1. Layouts that break parsing
ATS tools struggle with columns, tables and decorative blocks.
The simpler the structure, the more reliable the extraction.
- Multiple columns
- Nested tables
- Icons instead of text
- Images for key information
2. Vague titles and misnamed sections
Section titles should be clear: Experience, Skills, Education.
Vague titles can hide important information.
3. Missing or artificial keywords
A resume without the job vocabulary drops in relevance.
Keyword stuffing looks unnatural and hurts coherence.
- Keywords without proof
- Overlong lists
- Copy-paste from the job post
4. Inconsistent dates and context
Missing or inconsistent dates disrupt the reading flow.
Always include role, timeframe and results.