Resume submission is the first step in getting a job, and if your resume contains any kind of unnecessary or irrelevant information. It will directly affect your chances of getting shortlisted for interviews. In 2025, having a clear, concise, and perfectly structured ATS resume is essential for securing the best job opportunities in India. It is found that most of the candidates write irrelevant information on their resumes, which makes hiring managers reject resumes in the preliminary shortlisting round, and job seekers keep waiting for interview calls which never come. So, it becomes important for candidates to learn How To Get Your Resume Shortlisted. This blog will take you through the 7 things that should be removed from your resume to get interview calls.
Application Tracking Systems (ATS) are advanced tools with predetermined algorithms to filter and shortlist the best resumes based on employer criteria. ATS resume software scans resumes after filling out the application form, and then resumes are passed for human evaluation.
This shows how important it is to create an ATS resume that may reach the limits of a HR manager. There are many things to consider, but ATSs avoid complex words, choose the best CV that include keywords from job descriptions and job specifications. For an efficient and fast process, a candidate has to understand How to Optimize Your Resume with The Most Advanced ATS Score Checker. Because these practices ensure that you get more interview calls.
1. Misspelled Words and Grammar Errors
A single word with a minor spelling or grammar mistake can harm your future by eliminating your resume in the preliminary shortlisting round. ATS resume systems eliminate resumes with errors; it means your resume will be flagged red before reaching the recruiter. Another thing about misspelled resume mistakes is that it gives a wrong impression to the recruiters, like a lack of information.
To keep away from such resume mistakes, you may use an online resume maker or ATS resume tool to correct your resume. Using the right words and keywords in resume increases the probability of passing resume shortlisting software and getting more interview calls.
2. Unprofessional Email Addresses
Most of the candidates write some funky or fancy email addresses, like crazyboydeepak07@yahoo. This type of mail creates a bad impression when recruiters go through your resume. Many industry experts consider such mistakes as immature or unreliable. Also, ATS resume systems highlight resumes with such emails because this is part of your contact details.
Instead, use the best resume format with a professional email address, such as DeepakMathur2001@gmail. This one step makes your resume more ATS-friendly and gives a positive impression to the hiring companies. Also, an ATS resume with correct, simple, clear, and professional email addresses performs better when uploaded on job search platforms.
3. Personal Photos or Headshots
A photo on CV is not a common practice nowadays; they are only recommended when someone is applying for a role, such as acting or modeling. But when it comes to corporate, there is no need for adding a photo on CV. Because it creates an effect of biases based on appearance. Also ATS resume systems don't support reading an image or graphics.
Instead of using a photo on CV, focus on other things like skills, experience, or the summary section of your ATS resume. When applying through job platforms or job search sites in India, it's best to not include a photo on CV.
4. Irrelevant Information (e.g., High School Experience)
Another thing to remove from your ATS resume is any kind of outdated or irrelevant information. For example, high school marks or proficiency in outdated software. This unnecessary information directly affects your CV score and may increase your chances of getting rejected by the employer.
Instead of listing outdated information, you can focus on relevant things like effectively listing experience on your resume. Removing such unnecessary information gives you extra space on your resume to optimize keywords in your resume. Also, you will be able to improve your resume and pass an ATS resume checker.
5. Excessive Jargon or Buzzwords
When you overload your ATS resume with unnecessary buzzwords, it can set you against the hiring managers, and they may struggle to understand what value you provide. Using too many technical terms or unnecessary lingos will make your ATS resume look lengthy and complicated. It means when an ATS resume checker scans your resume, it may fail to shortlist your resume.
Instead, focus on simple and professional language and relevant keywords in resume. Improve your resume by adding experiences and achievements in action-oriented language.
6. Outdated or Irrelevant Resume Formats
There is still a large population of job seekers who struggle to choose ATS resume formats or the best resume format based on their needs. ATS resume formats are necessary because your resume has to go through resume shortlisting software. These ATS resume scanners have the potential to eliminate you from the recruitment process if your resume formats don't align with their standards.
Choose the best resume format accordingly; it should be easily readable, with no graphics or tables to be included. Choose simple and professional resume formats only. Using the best resume maker will optimize your ATS resume.
7. Salary info
It is found that many employers have seen salary information of candidates in their resumes. But it is inappropriate and a wrong practice while making a resume. Whether you write your previous salary or future desired salary, both are not ethical on your ATS resume.
Instead, focus on other factors of your ATS resume, like choosing the best resume format, reducing resume mistakes, or choosing the best resume maker. You can also opt for the best Strategies for Securing Your Desired Salary.
Use Standard Section Headings: The best practice to improve your resume is to make a section-wise resume with headings. Stick to simple headings like “Internships” or “Skills.” Because ATS resume systems are designed to cater to such resumes with their advanced algorithms. These ATS resume checkers scan your resume, and any irrelevant or unconventional heading can confuse them.
Incorporate Keywords from the Job Description: To incorporate keywords from the job description, one can use the job description keywords finder because this tool helps you scan your ATS resume and job description to find the most relevant keywords in resume. Also, tools like the online ATS resume checker can help you assess whether you have included relevant keywords or not. Such practices, while making an ATS resume, help you get more interview calls in the future.
Keep Formatting Simple: Avoid fancy or too creative formatting for your ATS resume, such as images, graphics, or non-readable fonts. So, stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica and use simple, action-oriented pointers for explaining your impact. Complex formatting can confuse ATS resume checkers, and they may misread or fail to read your ATS resume. Which can result in your elimination from recruitment. Use a resume checker online free tool to find out the compatibility of your ATS resume with resume shortlisting software.
Save Your Resume as a Word Document or PDF: ATS resume systems mostly prefer Word or PDF files because these file resume formats present your information in the best manner. Avoid using other formats like PNG or JPG, because these files are compatible with ATS resume systems. Choosing the best resume format to submit when applying on the job platforms will improve your chances of getting shortlisted.
Focus on Clear, Concise Language: Always use simple and action-oriented language for your ATS resume. Do not choose resume formats with improper language. ATS resume checkers always prefer clear, concise, and action-oriented bullet pointers. Even overuse of keywords in resumes can lead to wrong outcomes. So it's best to learn How to Make an ATS Resume because this will definitely give you an extra advantage in getting more interview calls.
By eliminating these 7 common things from your resume and utilising 5 tips to optimise an ATS resume, you can create an outstanding ATS resume that has full potential to pass resume shortlisting software. Using the best resume maker tool, checking your CV score, and optimizing resume formatting can increase your chances of getting a job.
Remember to incorporate relevant keywords in resume and use the right format to save your resume. Always proofread before finalizing your ATS resume; this ensures zero errors. If you want to know whether your ATS resume can pass an ATS resume software, check your CV score with our ResuScan tool.
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