Is my resume being automatically rejected by AI?

No. Automatic rejections are almost always knockout questions like work authorization, minimum years, or required certifications. It’s not the resume.

What is an ATS-friendly resume?

An ATS-friendly resume is easy for the system to parse: clean text, single-column, no charts/graphs, no text boxes, and nothing important in headers/footers.

Can an ATS read a PDF?

Yes if the application allows PDF. Always upload a permitted format.

Do I need to tailor my resume for every job?

Not necessarily. Heavy tailoring often signals a targeting problem. Build one strong resume for the lane you’re applying to.

Can an ATS read columns or tables?

Columns and tables can cause parsing issues. Use a simple single-column format to avoid scrambled content.

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Straight answers about ATS systems, AI screening myths, resumes, LinkedIn, interviews, and job search strategy — written for how recruiting actually works.

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If you’re getting auto-rejected, it’s almost always a knockout question — not your resume. ATS is a filing cabinet. Humans make decisions.

Most Common Myths

“ATS rejected me.”

No. Auto-rejections are knockout questions (work authorization, min years, required certs).

“AI scores my resume.”

There’s no universal AI score. Some systems show internal match indicators — not standardized.

“Pretty resumes win.”

Content wins. Keep it clean, single-column, and outcome-driven.

Answers

Next Steps

Need a résumé built the right way?

Single-column. ATS-safe. Designed around recruiter search behavior and wins-first writing.

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Want to DIY with the same system?

If you already know your metrics and story, this is the fastest path to a strong draft.

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