean fonts and proper file format
Try JAO free with 5 credits—no credit card required. Stop losing interviews to ATS mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest ATS mistake job seekers make?
The biggest mistake is using complex formatting (tables, columns, graphics) that ATS cannot parse correctly. This causes your content to be scrambled or rejected entirely. Always use simple single-column formatting.
How do I know if my resume is ATS-friendly?
Use an ATS checker tool (like JAO's free checker) to test your resume. You can also do a simple test: copy-paste your resume into a plain text file—if it looks scrambled, ATS will have the same problem.
Should I use PDF or Word format for ATS?
Both work with modern ATS systems, but follow the job posting's instructions if specified. Use .docx for maximum compatibility or text-based PDF (not scanned). Never use old .doc format.
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