7 ATS Mistakes That Stop UK Jobseekers From Getting Interviews (And How to Fix Them)

Learn how to fix the most common ATS CV mistakes

You apply for jobs. You meet the requirements. You wait and wait. Then nothing happens. 

For many UK jobseekers, the problem is not their experience or skills. The problem is that their CV never reached a real recruiter at all. 

Most large employers in the UK use ATS software to filter applications before anyone in HR sees them. If your CV is not formatted correctly or lacks the right keywords, the system may reject it automatically. 

This guide explains the seven most common ATS mistakes that stop candidates from getting interviews and shows how to fix them quickly. Whether you want to improve your CV writing UK style or get reliable CV help UK, these steps will make your application more visible to employers. 

1. Using Tables or Graphics That ATS Cannot Read 

Many jobseekers believe a visually decorated CV looks more professional. Unfortunately, ATS software often struggles to read content placed inside tables, text boxes, icons or graphics. When it cannot interpret the text, it simply skips it, meaning your most important information might be lost. 

How to Fix It 

Use a clean layout with simple headings, bullet points and left aligned text. An ATS friendly CV UK should prioritise clarity over design. You can still make your CV look tidy without using elements that confuse the system. 

2. Missing Job Related Keywords 

ATS software works by scanning for keywords taken straight from the job description. If the employer wants skills like customer service, inventory control or safeguarding, those exact terms must appear naturally in your CV. 

If the keywords are missing, the ATS may assume your CV is not relevant. 

How to Fix It 

Mirror the employer’s language. If a job advert repeats certain words, use those same terms in your Key Skills and Work Experience sections. This helps the ATS match your CV to the role more accurately. 

3. Saving Your CV as an Image or JPG File 

Some jobseekers turn their CV into an image or upload screenshots. ATS software cannot scan or extract text from images, so your entire CV may be unreadable. 

How to Fix It 

Save your CV only as PDF or Word (DOCX). Both formats preserve your layout while keeping the text searchable. 

4. Using Fancy Fonts That Break ATS Scanning 

Decorative fonts can make your CV look stylish, but many ATS systems cannot recognise them. If the text is unreadable, the system will skip it, resulting in missing details and lower overall relevance scores. 

How to Fix It 

Use standard fonts like Arial, Calibri or Helvetica. These are clean, professional and fully ATS compatible. 

5. Not Matching Your Skills to the Job Requirements 

Even if you have the right skills, the ATS cannot guess them unless the words appear on your CV. Some applicants use different phrases to describe the same ability.

For example: 

• Job advert: “Stock control” 

• Your CV: “Managed inventory tasks” 

The ATS will not match the two unless the keywords closely align. 

How to Fix It 

Tailor your key skills for each application. Update the first five to eight skills in your CV to match the job description. This alone can significantly increase your ATS score. 

6. Keyword Stuffing That Feels Unnatural 

Some jobseekers try to trick the ATS by repeating the same keywords ten or fifteen times. This backfires. ATS algorithms are now advanced and can detect unnatural patterns. 

Recruiters also dislike CVs filled with repeated phrases. Keyword stuffing makes you look unprofessional and reduces readability. 

How to Fix It 

Use keywords naturally within your achievements and responsibilities. For example: 

“Supported customer service operations by resolving up to 40 daily queries and maintaining high satisfaction scores.” 

This sentence uses the keyword while demonstrating impact. 

7. Not Adding Achievements and Measurable Results 

ATS software looks for action words and measurable results. CVs that only list duties often score lower because they lack evidence of performance. Employers prefer results such as improved accuracy, higher sales, reduced delays or strong satisfaction scores. 

How to Fix It 

Add numbers wherever possible. Examples include: 

• Improved stock accuracy by 15 percent 

• Handled 50 customer enquiries per day 

• Delivered orders with 98 percent on time performance 

These details make your CV stronger for both ATS and human recruiters. 

Final Thoughts 

A strong ATS friendly CV UK does not rely on design tricks or overused buzzwords. It relies on clear structure, relevant keywords and real achievements. Once your CV passes ATS screening, the content must still impress the hiring manager. That is why combining ATS friendly formatting with employer backed examples is powerful. 

If you need expert help with formatting or tailoring your CV, the CV help UK jobseekers trust the most is built on real recruiter insight. A well written CV increases your visibility, strengthens your application and helps you get closer to interview opportunities.

FAQs: ATS Mistakes That Stop UK Jobseekers From Getting Interviews

What does an ATS friendly CV UK include? 

An ATS friendly CV includes simple formatting, clear headings, industry keywords, standard fonts and measurable achievements. It avoids tables, graphics and text boxes. 

How important are keywords for ATS scanning? 

Keywords are essential. ATS software matches your CV to the job based on specific terms. If important keywords are missing, your CV may not be shortlisted. 

Can an ATS friendly CV still look professional? 

Yes. Clean layouts, strong headings and well organised sections look professional without using design elements that ATS cannot read. 

How can JobReadyCV help improve my ATS score? 

JobReadyCV creates ATS friendly CVs based on real employer feedback. Your CV is written with the right keywords, structure and achievements to make it more visible to UK recruiters.