{ “@context”: “https://schema.org”, “@type”: “FAQPage”, “mainEntity”: [ { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Why do I keep getting rejected even though I’m qualified?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “The most likely reason is that your resume doesn’t contain the exact keywords the ATS is scanning for. Even if you have the skills, using different terminology (like ‘JS’ instead of ‘JavaScript’) causes the system to reject you. Always customize your resume to match the exact wording in each job posting.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How do I know if my resume was rejected by ATS or a human?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Timing is a clue. If you receive a rejection within 1-2 days of applying, it was likely an ATS rejection. Human reviews typically take 1-2 weeks minimum, as recruiters need time to review applications manually. Immediate rejections are almost always automated.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Should I use a creative resume design?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “For most jobs, no. Creative designs with columns, graphics, and custom fonts often fail ATS parsing. Your resume may look beautiful but parse as nearly empty. Use clean, single-column formats for online applications. Save creative designs for situations where you’re handing it directly to a human.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “How many keywords should I include in my resume?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Aim for 60-70% coverage of keywords from the job description. Include 15-25 relevant keywords, placing them in high-priority areas: your job titles, professional summary, skills section, and the first bullet point of each role. Don’t keyword stuff—work them naturally into your achievements.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “What file format should I use for my resume?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “PDF is generally the safest choice as it preserves formatting across all devices. However, some older ATS systems prefer .docx files. Always follow the instructions in the job posting if they specify a format. When in doubt, PDF is typically the best option.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Do employment gaps automatically get my resume rejected?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Not automatically, but unexplained gaps raise concerns. Briefly address gaps on your resume or cover letter. Note what you did during that time—freelancing, education, caregiving, volunteer work, or skill development. Honesty with context is better than leaving employers guessing.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Is it true that recruiters only spend 7 seconds on my resume?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Yes, studies show recruiters initially scan resumes for about 7 seconds to decide if it’s worth a closer look. That’s why your resume’s top third is crucial—put your most impressive qualifications, skills, and achievements where they’ll see them first.” } }, { “@type”: “Question”, “name”: “Can I apply to the same job multiple times after rejection?”, “acceptedAnswer”: { “@type”: “Answer”, “text”: “Generally, wait 3-6 months before reapplying to the same role. Many ATS systems flag duplicate applications. Use that time to significantly improve your resume, gain new skills or experience, and better tailor your application to that specific role.” } } ] }