Busting the Biggest Myths About ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)
Spoiler: The ATS isn’t out to get you. But if your resume isn’t formatted right—or isn’t aligned with the job—you might be ghosted anyway. Let’s fix that.
If you’re applying online and hearing nothing back, you might be tempted to blame the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
After all, people love to say:
“The ATS rejected your resume.”
“You need to beat the robots.”
“If your resume isn’t ATS-optimized, no one will ever see it.”
Here’s the truth: Most of that advice is outdated, oversimplified, or just plain wrong.
Let’s bust some of the most common myths—and help you actually get through the system (and in front of real humans).
Myth #1: The ATS Is Reading Your Resume Like a Person Would
Nope.
An ATS doesn’t “read” your resume—it parses it. That means it pulls out information and tries to slot it into categories: name, experience, education, skills, and so on. If your resume is overly formatted, loaded with complex tables or text boxes, or structured in a way the system can’t recognize, it might get jumbled—or ignored.
💡 Fix it: Find the right balance that is both ATS-friendly and appealing to human readers.
Throw all two-column resumes overboard—these are the templates you’ll find on Canva and Microsoft Word. They’re pretty but they don’t work. Resist using an infographic resume or document that looks more like a brochure or fancy-pants menu than a job-seeking tool. Some graphics work, such as basic tables and text boxes, if you know how to use them. That said, if you aren’t a pro, you may want to avoid them just to be safe.
Also, keep your section headers standard (like “Experience,” not “My Career Highlights”).
Myth #2: The ATS Is the Reason You Didn’t Hear Back
Maybe. But also maybe not.
The ATS is just a filter. If your resume didn’t include the right keywords, didn’t match the job description, or didn’t clearly show the value you bring—you might not have made the shortlist.
Of course, there are other factors as well. Some job postings aren’t real (sorry—more on this later!). Sometimes you truly aren’t qualified or don’t beat out the competition (job ads are the most competitive way to job search—more on this topic later, too).
💡 Fix it: Scrutinize your resume for ATS compliance, of course, but don’t stop there. Tailor your resume. Every. Single. Time. Look at the job posting and reflect the language, skills, and qualifications you actually match. Review the company website, too, and integrate their voice and values into your documents, if it’s relevant.
It’s tedious, yes. But if you do the work, it will make a big difference.
Myth #3: Only Fancy Software Can Optimize Your Resume for ATS
Not true.
You don’t need a high-dollar tool or AI-powered bot to make your resume ATS-ready. You just need to understand how these systems work—and align your content with what they’re looking for.
💡 Fix it: Use an appealing, well-structured Word doc or rely on a professional who knows the ropes. Focus on clarity, relevant keywords, and impact. Keep the design classic, not wildly creative.
Myth #4: It’s All About the Keywords
Yes… and no.
Keywords are critical—but context matters. Stuffing your resume with a laundry list of skills at the bottom won’t help if you’re not showing how you actually used them.
💡 Fix it: Build keywords into your experience descriptions. Use bullet points that combine skills with tangible results. Make it real.
Example:
“Used Salesforce to manage client outreach” → Blech. Too basic.
“Leveraged Salesforce to launch a targeted email campaign, increasing response rates by 42%” → Now we’re talking! More keywords, more impact.
Myth #5: No One Sees Your Resume Until It Passes the ATS
Not always true.
Sometimes recruiters and hiring managers review resumes manually. Sometimes they search the ATS database. Sometimes it’s a mix of both.
And let’s not forget word-of-mouth referrals, cold-call messages (the ones you send straight to humans at the company), and LinkedIn profiles.
💡 Fix it: Make your resume easy to scan, strong in content, and clear in structure. Whether a recruiter sees it first or it’s pulled from an online search, it should tell a crisp, compelling story.
Final Word: The ATS Isn’t the Enemy. But It’s Not Your Friend Either.
It’s just a tool. A filter. A database.
Your job is to make sure your resume gets through that filter—and grabs attention once it does.
That means clean formatting. Appropriate keywords. Impressive results. And a resume that actually speaks to the role you’re targeting.
About me: I’m a professional resume writer with 20+ years of experience helping folks from all walks of life—from federal leaders to corporate execs—create strategic documents that get results. Every resume I create is written with both humans and algorithms in mind. Because getting hired starts with getting noticed.
📄 Need help creating a resume that plays well with ATS and hiring managers?
👉 View Packages or
Contact Me when you're ready.