Top 10 CV Mistakes That Get Your Resume Rejected by ATS Systems in 2026
Last Updated: January 2026 | Avoid these common CV mistakes and increase your ATS pass rate from 25% to 85%+.
Quick Answer: Why Do Resumes Get Rejected by ATS?
75% of resumes are rejected by ATS systems before human review. The most common mistakes include: (1) Using graphics, tables, or images that ATS cannot read, (2) Missing relevant keywords from job descriptions, (3) Non-standard formatting or section headings, (4) Using incompatible file formats, (5) Keyword stuffing instead of natural integration, (6) Missing contact information, (7) Inconsistent date formats, (8) Using headers/footers that ATS ignores, (9) Too long or too short resumes, and (10) Scanned PDFs instead of text-based documents. Fixing these mistakes can increase your pass rate dramatically.
If you're applying to jobs but not getting callbacks, your CV might be making one of these common mistakes that cause ATS systems to reject it automatically. In 2026, 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before human review, and most of these rejections are due to easily fixable errors.
This guide covers the top 10 CV mistakes that cause ATS rejection and how to fix them.
📊 The Cost of CV Mistakes
Statistics That Matter
- 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before human review
- 85% of rejected resumes fail due to formatting issues
- 28% fail due to missing keywords
- 22% fail due to poor structure
- 10% fail due to file format problems
The Good News
Fixing these mistakes can:
- ✅ Increase your ATS pass rate from 25% to 85% or higher
- ✅ Get more interview opportunities
- ✅ Reduce time wasted on applications
- ✅ Stand out from other candidates
Mistake #1: Using Graphics, Tables, and Images
Why It's a Problem
ATS systems cannot read images, graphics, logos, or complex tables. When your CV contains these elements, the ATS either skips them entirely or misreads the information, leading to automatic rejection.
Common Examples
❌ Company logos in header ❌ Decorative graphics or icons ❌ Tables for formatting (skills, experience) ❌ Charts or graphs ❌ Background images or watermarks ❌ Text boxes or shapes
How to Fix It
✅ Remove all images and graphics ✅ Use simple text formatting ✅ Replace tables with bullet points ✅ Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) ✅ Keep layout simple and linear
Example
❌ Before (ATS-Unfriendly):
┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
│ [LOGO] John Smith │
│ Software Engineer │
│ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ │
│ │ Skills │ │ Experience │ │
│ └─────────┘ └─────────┘ │
└─────────────────────────────────────┘
✅ After (ATS-Friendly):
JOHN SMITH
Software Engineer
Email: john.smith@email.com | Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567
SKILLS
• Python, JavaScript, React
• AWS, Docker, Kubernetes
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Software Engineer | Tech Company | Jan 2020 - Present
• Developed web applications using Python and React
Mistake #2: Missing Relevant Keywords
Why It's a Problem
ATS systems match your CV against job descriptions using keywords. If your CV doesn't include relevant keywords from the job posting, it won't match and will be rejected automatically.
Common Examples
❌ Generic language instead of specific terms ❌ Missing technical skills from job description ❌ Not using the same terminology as the job posting ❌ Insufficient keyword density ❌ Keywords only in one section
How to Fix It
✅ Read job description carefully ✅ Identify 15-20 relevant keywords ✅ Include keywords naturally throughout CV ✅ Use same terminology as job posting ✅ Place keywords in multiple sections (summary, experience, skills)
Example
Job Description Keywords:
- Python, JavaScript, React, AWS, Docker, Agile, Scrum
❌ Before (Missing Keywords):
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced developer with strong programming skills and
experience building applications.
✅ After (Keywords Included):
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Results-driven Software Engineer with 5+ years of experience
developing scalable web applications using Python, JavaScript,
and React. Proven track record in Agile/Scrum environments,
deploying applications on AWS with Docker containerization.
Mistake #3: Non-Standard Section Headings
Why It's a Problem
ATS systems look for standard section headings to categorize information. Creative or non-standard headings confuse the system and may cause information to be missed or misclassified.
Common Examples
❌ "My Journey" instead of "Professional Experience" ❌ "What I've Done" instead of "Work Experience" ❌ "Skills & Abilities" instead of "Skills" ❌ "Education Background" instead of "Education" ❌ "About Me" instead of "Professional Summary"
How to Fix It
✅ Use standard section headings:
- "Professional Experience" or "Work Experience"
- "Education"
- "Skills"
- "Professional Summary" or "Summary"
- "Certifications"
✅ Avoid creative or unique headings ✅ Keep headings simple and clear ✅ Don't use symbols or emojis in headings
Example
❌ Before (Non-Standard):
MY JOURNEY
• Software Engineer at Tech Company (2020-Present)
• Developer at Startup (2018-2020)
WHAT I KNOW
• Programming languages
• Frameworks
✅ After (Standard):
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Software Engineer | Tech Company | Jan 2020 - Present
• Developed web applications using Python and React
SKILLS
Programming Languages: Python, JavaScript, TypeScript
Frameworks: React, Node.js, Angular
Mistake #4: Using Incompatible File Formats
Why It's a Problem
Some file formats are difficult or impossible for ATS systems to parse. Using the wrong format can result in your CV being unreadable or information being lost.
