Introduction: Why Resume Formatting Matters in 2025
Before your resume ever reaches a recruiter’s desk, it usually passes through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) — automated software that scans and filters resumes based on structure, readability, and keywords. Most medium to large employers use an ATS today, and even many small companies rely on ATS tools to manage high volumes of applications.
This article dives into seven common resume formatting mistakes that can prevent ATS software from accurately parsing your resume. These errors can mean the difference between your resume being seen or silently rejected before a human ever reads it.
1. Using Complex Tables for Core Content
Tables might seem like a neat way to organize information, but many ATS tools struggle to read text within table cells. Complex tables can disrupt the linear parsing order that ATS systems expect, leading to missing or jumbled content.
When critical sections like job titles, dates, or company names are placed inside nested or multi-cell tables, the system may misinterpret or skip them entirely.
- Use a single-column layout for your main content to ensure a clear reading order.
- Avoid embedding the core sections (such as Work Experience or Education) in tables.
- If alignment is needed, use simple spacing and bullet points rather than structural tables.
2. Embedding Text in Images or Graphics
ATS scanners generally cannot extract text from images. When you place important resume content like job titles, skills, or company names inside graphics, that text effectively becomes invisible to the system.
This applies to logos, icons, screenshots, or any visual elements that contain words — if it’s not selectable text, the ATS won’t read it.
- Never upload your resume as an image, screenshot, or any file where text is not selectable.
- Save your resume as a text-based file like .docx or a searchable PDF.
- If you use decorative icons or visuals, ensure all essential text appears outside and adjacent to those visuals.
3. Multi-Column Layouts That Break Reading Order
Two-column or more complex layouts may look modern, but ATS systems often read documents from top to bottom in a single stream. When columns are used, the parser may misinterpret which column to read first or even mix content from different columns incorrectly.
This can result in key achievements or professional experience being misread or ignored.
- Prefer a one-column layout for best ATS compatibility.
- If you must use two columns, ensure the left column contains all critical content that should be read first.
- Avoid floating text boxes or sidebars that can interrupt the ATS reading flow.
4. Custom Section Labels ATS Can’t Recognize
ATS systems look for standard, recognizable headings such as Work Experience, Skills, Education, and Certifications. Creative section headings like "My Background" or "About Me" might confuse the parser, causing key sections to be skipped or misclassified.
While it’s fine to inject personality into your resume, avoid doing so in the actual section titles.
- Use clear and conventional headings like Work Experience, Skills, and Education.
- If you want to show personality, incorporate it within the content bulb points or summary paragraph, not the section label.
5. Misusing Headers, Footers, or Contact Info Outside the Main Body
Many resume templates place contact information in headers, footers, or text boxes. ATS often ignores content outside the main body, which means your phone number, email address, or LinkedIn profile might not be registered by the system.
This can lead to situations where your resume parses successfully but lacks contact information — effectively rendering it unreachable by recruiters.
- Place your contact information (name, email, phone number) in the main body at the top of the resume.
- Avoid using headers, footers, or text boxes for essential information.
- Use clear plain text for contact details to ensure ATS scanners detect it.
6. Fancy Fonts, Symbols, or Excessive Styling
ATS systems are built to read text — not interpret design elements. Using uncommon fonts, decorative symbols, or emojis can confuse the parser, cause missing sections, or result in scrambled text during extraction.
Keeping fonts simple and symbols minimal ensures your resume remains readable by both machines and recruiters.
- Stick to standard, readable fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
- Use classic bullet points (such as • or -) instead of decorative characters.
- Keep the text size between 10–12pt for body content and slightly larger for headings.
7. Ignoring File Format and Keyword Integration
Even if your formatting is perfect, saving your resume in an unsupported file type like .jpg or .png can block ATS parsing altogether. Additionally, failing to include targeted keywords can reduce your resume’s ranking once it is parsed.
Keyword optimization and correct file formats go hand in hand with ATS success.
- Save your resume as a .docx or text-based PDF to ensure full parseability.
- Avoid file formats that convert text to images.
- Use relevant job-specific keywords in your summary, skills, and experience sections, ensuring they match the roles you’re applying for.
Bonus: ATS Best Practices You Can Implement Today
Here are additional tips to ensure your resume not only parses well but also ranks competitively in ATS scans:
Test your resume with ATS checkers. Tools like Rezime help you compare your resume against job descriptions and identify keyword gaps.
Use a clean hierarchy. Ensure each section flows logically with consistent headings and well‑structured bullet points.
Keep it concise. Clarity and relevance matter — avoid overly long paragraphs and focus on measurable achievements.
Conclusion: Formatting That Works for ATS and Recruiters
ATS rejection isn’t usually due to poor skills or experience — it’s often a result of formatting that breaks the system’s parsing logic. By avoiding the common pitfalls described above and using simple, clear, and logical resume structures, you dramatically increase your chances of getting past ATS filters.
Remember, the goal is to make your resume readable both by machines and humans. Clean formatting, targeted keywords, and proper file types help your resume succeed on all fronts.