Does ATS reject PDF? 

In today’s job market, job seekers are increasingly aware of the role that technology plays in the recruitment process. One of the most influential tools in modern hiring is the Applicant Tracking System (ATS), software used by employers to filter, rank, and store resumes. If you’re applying for a job online, there’s a good chance your resume will first pass through an ATS before a human ever sees it. This has raised a common question among applicants — does ATS reject PDFs?

Understanding How ATS Works

An ATS is designed to streamline recruiting by automatically scanning resumes for keywords, relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. The system parses the resume, organizes the information, and matches it against the job description. The format in which the resume is submitted plays a crucial role in how well the ATS can extract and interpret the data.

PDF vs. Other Formats

The most common file formats for resumes are:

• PDF (Portable Document Format)
• DOC or DOCX (Microsoft Word Document)
• TXT (Plain Text File)

While DOCX files have traditionally been recommended for ATS compatibility, many systems today can parse PDF files, provided they are created correctly. However, not all PDFs are made equal, and that’s where the nuances begin.

When Does ATS Have Trouble with PDFs?

Some Applicant Tracking Systems struggle with certain types of PDFs because of how they’re formatted or generated. Here are specific cases where a PDF might be rejected or misread:

• Scanned PDFs: If a resume is scanned and saved as an image, the ATS won’t be able to read the text because it’s not selectable text — it’s just a picture.
• Complex Layouts: Resumes with multiple columns, tables, and graphics can confuse ATS software, which typically reads text from left to right and top to bottom.
• Uncommon Fonts and Symbols: These may not be interpretable and can result in gibberish or skipped content.

In these situations, even though the PDF is submitted, the ATS might fail to extract relevant data, causing your resume to be skipped in the hiring pipeline.

The Safe Way to Use PDFs

So does ATS reject PDFs outright? The answer is, not necessarily.

Most modern ATS can handle properly formatted PDFs. Here are some best practices to ensure your PDF passes muster:

• Use a simple, linear layout with minimal graphics and no columns.
• Ensure the text is selectable — copy and paste a sentence into a text editor to check.
• Save your PDF correctly using word processing software like Microsoft Word or Google Docs rather than scanning software.
• Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.

Following these steps increases the likelihood that your PDF resume will be successfully parsed and considered by an ATS.

When to Choose a DOCX File Instead

If you’re unsure whether the employer’s ATS can handle PDFs, the safest option is to submit your resume in a DOCX format. Microsoft Word documents are widely accepted and reliably processed by nearly every ATS on the market. In fact, some companies specifically request this format in their application instructions.

Additionally, DOCX files allow for easier keyword optimization, as they tend to be more ATS-friendly in terms of parsing and readability. Most recruiters are accustomed to reviewing resumes in this format, as well.

What Recruiters Recommend

While preferences vary across industries and employers, general recruiter advice often includes the following:

• Follow the company’s instructions: If the job posting specifies a format, always comply.
• Include your name and job title in the file name for clarity and searchability.
• Test your resume by uploading it to an ATS simulator or using online parsing tools to gauge how the information is extracted.

Conclusion

To sum up, PDF files are not outright rejected by ATS, but improper formatting can limit their effectiveness. When used correctly, they preserve formatting beautifully and offer a polished presentation. However, if you’re unsure or applying to a conservative or large corporate employer, you might be better off sticking with DOCX.

Remember, your goal is to make it as easy as possible for both the ATS and the recruiter to understand your qualifications and bring your resume to the top of the pile.