1. Using Complex Tables for Your Main Content
Tables can seem like an elegant way to organize details. But ATS tools often struggle with nested or intricate tables, reading cells out of order or skipping them entirely.
Most systems expect a top‑to‑bottom, logical text flow. When you crowd critical information inside table cells, the parser may disassemble it into confusing fragments.
- Use simple headings and block text for major sections like Work Experience and Education.
- Limit table use to basic two‑column structures for small data elements.
- Modern resume builders can align content cleanly without relying on tables.
2. Putting Important Text Inside Images
ATS software can’t “read” text in images — whether it’s a flattened PDF exported from a design tool or a screenshot of your resume. That means job titles, company names, skills, and accomplishments embedded inside graphics are often invisible.
If you can’t highlight the text in your final file, ATS can’t parse it either.
- Never upload resumes as screenshots or images.
- Export PDFs with real, selectable text.
- Use icons only for visual flair — never to replace essential text.
3. Overly Complex Multi‑Column Layouts
Two columns can look sharp and save space, but three or more columns, floating sections, and unconventional layouts confuse many ATS parsers.
When the reading order gets scrambled, your most important content might be misread or skipped entirely.
- Stick to one or two-column formats with logical reading order.
- Avoid floating boxes or text wrapping that can interrupt parsing.
- Ensure the main content reads well from top to bottom.
4. Creative Section Labels ATS Can’t Recognize
Labels like “My Story” or “Where I’ve Been” might reflect personality, but ATS systems look for standard headings like Work Experience, Education, and Skills to identify key sections.
Add creativity inside the section — not in the heading label itself.
- Use conventional headings: Summary, Skills, Work Experience, Projects, Education.
- Add personality through descriptive content instead of section titles.
5. Uploading Scans, Images, or Weird File Types
ATS tools prefer structured, text‑based documents. Scanned PDFs, JPEGs, PPTs, or uncommon formats often block the parser or produce garbled output.
Avoid formats that convert your resume into an unparseable image or slide.
- Always export your resume as PDF with selectable text.
- Avoid uploading resume photos, scanned docs, or non-text-based files.
- Use DOCX or Google Docs only when explicitly accepted.
6. Ignoring Semantic Structure and Headings
ATS systems rely on structural cues like bold headings, bullet lists, and clean formatting to understand resume sections and content.
If structure is missing or disorganized, the system may skip over your key experiences.
- Use bold and consistent headers for sections like Work Experience and Skills.
- Bullet key points under each job to emphasize achievements.
- Align job titles, dates, and employers consistently across roles.
7. Overloading With Decorative Design Elements
Visual flair has its place — but too many colored shapes, ornate fonts, or graphic elements can distract or confuse ATS parsing logic.
A minimal, well-structured design often performs better than an overly artistic one when it comes to being seen.
- Use readable fonts and simple accents.
- Minimize backgrounds, borders, or gradients that obscure text.
- Choose a resume builder that offers design + structure without tradeoffs.
How Rezime Avoids These Mistakes for You
Our templates are built to balance style and ATS compatibility by default.
You don’t have to compromise on aesthetics or guess whether your formatting will work — it just does.
- Standardized section labels and semantic structure.
- No hidden tables, images of text, or problematic layouts.
- Design-first, ATS-aware templates built for modern hiring workflows.
Key Takeaways
ATS doesn’t reject you for using color or good design, but it can fail to parse messy layouts.
Avoid complex tables, images of text, and overly creative section labels.
Always export real text to PDF, not screenshots or scans.
Rezime templates give you modern design with ATS-safe structure by default.