Job seekers are bloating their resumes because they’re terrified of ATS bots

Job seekers are increasingly padding their resumes to avoid rejection by automated screening tools (ATS), according to Monster's 2026 State of Resumes Report. Nearly half of U.S. job seekers now use resumes longer than one page, driven by anxiety over ATS bots. This trend has led to longer but less effective resumes, with candidates focusing on keyword stuffing over clarity and relevance. The report highlights outdated resume practices, such as including a full street address and 'references available upon request,' while newer features like portfolios and pronouns remain rare.