
In today’s competitive job market, job seekers are doing everything they can to stand out – which makes sense! As leadership search professionals and resume strategists, we’re seeing that the most popular trend is the use of highly designed resumes with multiple columns, decorative fonts, icons, graphics, and colors. These resumes look sleek and professional, but there’s a hidden downside: they can confuse applicant tracking systems (ATS), the software most companies use to screen resumes – including ours!
If your resume can’t pass through the ATS successfully, it may never reach a hiring manager’s or recruiter’s desk, no matter how qualified you are. Here’s why trendy resumes are not ATS-friendly and what you can do to improve your chances of landing an interview.
What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)?
An ATS is a software used by companies to streamline the hiring process. It scans, parses, and ranks resumes based on keywords, qualifications, and formatting. Over 90% of Fortune 500 companies and many smaller organizations rely on ATS to manage high volumes of applications.
Why Trendy Resumes Don’t Work with ATS
1. Columns and Tables Create Parsing Issues
Many trendy resumes use columns or tables to organize information. While these look visually appealing, ATS software often reads from left to right, line by line. A two-column resume can confuse the system, causing it to mix content or skip sections entirely. For example, your work experience might appear jumbled with your contact information, making it unreadable.
2. Graphics and Icons Are Unreadable
Icons for phone numbers, email, or social media links may seem like a fun touch, but ATS cannot interpret images or symbols. Instead of enhancing your resume, these elements might cause key details to be omitted.
3. Decorative Fonts and Colors Cause Errors
ATS software is designed to work with standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Unusual fonts can render your resume unreadable or inconsistent. Similarly, text in colors other than black may not be recognized, especially if the ATS doesn’t support color processing.
4. Overly Complex Designs Make It Hard to Extract Data
The ATS is programmed to extract key information like job titles, dates of employment, skills, and education. Resumes with unusual layouts, excessive graphics, or non-standard headings can make it difficult for the software to locate and categorize this information.
How to Create an ATS-Friendly Resume
1. Stick to a Simple Layout
Use a single-column format with clearly defined sections such as Contact Information, Summary, Work Experience, Education, and Skills. Avoid tables, text boxes, or any overly structured designs.
2. Use Standard Fonts and Formatting
Choose ATS-friendly fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and keep your font size between 10 and 12 points. Avoid bolding or italicizing excessively and use black text on a white background for maximum clarity.
3. Optimize for Keywords
Carefully review the job description and include relevant keywords that align with the role. Use the exact terminology for skills, certifications, and job titles, as ATS systems often rank resumes based on keyword matches.
4. Provide Clear, Specific Details
Write out full phrases rather than relying on icons or shorthand. For example, spell out “Phone” or “Email” instead of using symbols.
5. Save in the Right Format
Always submit your resume as a plain Word document (.doc or .docx) unless the job posting explicitly asks for a PDF. Word documents are more universally compatible with ATS software.
Can You Still Make Your Resume Look Good?
Yes! A professional resume doesn’t have to sacrifice visual appeal. Use clean lines, clear headings, and strategic white space to create a polished, readable document. If you want to showcase a more creative design, reserve that for a portfolio or use it as a leave-behind during interviews.
Final Thoughts
The most valuable real estate you’ll ever own are the pages of your resume —but they are only effective if the pages actually reach the hiring manager. Trendy designs might look great, but if they’re not ATS-friendly, they could hurt your chances of landing an interview. By focusing on clarity, simplicity, and functionality, you can ensure that your resume gets through the ATS and into the hands of decision-makers.
When in doubt, remember this:
- 1. A well-organized, content-rich resume will always beat a flashy one that can’t be read.
- 2. Contact us at Acumen Executive Search if you need a resume, LinkedIn profile, personal branding, and interviewing strategy and support!
by: Molly Norton