Why is ATS Rejecting My CV? 8 Reasons With Fixes

You are qualified, you have the experience, and you know you can do the job. Yet, every application results in an automated rejection email just hours later. If this is happening, a human isn't rejecting you—the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is.

Here are the 8 most common reasons ATS software automatically bins your CV, and exactly how to fix them.

1. You're Using a 2-Column Template

The Problem: Most ATS parsers read top-to-bottom, left-to-right. Two-column templates scramble the text, mashing your skills into your job descriptions.
The Fix: Convert to a single-column, traditional format.

2. Missing Exact Match Keywords

The Problem: You wrote "Customer Service," but the system is programmed to accept only "Client Relations."
The Fix: Mirror the exact phrasing used in the job description for all hard skills.

3. Creative Section Headers

The Problem: Headers like "My Journey" or "What I Bring" confuse the ATS. It doesn't know where your work history starts.
The Fix: Use standard headers: "Experience," "Education," "Skills."

4. Graphics, Charts, and Images

The Problem: ATS systems cannot read images or skill-level progress bars. They just see blank space or corrupt data.
The Fix: Remove all graphics. Use text exclusively.

5. Unrecognized Date Formats

The Problem: Using formats like "Summer 2023" or "2021-23" prevents the ATS from calculating your years of experience.
The Fix: Use standard formats like "MM/YYYY - MM/YYYY" or "Month Year - Month Year".

6. Vital Info in Headers/Footers

The Problem: Many ATS parsers completely ignore the header and footer sections of a document.
The Fix: Put your contact information in the main body text at the top of the page.

7. Saving as the Wrong File Type

The Problem: Unless the employer explicitly requests it, submitting a .pages or image file will fail parsing.
The Fix: Always submit a standard .PDF or .DOCX file.

8. Not Checking Your Score First

The Problem: Applying blindly without knowing how an ATS will interpret your file.
The Fix: Use RoastMyCV to get a free ATS score before you submit. It will identify which of these 8 errors you are making.

Stop Getting Auto-Rejected

Don't let bad formatting ruin your chances.

Find out why you're failing.Upload your resume for a free ATS score at roastmycv.inand let Brutus tell you exactly what to fix before your next application.