Don't Use the "1Pt Trick" to "Beat" the ATS

The “1-point font trick” refers to the practice of copying/pasting the job description to a white color and extremely small font size (often as low as 1-point) in order to "trick" or "beat" the ATS with a high ranking.

While this may seem like a clever way to optimize your resume and include more information, it’s ultimately a risky tactic that can backfire in several ways.

Firstly, many ATS tools are designed to detect and process text in standard fonts and sizes. These systems may not register the 1-point text at all, which can lead to missing keywords that are vital for passing initial screenings. In the worst-case scenario, your entire resume could be rejected due to formatting issues, leaving you out of the running before anyone even sees your application.

Additionally, even if your resume makes it past an ATS, human recruiters may still be put off by the trick. Recruiters are accustomed to reviewing hundreds of resumes and can easily spot attempts to manipulate formatting. A resume that contains unreadable text or looks cluttered can give the impression that you're trying to "cheat" the system, which could reflect poorly on your professionalism. This tactic can come across as dishonest, and recruiters may question your judgment or attention to detail.

A better approach is to focus on concise, clear communication of your most relevant qualifications. Tailor your resume for each job by highlighting the skills and experiences that matter most, rather than trying to cram everything onto a single page.

Streamlining your content not only makes it more readable but also ensures that both ATS and recruiters can quickly identify why you're a strong candidate for the role. In short, quality over quantity is key—and using formatting tricks like 1-point font undermines the integrity of your resume.