You’ve spent hours writing your CV, fine-tuning every detail. You click send, hoping for an interview — but hear nothing back.
Chances are, your CV was never even seen by a human.
Most graduate employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan and filter CVs before they ever land on a recruiter’s desk. And the truth is, these systems are picky. If your CV isn’t ATS-friendly, it might be filtered out — even if you’re a great fit.
Here are the most common mistakes graduates make with ATS — and how to avoid them so your CV actually gets seen.
1. Overdesigned Layouts (Columns, Text Boxes, Graphics)
It might look great to you, but fancy formatting often confuses ATS software. Text inside columns or boxes can be skipped altogether.
What to do instead:
Stick to a clean, single-column layout with no text boxes or images. Keep it simple and readable.
2. Submitting a PDF (When You Shouldn’t)
Not all ATS systems read PDFs properly — especially older ones or those that convert the document into plain text.
What to do instead:
Unless the job posting specifically asks for a PDF, send your CV as a Word document (.docx). It’s the most ATS-friendly format.
3. Ignoring Keywords in the Job Description
ATS software scans your CV for keywords from the job ad — and ranks you based on how many match. If you haven’t used the right words, you may get filtered out.
What to do instead:
Read the job description carefully and echo the language they use. If they say “project coordination” and you say “managed tasks”, it might not register. Use their terms where relevant.
4. Using Unusual Headings
Creative headings like “My Journey” or “Highlights” might sound more interesting — but the ATS won’t recognise them.
What to do instead:
Use standard section titles like “Education”, “Work Experience”, “Skills”, and “Certifications”. These are easier for systems to understand.
5. Relying Too Heavily on Acronyms
Some systems don’t recognise acronyms, especially if they’re industry-specific or uncommon.
What to do instead:
Spell them out the first time, e.g. “CRM (Customer Relationship Management)”. That way, both humans and machines know what you mean.
6. Formatting Inconsistencies
Random fonts, extra spaces, strange bullet points — all these things can interfere with how your CV is read by the ATS.
What to do instead:
Use one readable font throughout (like Arial or Calibri), standard bullet points, and clean, consistent spacing. No symbols or icons.
7. Missing Dates and Locations
The ATS looks for timelines. If you leave out when and where you did something, it can’t properly assess your experience.
What to do instead:
Always include start and end dates (month + year) and the location for each job, internship or degree.
8. Sending the Same CV to Every Job
A generic CV rarely performs well in an ATS. Without tailored content, you won’t hit the right keyword scores.
What to do instead:
Tweak your CV slightly for each application — focus on the skills and experience that match that specific role.
9. Including Logos or Headshots
Images look nice, but ATS can’t read them. Sometimes they even disrupt the layout completely.
What to do instead:
Leave out graphics, logos, and headshots. They’re unnecessary and can cause issues with parsing.
10. Putting Your Contact Details in the Header or Footer
Sounds odd, but it happens. Some ATS software doesn’t scan headers or footers — meaning your contact info could be invisible.
What to do instead:
Place your name, email, and phone number at the top of the main body of the CV, not in a header box.
Final Thoughts
Your CV has two audiences: the machine and the human. To get to the human, you have to pass the machine first.
An ATS-friendly CV doesn’t have to be boring — it just has to be clear, well-structured, and keyword-aware. Make sure you’re not getting ruled out before you even get a chance to make your case.
Need help making your CV ATS-ready? Get in touch with us at Graduate Coach today!
Featured image: cottonbro studio
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