Common Examples
❌ Scanned PDFs (images, not text) ❌ Google Docs (may lose formatting) ❌ Images (.jpg, .png) ❌ Password-protected files ❌ Complex PDFs with layers
How to Fix It
✅ Use Microsoft Word (.docx) - BEST CHOICE ✅ Use text-based PDFs (created from Word) ✅ Ensure file is under 2MB ✅ Test by copying text - should be selectable ✅ Avoid scanned documents
File Format Priority
- Microsoft Word (.docx) - Most ATS systems prefer this
- Text-based PDF - Good alternative if Word not available
- Plain text (.txt) - Last resort, loses formatting
Mistake #5: Keyword Stuffing
Why It's a Problem
While keywords are important, stuffing your CV with keywords unnaturally can actually hurt your ATS score. ATS systems are getting smarter and can detect keyword stuffing, which may result in a lower score or rejection.
Common Examples
❌ Repeating keywords excessively ❌ Keywords that don't match your experience ❌ Unnatural keyword placement ❌ Keywords in white text (hidden) ❌ Keyword density over 3%
How to Fix It
✅ Include keywords naturally in context ✅ Use keywords in complete sentences ✅ Match keywords to your actual experience ✅ Aim for 1-2% keyword density ✅ Vary keyword placement throughout CV
Example
❌ Before (Keyword Stuffing):
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Python Python Python JavaScript JavaScript React React AWS AWS
Docker Docker Kubernetes Kubernetes Agile Agile Scrum Scrum
Python JavaScript React AWS Docker Kubernetes Agile Scrum.
✅ After (Natural Integration):
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Software Engineer with 5+ years of experience developing
applications using Python and JavaScript. Expert in React
framework, AWS cloud services, Docker containerization, and
Kubernetes orchestration. Experienced in Agile/Scrum
methodologies.
Mistake #6: Missing or Incomplete Contact Information
Why It's a Problem
ATS systems need complete contact information to process your CV. Missing or incomplete information can cause the system to reject your CV or fail to contact you.
Common Examples
❌ Missing phone number ❌ Invalid email address ❌ Missing location ❌ Contact info in header/footer (may be ignored) ❌ Incomplete address
How to Fix It
✅ Include all required contact information:
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Location (city, state/country)
- LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
✅ Place contact info in main body (not header/footer) ✅ Use professional email address ✅ Ensure information is current and accurate
Example
❌ Before (Incomplete):
John Smith
john@email
✅ After (Complete):
JOHN SMITH
Email: john.smith@email.com
Phone: +1 (555) 123-4567
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnsmith
Location: San Francisco, CA
Mistake #7: Inconsistent Date Formats
Why It's a Problem
ATS systems extract dates to understand your work history timeline. Inconsistent date formats confuse the system and may cause dates to be misread or ignored.
Common Examples
❌ Mixed formats (MM/YYYY and MM-DD-YYYY) ❌ Using words (January 2020 vs 01/2020) ❌ Missing dates ❌ Incomplete dates (2020 instead of 01/2020) ❌ Different formats in different sections
How to Fix It
✅ Use consistent date format throughout ✅ Use MM/YYYY format (e.g., 01/2020) ✅ Include both start and end dates ✅ Use "Present" for current positions ✅ Keep format consistent across all sections
Example
❌ Before (Inconsistent):
Software Engineer | Tech Company | Jan 2020 - Present
Developer | Startup | 2018-2020
Intern | Company | January 2017 - December 2017
✅ After (Consistent):
Software Engineer | Tech Company | 01/2020 - Present
Developer | Startup | 01/2018 - 12/2020
Intern | Company | 01/2017 - 12/2017
Mistake #8: Using Headers and Footers
Why It's a Problem
Many ATS systems ignore content in headers and footers. If you place important information (like contact details or page numbers) in headers/footers, the ATS may miss it entirely.
Common Examples
❌ Contact information in header ❌ Page numbers in footer ❌ Name in header ❌ Important details in header/footer ❌ Copyright or confidentiality notices in footer
How to Fix It
✅ Place all important information in main body ✅ Keep headers and footers empty ✅ Put contact info at top of main content ✅ Avoid page numbers (keep CV to 1-2 pages) ✅ Test by removing headers/footers - info should still be accessible
Mistake #9: CV Too Long or Too Short
Why It's a Problem
ATS systems expect CVs to be within standard length ranges. CVs that are too short may lack necessary information, while CVs that are too long may be truncated or penalized.
Common Examples
❌ CV over 3 pages (for most roles) ❌ CV under 1 page (lacks detail) ❌ Inconsistent length across sections ❌ Too much or too little detail
How to Fix It
✅ Keep CV to 1-2 pages (most roles) ✅ 2-3 pages acceptable for senior/executive roles ✅ Include all relevant information ✅ Remove irrelevant or outdated information ✅ Focus on last 10-15 years of experience
Length Guidelines by Role
- Entry-level: 1 page
- Mid-level: 1-2 pages
- Senior/Executive: 2-3 pages
- Academic/Research: 3+ pages acceptable
Mistake #10: Using Scanned PDFs
Why It's a Problem
Scanned PDFs are images, not text. ATS systems cannot read images, so your entire CV becomes unreadable. This is one of the most common and easily avoidable mistakes.
