Every year, thousands of fresh graduates send out applications with great expectations, only to receive no response at all! They remain unaware that their resumes are filtered before anyone ever sees them. The Applicant Tracking System (ATS), a tool that businesses rely on to handle high application volumes, serves as the primary filter.

Rafi Ahmed, a fresh BBA graduate from Dhaka, applied to over 30 entry-level jobs with a CV he believed looked “modern and professional.” It had icons, colored sections, two columns, and stylish formatting. Unfortunately, the ATS struggled to read any of it. His skills and experience were not detected, so his CV ranked low or appeared incomplete. Like many freshers, Rafi wasn’t rejected for lack of talent — he was rejected because the system couldn’t understand his document.

Over-Stylized CVs Break the ATS 

Most freshers unknowingly choose templates with graphics, shapes, tables, and multi-column layouts. These elements confuse the ATS because it reads text in a linear, left-to-right format. When the design interrupts that pattern, the system misplaces or completely misses information. A simple, single-column, text-based CV gives the ATS a clean structure to interpret correctly.

Creative Headings Confuse the System 

Freshers sometimes use headings like “My Journey” or “What I Bring,” hoping to stand out. But ATS software only understands standard section labels such as Summary, Skills, Experience, and Education. When unfamiliar headings are used, the system may skip entire sections or categorize them incorrectly. Sticking to universally recognized titles ensures your details are placed where they belong. 

Small Formatting Errors Cause Big Problems  

Even minor formatting issues can disrupt how the ATS reads your CV. Scanned PDFs, special bullet symbols, unusual fonts, or inconsistent spacing may cause the content to appear partially blank or poorly structured. The system treats anything it cannot decode as missing information. Clean formatting and properly saved editable PDFs help preserve your CV’s readability inside the ATS. 

One Generic CV Doesn’t Work for All Jobs

Many freshers apply to multiple roles using the same CV, thinking it saves time. However, ATS systems evaluate whether the CV matches a specific job’s requirements. A marketing CV will not fit an HR role, and an IT-focused CV won’t match finance-related tasks. Tailoring each CV with the appropriate keywords, skills, and project details significantly increases your chances of being shortlisted.