Avoid these AI resume mistakes

• Avoid formatting errors to pass AI Applicant Tracking Systems
• Use single-column layouts and standard headers for readability
• Tailor keywords to job descriptions to ensure candidate matches

In today's job market, an AI is often the first to read your resume. Many qualified candidates are rejected by these systems, known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), due to simple, avoidable errors. Here’s how to make sure your resume passes the test.

Mistake 1: Overly Creative Formatting

That beautiful two-column resume with custom fonts and skill-level graphics looks impressive, but it's likely confusing the AI. Applicant Tracking Systems are designed to parse text linearly, from top to bottom and left to right. When an ATS encounters columns, tables, or text boxes, it can jumble the information, misinterpreting or even ignoring entire sections of your experience. Graphics, logos, and images are often completely unreadable to the software. The fix is simple: stick to a clean, single-column layout. Use standard, web-safe fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. This ensures the machine reads your qualifications in the correct order and nothing important gets lost in translation.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Job Description Keywords

Failing to tailor your resume with keywords from the job description is a critical error. The primary function of an ATS is to scan your resume for specific terms that match the job requirements. If the posting asks for experience with "Agile methodology" and your resume only says you "managed projects efficiently," the system may not see you as a match. Avoid this by carefully reading the job description and identifying key skills, tools, and qualifications. Then, naturally weave these exact terms into your professional summary and work experience descriptions. Don't just stuff them in a list; provide context that demonstrates your expertise. This shows both the AI and the human recruiter that you are a strong fit for the role.

Mistake 3: Using Non-Standard Section Headers

You might be tempted to use creative titles like "My Professional Journey" or "Where I've Excelled" to stand out. However, an ATS is programmed to look for standard, predictable headings to categorize the information on your resume. Using unconventional titles can cause the system to miss your entire work history or skills section. To avoid this, use universally recognized headers such as "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills." This simple change helps the software correctly sort your information, ensuring the recruiter sees a complete and organized picture of your qualifications.

Mistake 4: Hiding Information in Headers or Footers

Placing your contact information—name, phone number, email, and LinkedIn URL—in the header or footer section of your document is a common habit. Unfortunately, many ATS parsers are programmed to skip these areas entirely. This can lead to a scenario where a company wants to contact you for an interview but has no information to do so because the ATS didn't capture it. The solution is straightforward: keep all vital information, especially your contact details, within the main body of the resume. This guarantees it will be seen and processed by the screening software.

Mistake 5: Choosing the Wrong File Format

How you save your resume is just as important as what's in it. While PDF files are great for preserving your layout for human eyes, some older ATS systems can struggle to parse them correctly, especially if they contain complex formatting. On the other hand, a .docx (Microsoft Word) file is almost universally readable by these systems. A good practice is to check the job application instructions, as some companies specify a preferred file type. If none is mentioned, a .docx is often the safest bet. You can also test your resume’s readability by saving it as a plain text (.txt) file. This shows you what the ATS will likely see after it strips away all formatting.

Mistake 6: Relying Too Heavily on AI Writers

While AI tools can be helpful for generating ideas, using them to write your entire resume can backfire. AI-generated content often sounds generic and can lack the personal touch that makes you stand out. Worse, these tools can sometimes "hallucinate" or fabricate skills and accomplishments that you don't actually possess, which could lead to an embarrassing situation in an interview. Recruiters are becoming adept at spotting the overly polished, buzzword-heavy language of AI-written resumes. Instead of outsourcing the writing, use AI as an assistant to help brainstorm or refine bullet points, but ensure the final product is in your authentic voice and accurately reflects your unique achievements.