Common ATS issues and fixes

If your resume isn’t passing initial screens, start with these.

Issue: ATS can’t parse sections

Fix

• use standard headings (Experience, Skills, Education)
• avoid text inside images
• reduce complex layouts

Issue: Keyword mismatch

Fix

• add role-critical skills (truthfully) to summary and skills
• prove them in bullets (Action + Result)

Issue: Your resume looks generic

Fix

• tailor summary to the job
• rewrite the first 1–2 roles to match requirements
• quantify impact

Issue: Formatting breaks in PDF

Fix

• keep fonts readable
• avoid over-compressed spacing
• export a clean PDF and review it before submitting

Issue: Too long / too dense

Fix

• cut older roles
• reduce bullets per job
• keep the best 10–15 bullets total for a targeted role

Related:

• /learn/ats-friendly-resume-formatting
• /learn/senior-resume-how-to-avoid-bloat