Common Examples
❌ Scanned paper CV ❌ PDF created from scanned document ❌ Screenshot of CV ❌ Image file converted to PDF ❌ Photocopied CV
How to Fix It
✅ Create CV in Word or text editor ✅ Save as .docx or text-based PDF ✅ Ensure text is selectable and copyable ✅ Test by copying text - should paste as text, not image ✅ Use original digital file, not scanned copy
How to Check
- Open your CV in a PDF viewer
- Try to select and copy text
- If text is selectable → Good (text-based PDF)
- If text is not selectable → Bad (scanned/image PDF)
Complete Checklist: Avoid These 10 Mistakes
Use this checklist to ensure your CV avoids all common ATS mistakes:
Formatting
- No graphics, images, or logos
- No tables or complex layouts
- Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- Simple, linear layout
- No headers or footers with important info
Content
- Relevant keywords from job description included
- Keywords used naturally (not stuffed)
- Standard section headings used
- Complete contact information
- Consistent date formats
File Format
- Saved as .docx or text-based PDF
- Text is selectable and copyable
- File size under 2MB
- Not a scanned document
- Not password-protected
Structure
- Appropriate length (1-3 pages)
- All sections clearly labeled
- Information in main body (not headers/footers)
- Consistent formatting throughout
- Professional appearance
How to Test Your CV for ATS Compatibility
Manual Testing
Copy Test: Copy all text from your CV and paste into Notepad. If all information is readable, your CV is likely ATS-compatible.
Format Test: Try to select and copy text. If text is selectable, it's text-based. If not, it's an image.
Keyword Test: Read your CV and job description side-by-side. Do you see relevant keywords from the job description in your CV?
Online Tools
Free ATS Testing Tools:
- Jobscan - Compare your CV to job description
- Resume Worded - ATS compatibility checker
- VMock - Resume analysis and scoring
What to Look For:
- ATS compatibility score (aim for 80%+)
- Missing keywords
- Formatting issues
- Suggestions for improvement
Next Steps: Get Your CV Optimized
Avoiding these 10 common mistakes can dramatically increase your ATS pass rate. However, optimizing your CV manually can be time-consuming and error-prone. If you want to ensure your CV passes ATS screening with an 85%+ pass rate, consider using our AI-powered CV optimization service.
Why Use Our ATS Optimization Service?
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✅ All ATS Systems - Optimized for Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse, and more
✅ Keyword Optimization - AI identifies and includes relevant keywords
✅ Professional Formatting - ATS-friendly formatting guaranteed
✅ Error-Free - All 10 common mistakes automatically fixed
Get Started Now
Optimize Your CV for ATS Systems - $19.99
Our AI-powered service will:
- Analyze your CV for all 10 common mistakes
- Fix formatting and structure issues
- Optimize keywords based on job requirements
- Ensure ATS compatibility
- Provide you with an optimized version in minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my CV has these mistakes?
Test your CV using online ATS compatibility tools like Jobscan or Resume Worded. These tools will identify formatting issues, missing keywords, and other problems that cause ATS rejection.
Can I fix these mistakes myself?
Yes, you can fix most of these mistakes manually. However, it requires time, knowledge of ATS systems, and attention to detail. Our AI-powered service can fix all these mistakes automatically in 10-15 minutes.
Which mistake is the most common?
The most common mistake is using graphics, tables, or images (Mistake #1), followed by missing keywords (Mistake #2). Together, these account for over 60% of ATS rejections.
How long does it take to fix these mistakes?
Fixing all 10 mistakes manually can take 2-4 hours, depending on your CV's current state. Using our AI-powered service, you can get a fully optimized CV in 10-15 minutes.
Will fixing these mistakes guarantee I get interviews?
Fixing these mistakes will significantly increase your ATS pass rate (from 25% to 85%+), which means more of your applications will reach human recruiters. However, getting interviews also depends on your qualifications, experience, and how well your CV matches the job requirements.
Conclusion
Avoiding these 10 common CV mistakes is essential for job search success in 2026. With 75% of resumes being rejected by ATS systems before human review, fixing these errors can dramatically increase your chances of getting interviews.
Key Takeaways:
- Remove all graphics, images, and tables
- Include relevant keywords from job descriptions
- Use standard section headings
- Save as Word document or text-based PDF
- Keep formatting simple and ATS-friendly
- Ensure complete contact information
- Use consistent date formats
- Avoid headers and footers
- Keep CV to appropriate length
- Never use scanned PDFs
Ready to optimize your CV? Get your CV optimized for ATS systems in minutes with our AI-powered service. 85% pass rate guaranteed.
For more ATS optimization tips, check out our Complete ATS Optimization Guide and How to Optimize Your CV for ATS Systems.