In today’s competitive job market, having a professionally crafted resume is only part of the equation. To stand out to employers, your resume must also pass an initial screening by an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These AI-powered tools filter and rank resumes before they ever reach human eyes. So, what is a good ATS score for your resume, and how can you achieve it?
Understanding the ATS and Its Role
An Applicant Tracking System is designed to help hiring managers sort through large volumes of applications. By analyzing resume content for specific keywords, qualifications, and formatting, the ATS assigns a score to each resume based on how well it matches the job description.
This score plays a critical role. If your resume doesn’t hit a certain threshold, it may never reach a recruiter, no matter how good your qualifications are. That’s why understanding and targeting a good ATS score is crucial.
What is Considered a Good ATS Score?
While the exact scoring system can vary by ATS provider, most platforms follow a similar percentage-based model. Typically, ATS scores range from 0% to 100%. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 0% – 39%: Poor match. Resume is likely irrelevant to the job description.
- 40% – 59%: Fair match. Some relevant keywords are included, but significant improvements are needed.
- 60% – 74%: Good match. Resume includes many relevant keywords and qualifications.
- 75% – 89%: Strong match. Resume is well-aligned with job requirements.
- 90% – 100%: Excellent match. Resume is highly optimized and has a strong chance of reaching a recruiter.
Most career experts recommend aiming for an ATS score of at least 80%. This threshold generally indicates that your resume is well-tailored to the job and has a solid chance of making it past the automated filters.
How to Improve Your ATS Score
Improving your score doesn’t mean stuffing your resume with buzzwords. Instead, it requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. Here are some effective tips to help your resume perform better:
- Tailor your resume to each job description. Use language and keywords directly from the listing.
- Focus on relevant skills and job titles. These are high-priority items in most ATS algorithms.
- Stick to standard resume formats. Unusual fonts, excessive graphics, or columns can confuse ATS software.
- Use section headings that ATS systems recognize, like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.”
- Include both acronyms and spelled-out terms (e.g., SEO and Search Engine Optimization).
Tools to Check Your ATS Score
There are several online tools and platforms that allow you to test your resume’s performance against ATS systems. Some popular ones include:
- Jobscan: Offers a side-by-side analysis of your resume and the job description.
- Resumeworded: Scores your resume on multiple fronts, including ATS readiness.
- SkillSyncer: Matches your resume to job postings based on keyword relevance.
Using these tools not only gives you a specific score but also directs you to areas for improvement.
Beyond the Score: Other ATS Considerations
While a high ATS score is important, it’s not the only factor. Ensure your resume is also visually readable by humans, delivers a compelling story of your career, and includes measurable achievements. Think of the ATS as the gatekeeper—your first round of defense. Once you pass through it, your resume needs to impress the hiring manager.
Here are a few final tips to ensure your application stands out:
- Keep it concise: 1-2 pages is generally ideal for most industries.
- Quantify your achievements: Use numbers to highlight your impact.
- Edit for clarity and grammar: Spelling mistakes can be flagged by both ATS and hiring managers.
Conclusion
Getting a good ATS score—ideally above 80%—could be the difference between landing an interview or being overlooked. With the right approach, including keyword optimization and clean formatting, you can significantly increase your chances of making it through the digital gatekeeper. Remember, success isn’t just about what you’ve done, but also how effectively you present it to both machines and people.