Why Your Resume Isn’t Getting Noticed (And How to Fix It Fast!)

Have you ever wondered why, after spending hours perfecting your resume and sending out application after application, you’re met with silence? You’re not alone. In fact, the vast majority of job seekers are caught in the same frustrating cycle. The problem isn’t you—it’s the invisible digital gatekeepers known as Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These bots are designed to filter out resumes before they ever reach a recruiter’s desk, and unless you know how to speak their language, your application may never see the light of day.



Ian Siegel, CEO of ZipRecruiter and author of ‘Get Hired Now!’, pulls back the curtain on this process. He explains that over 75% of resumes are first read by software, not humans. The ATS scans for keywords, simple formatting, and clear job titles. Anything that confuses the robot—columns, graphics, fancy fonts—can send your resume straight to the digital trash.

So what can you do? First, use the simplest template possible. Forget about creative layouts and stick to a left-to-right, top-to-bottom format. Use generic job titles that match the ones in the job postings you’re targeting. And most importantly, fill your resume with quantifiable achievements. Instead of saying ‘Responsible for sales,’ say ‘Increased sales by 30% in six months.’ Numbers jump off the page, both to robots and to the humans who eventually review your resume.

But don’t stop there. Proofread meticulously—one typo can be the ‘lettuce in your teeth’ that ruins an otherwise perfect application. And if you have gaps in your work history, own them honestly. A clever, authentic explanation can turn a potential red flag into a memorable story.

The final piece? Keep your resume updated and tailored for each application. ATS systems are looking for a perfect match, so mirror the language in the job description. With these tactics, you’ll dramatically increase your chances of making it past the bots and into the interview room.

Ready to break through the digital wall? Start with these changes, and watch your response rate soar! 1 2