Common ATS Triggers That Instantly Reject Your CV (2025 Update)

Ever wonder why your perfectly polished CV vanishes into the digital abyss before anyone calls you back?
Chances are, it wasn’t a hiring manager that said no, it was an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

In 2025, almost every high end company use ATS software to scan and rank job applications (Jobscan, 2025). The system doesn’t “read” your CV like a human does. Instead, it scans for keywords, formats, and patterns that match the job posting. If your CV doesn’t fit the algorithm, rejection is instant.

Let’s decode the most common ATS triggers that get even great candidates disqualified.

1. Overdesigned CVs With Tables and Graphics

That fancy résumé template you found on Canva? It’s probably killing your chances.
Most ATS systems  like Workday, Greenhouse, and Lever,  can’t properly read text inside graphics, tables, or text boxes (Workable Blog, 2024).

When the system can’t extract your experience or skills, it flags your CV as incomplete.

Fix it: Use a clean layout with no design elements, charts, or columns. Stick to simple headings like Experience, Skills, Education, and Certifications.

2. Missing or Overstuffed Keywords

ATS systems match keywords in your CV to the job description.
If you haven’t customized your résumé for each role, or if you’ve stuffed it with irrelevant phrases, you’ll lose ranking.

For example, if the job description says “project management” and your CV only says “managed projects,” some systems might not count it as a match (Jobscan, 2024).

Fix it:
Use natural, role-specific language. Mirror key terms from the job ad but avoid keyword stuffing. It’s transparent and often penalized.

3. Using the Wrong File Type

Some ATS tools can’t read PDFs properly, especially if they’re exported from design software. Others prefer Word documents (.docx).
According to Indeed Career Guide (2025), uploading a file in the wrong format is one of the top three reasons for automated rejection (Indeed, 2025).

Fix it: Unless the employer specifies otherwise, upload your CV as a .docx file for maximum readability.

4. Headers, Footers, and Fancy Formatting

Important details like your name or contact info placed inside headers or footers often go unread by ATS software. That means your CV could be “submitted” without your name even appearing in the system.

Fix it: Keep all critical information in the main body of your CV. Simple alignment, consistent font, and logical structure beat fancy styling every time.

5. Unrecognized Section Titles

ATS systems look for common section headers like “Work Experience” and “Education.” If you get creative — writing “Career Story” instead of “Experience” — the system might skip your details entirely.

Fix it: Keep section titles standard and scannable. You can express personality in your summary instead.

6. Forgetting Core Skills

Leaving out a Skills section can cost you automatic ranking points. Most ATS filters scan specifically for a “Skills” header followed by keyword clusters — like “Excel,” “Data Analysis,” “Leadership,” or “Customer Success.”

Fix it: Create a dedicated skills list with both technical and soft skills. Use a mix of job-specific and transferable skills to match algorithmic filters.

7. Dates, Gaps, and Typos

ATS software can flag missing dates, inconsistent formatting (like “May 2021 – Aug 2022” vs. “05/21–08/22”), or unrecognizable abbreviations. Typos in job titles or company names also cause mismatches.

Fix it: Keep dates consistent and avoid abbreviations. Write “August 2022 – May 2023” instead of “08/22–05/23.”

8. Hidden Keywords or White Text

Some job seekers try to cheat the system by hiding keywords in white text. Don’t do this. ATS tools have become sophisticated enough to detect formatting manipulation and some automatically flag such resumes as spam. Read More 

Fix it: Focus on honest keyword optimization, not keyword tricks.

9. Ignoring ATS-Readable File Names

ATS tools read file names too. Uploading a CV titled “Final_version2(1).pdf” looks unprofessional and can cause confusion in the recruiter’s system. Read More

Fix it: Name your file like this: Firstname_Lastname_JobTitle_CV.docx.

How DreamShift Helps You Beat the ATS

DreamShift specializes in creating ATS-friendly CVs that not only pass the system filters but also impress human recruiters.
Our expert writers understand how modern ATS platforms rank, parse, and filter resumes ensuring your application gets seen by actual hiring managers.

Whether you’re applying in Australia or globally, our CV Optimization Service helps you avoid formatting errors, missing keywords, and unseen submissions.

Book a free consultation with DreamShift to get your CV audited for ATS compliance and increase your interview chances instantly.

Key Takeaway

The ATS isn’t your enemy — it’s just a machine.
Once you learn what triggers automatic rejection, you can design your CV to work with the system, not against it.

Your qualifications already speak for themselves — DreamShift just makes sure the software listens.