Using Fancy Resume Template But still get Rejected by the ATS
By Career counseling

Using Fancy Resume Template But still get Rejected by the ATS : Your resume serves as both your first impression and, in some cases, your only opportunity to meet with a recruiter in the cutthroat job market of today. Many recent graduates and freshmen spend time making their resumes visually “stand out,” but they frequently forget about the one factor that could help them get an interview: ATS compatibility.

I want to share a real story from my hiring experience—something that’s become increasingly common.

A few months ago, I came across a candidate whose profile was almost perfect for a junior software development role.

  • B.Tech in Computer Science
  • Internship experience in web development
  • Strong GitHub portfolio with several real-world projects

Without a doubt, this applicant ought to have advanced to the interview phase. Oddly enough, though, I never saw his application in my email. Upon investigating, I discovered that the applicant tracking system (ATS) had automatically rejected his resume.

Also read –Team player with excellent collaboration skills : Most common mistake by Candidates

His resume used a fancy template filled with:
🔴 Colored sidebars
🔴 Infographic-style skill charts
🔴 Custom decorative fonts
🔴 A profile photo
🔴 Two-column layout

It looked visually impressive—like something you’d see in a design magazine. But it failed the most basic requirement: it wasn’t readable by the ATS.

What Is an ATS and Why Should You Care?

Businesses use software called an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to expedite the hiring process. It checks resumes for content, keywords, and structure. An applicant tracking system (ATS) is used by the majority of big businesses and even startups to screen resumes before they are ever seen by a human.

If your resume is not formatted correctly or doesn’t include relevant keywords, the ATS might:

  • Misread your information
  • Skip important sections
  • Or reject your application entirely

That’s what happened to this candidate. The design overpowered the content. Instead of helping him stand out, the flashy design actually blocked his entry.

Let’s bust a few common myths that freshers often believe:

Myth 1: Fancy = Impressive

A colorful resume might look good to you—but ATS bots don’t appreciate creativity. They can’t read columns properly, ignore icons and images, and may skip content hidden behind design elements.

Myth 2: Infographics Help Show Skills

Skill charts, sliders, and visual bars may be attractive, but ATS can’t interpret them. “80% Java” doesn’t mean anything to a parsing system. You’re better off listing your skills in plain text.

Myth 3: More Graphics = More Attention

Actually, graphics increase the risk of your resume being unreadable. The simpler your resume, the easier it is for both software and recruiters to process your information.

What Makes a Resume ATS-Friendly?

✅ Use a Single-Column Layout

ATS tools read left to right, top to bottom. Two-column formats confuse the flow and may mix up sections like education, skills, and experience.

✅ Stick to Standard Fonts

Use common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid custom fonts or any that require special rendering—they won’t show up correctly.

✅ No Images or Icons

Your photo, icons next to skills, or logos of companies/projects may look professional—but they don’t help your resume pass the ATS. Text > Graphics.

✅ Save in the Right Format

Unless the job description asks for Word format, always submit your resume as a PDF. It keeps the structure intact and is easier for most ATS platforms to read.

✅ Use Keywords from the Job Description

Tailor your resume for every job. If the job posting mentions “Python, Flask, and REST APIs,” make sure those exact keywords are used in your skills and project sections.

Also read –The One-Page Resume That Beat Them All: What Every Fresher Needs to Know

Conclusion

Getting noticed is the aim of a resume, and nothing ruins that opportunity more quickly than a resume that is difficult to read or excessively styled. There is already a lot of competition, particularly if you are a new employee. Don’t let formatting cause you to be missed.

In addition to passing ATS filters, a well-structured resume facilitates the process of real recruiters reviewing your profile in less than ten seconds and reaching a decision.

Therefore, resist the urge to use that lovely, vibrant template online the next time.
“Will this go through a machine?” ask yourself.
If not, ditch it.

You already possess the abilities. Just make sure your resume helps you reveal them—to the appropriate individuals, at the appropriate moment.