Resume Formatting Errors That Fail ATS: Complete Troubleshooting Guide
Resume formatting errors are the #1 silent killer of job applications. Your resume might have perfect content and keywords, but if the formatting prevents the ATS from parsing it correctly, none of that content matters. This guide identifies every common formatting error and provides specific fixes.
Critical Formatting Errors
Critical formatting errors are those that prevent the ATS from reading your resume at all. These include using image-based file formats, submitting scanned documents, or using design tools that embed text as graphics.
When the ATS can't extract any text from your resume, your application effectively has zero content to score. No keywords, no experience, no education—just an empty candidate profile.
The most common critical error is creating a resume in Canva, which often saves text as vector graphics rather than extractable text. Other design tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and even some InDesign exports have the same issue.
Structural Formatting Errors
Structural errors don't prevent text extraction but cause the ATS to misinterpret or misclassify your information. These errors lead to garbled data, missed sections, or incorrect field mapping.
Two-column layouts are the most common structural error. The parser reads text linearly, so it may read across columns, combining your education with your contact info or merging unrelated bullet points from left and right columns.
Tables present a similar problem—the parser may read cell by cell across rows, combining unrelated information, or it may skip table content entirely. Even 'invisible' tables (with no visible borders) still have the underlying structure that confuses parsers.
| Error Type | Severity | Detection Method | Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Image-based PDF | Critical | Can't select text in PDF | Recreate in Word |
| Two-column layout | High | Copy-paste test shows jumbled text | Convert to single column |
| Tables for layout | High | Select shows cell-by-cell selection | Remove all tables |
| Headers/footers | Medium | Info not in main body | Move to document body |
| Text boxes | Medium | Text selects as separate object | Convert to standard paragraphs |
| Non-standard fonts | Low | Characters appear garbled | Switch to Arial/Calibri |
Minor Formatting Issues
Minor formatting issues don't prevent parsing but can reduce accuracy or cause small amounts of data loss. These include non-standard bullet characters, unusual date formats, and inconsistent formatting patterns.
Fancy bullet characters (★, ➤, ▸) may not be recognized as list markers by all parsers. Stick to standard round bullets (•) or simple hyphens (-) for maximum compatibility.
Inconsistent formatting between entries—different date formats, alternating between bold and non-bold job titles—makes it harder for the parser to identify patterns and correctly categorize information.
How to Test for Formatting Errors
The simplest test is the copy-paste test. Open your resume, select all content (Ctrl+A), copy it (Ctrl+C), and paste it into a plain text editor. If the pasted text is complete, in order, and readable, your formatting is likely ATS-compatible.
If text is missing, look for content in headers/footers, text boxes, or graphics. If text is jumbled, you likely have column or table issues. If characters are garbled, you have font or encoding issues.
For a more thorough test, use an ATS score checker tool that simulates parsing and shows you what the ATS sees. This provides a more accurate picture than the copy-paste test alone.
Pro Tips
Always do the copy-paste test before submitting any resume: Ctrl+A → Ctrl+C → paste into Notepad
Create your resume in Microsoft Word or Google Docs using a single-column layout—never in design tools
Use standard round bullets (•) and standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
Maintain consistent formatting throughout—same date format, same heading style, same bullet style
Remove all tables, text boxes, graphics, and column layouts before submitting to an ATS
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Assuming a beautiful resume template from Canva or Etsy is ATS-compatible—most are not
Using 'invisible' tables for alignment, thinking the parser won't detect them—it will
Placing your name and contact info in the document header where parsers can't find it
Using special Unicode characters for bullet points that parsers don't recognize