Why does nobody talk about how algorithms mess with your job applications?

I was applying for a receptionist gig in Austin last week and spent 2 hours tailoring my resume to what I thought they wanted. The next day I found out an automatic system rejected it because I used the wrong font size. I tried resubmitting with simpler formatting and finally got a call back after 3 tries. Has anyone else had an application ghosted by an ATS filter without even a person seeing it?

3 comments

3 Comments

tessa_murray1mo ago

Oh man, the "wrong font size" thing is absolutely brutal. It's like they build these systems to trip you up on purpose. I've had a few applications disappear into the void too, and I'm pretty sure it's because I used a PDF instead of a Word doc once. It's insane that a robot can decide your fate over something so dumb. Makes you wonder if anyone even looks at the first round of apps.

mia7001mo ago

Hang on, you used a PDF instead of a Word doc and that could be the reason? I had no idea that was even a thing. That is just ridiculous, honestly. It makes you wonder how many perfectly good candidates get tossed out because of some silly little rule nobody tells you about.

michaeld481mo ago

Pretty sure the ATS system also rejects you if you don't use the robot's preferred shade of blue on the header. @tessa_murray nailed it, these filters probably trash half the applicants before a human even blinks at their resume. Guess we're all just playing resume bingo against a computer with a grudge.