Why can tables cause problems for applicant tracking systems?

Because software reads tables in ways you may not expect. Some systems read across each row, others down each column, and some skip cell contents or merge them. Text that looks neat on screen can come out jumbled, with dates separated from jobs or skills mixed into the wrong section.

Typical problems:

• A two-column table layout reads left column then right column, or line by line across both.
• Dates in one cell and job details in another become separated.
• Nested tables or merged cells confuse the reading order.

Not every table breaks every system, and products differ. But because you cannot know which system an employer uses, the low-risk choice is to avoid tables for important content.

What to use instead:

• Simple lines of text with tab stops for alignment.
• Plain lists for skills.
• Single-column layouts with standard headings.

If you must keep a table, test it: copy the text from your PDF into a plain editor and check the order makes sense.