Why you should avoid using graphics and images in resumes for better ATS compatibility (Even if you made the resume in Word)

When preparing a resume or cover letter, job seekers often want to make their documents visually appealing, thinking that this will help them stand out. Platforms like Canva make it easy to add images, charts, icons, and other graphics to enhance the visual appeal of a resume. However, while these elements can make a document look impressive to the human eye, they can be highly detrimental when it comes to compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Even if you create a graphic-laden resume in Microsoft Word, the presence of images and non-text elements can negatively impact ATS readability and reduce the chances of your resume making it through the initial screening process.

Here’s a deep dive into why text-only documents are more effective and how images and graphics can hinder your resume’s ATS compatibility:

1. ATS Systems Prioritize Text Over Images

• Text-Based Parsing: ATS systems are primarily designed to extract and analyze plain text. They parse resumes by identifying keywords, sections, and qualifications from standard text elements. Most ATS systems can’t interpret images or graphics, so any information within an image is likely to be completely ignored.
• Critical Information Loss: If you include important information like contact details, skills, or accomplishments within a graphic, it is likely to be missed by the ATS. This omission can mean the system does not recognize critical qualifications that might otherwise match the job description.

2. Graphics Disrupt the Logical Reading Order

• Non-Linear Layouts Confuse ATS Systems: ATS systems are built to read documents in a linear, top-to-bottom flow. Graphics or images inserted into a document can disrupt this flow, causing the ATS to misinterpret or skip sections. For example, if a graphic divides a section like “Experience” from its text content, the ATS may not recognize this section at all.
• Misinterpretation of Content: When sections are broken up by graphics, ATS systems can struggle to link related information. If a job title and company name are separated by an image, the ATS may fail to associate them, which can impact how your experience is evaluated.

3. Keywords Embedded in Images are Missed

• Keyword Matching is Crucial: ATS systems evaluate resumes based on keyword matching. They look for specific terms and phrases that match the job description. If these keywords are part of a graphic (such as an infographic or logo), they won’t be recognized by the ATS.
• Reduced Keyword Density: Images take up space that could otherwise be used for text, which decreases the overall keyword density of the document. A lower density of keywords can make it harder for your resume to rank well, as ATS systems may prioritize documents with more relevant keywords.

4. Inconsistent Text Parsing from Embedded Fonts and Non-Standard Elements

• Issues with Non-Standard Fonts: Many graphics contain non-standard fonts that may not be compatible with ATS systems. While ATS systems are adept at parsing standard fonts used in plain text, non-standard or embedded fonts within graphics may cause parsing errors or even result in unreadable text.
• Embedded Objects Lead to Skipped Content: Sometimes, text embedded within charts, tables, or other graphics is simply skipped by ATS systems. Since these elements are not parsed as standard text, the system might overlook any information they contain, reducing the overall relevance of your application.

5. Graphics Complicate File Size and ATS Processing

• File Size Constraints: ATS systems sometimes have file size limitations, and documents containing large or numerous graphics may exceed these limits. Larger files can be slower to process, and in some cases, the document may fail to upload altogether.
• Increased Complexity Equals Lower Accuracy: The more complex a document is, the harder it is for an ATS to parse it accurately. ATS systems are optimized for simple, text-based documents, and the addition of graphics introduces unnecessary complexity, which can reduce parsing accuracy.

6. ATS Systems May Ignore Entire Sections Due to Formatting Issues

• Non-Standard Formatting Pitfalls: Documents with images or decorative elements are often formatted in ways that aren’t compatible with ATS systems. For example, using an image to label a section like “Skills” can cause the ATS to miss this section entirely, as the system might not interpret the image label as text.
• Lack of Structure Tags in Graphics: Even if a document is created in Microsoft Word, when images and graphics are added, the document’s structure may not be well-tagged for ATS interpretation. Tags are important for helping ATS systems recognize headings, bullet points, and sections, but images lack this tagging, leading to potential parsing errors.

7. Best Practices for ATS-Friendly Resumes

• Keep It Text-Based: To maximize ATS compatibility, stick to a straightforward text-based layout. Avoid inserting graphics, logos, icons, or other decorative elements. Plain text allows ATS systems to parse content with minimal issues, ensuring that your keywords and qualifications are fully recognized.
• Use Standard Formatting: Standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri, along with clear headings, bullet points, and consistent spacing, are ideal for ATS parsing. This formatting helps ATS systems recognize and categorize information accurately.
• Save as a Plain Text Document or Standard PDF: When applying online, use the standard .docx or PDF formats without complex elements. Microsoft Word provides ATS-friendly templates that maintain logical reading order and structural integrity, ensuring your resume is readable across different systems.

Conclusion: Choose Simplicity for Maximum ATS Compatibility

Graphics and images may make a resume look visually appealing, but they do not offer any advantage in terms of ATS compatibility. In fact, they can significantly hinder an ATS’s ability to read and interpret your resume correctly. By opting for a simple, text-based resume created in Microsoft Word or saved as a PDF, you can ensure that ATS systems accurately parse and evaluate your qualifications. When applying for jobs, focus on content over design to maximize your chances of passing through ATS filters and getting noticed by hiring managers.

By choosing a straightforward, text-focused approach, you’re not only increasing ATS compatibility but also making it easier for human recruiters to quickly find the information they need. Remember, when it comes to resumes, clarity and simplicity often outperform design and embellishment.