ATS Myths: What's True and What's Not
Many candidates waste time optimizing for myths. Here we separate fact from fiction and tell you what really matters to get seen.
The ATS is rarely a 'bouncer'. In most cases, it's a management and sorting system: decisions remain human or driven by eligibility requirements.
Because they lead you to optimize for 'noise' (templates, tricks, scores) instead of the signal (relevance, clarity, results).
An effective resume must do two things: be read correctly by the system and convince a human recruiter in seconds.
“The ATS auto-rejected me”
Reality: In a sample of 25 recruiters, the vast majority (92%) stated that the ATS does not automatically reject CVs (except for eligibility/knockout criteria), and that rejection is usually manual or tied to mandatory requirements.
What This Means For You
If you get an immediate rejection, it's often because you failed a screening question (work permit, location, mandatory certification) or don't meet a 'must-have'.
“More keywords = higher ranking”
Reality: Keywords matter, but without context, they become a red flag for the recruiter; the correct strategy is to use real keywords inside bullets that demonstrate impact and tools used.
JobMentis Rule
Every important keyword must be 'defensible': link it to a project, a result, or a tool (not a sterile list).
“There is a ‘perfect’ ATS template”
Reality: There is no single winning format, but there is a stable principle: simple layout, standard sections, readable text, and consistent structure.
Avoid Traps
Complex templates can create parsing issues; if you use design, always verify how the text is read (PDF export, copy-paste, preview).
“Creative CVs never work”
Reality: It depends on the channel and context; some ATS and processes tolerate design, but the risk increases when graphic elements compromise readability or text search.
Practical Choice
If applying via portals/ATS: stick to a 'safe' version. If sending to people (referral, email): you can use a more visual version, but with identical content.
“The ATS score decides everything”
Reality: Many online tools show non-standardized 'ATS scores'; even when platform scores exist, they are often just signals to help sorting, not final decisions.
Correct Objective
Optimize for: (1) eligibility (must-haves), (2) relevance (keywords + proof), (3) clarity (role + seniority), (4) impact (numbers).
6 Rules That Beat The Myths
- 1Answer screening questions correctly (knockout).
- 2Tailor headline + summary to the job title and priorities.
- 3Put the most relevant bullets at the top of each experience.
- 4Use keywords in context (actions + results), not in a sterile list.
- 5Quantify: scale, volume, time, quality, savings, growth.
- 6Keep structure clean: standard sections and readability.
"The 'automatic' part that weighs the most tends to be eligibility and sorting; the rest is clarity and relevance perceived by the reviewer."
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know if you're wasting time on a myth?
Upload your CV: JobMentis checks structure, missing keywords, and positioning clarity.