In today’s highly competitive job market, getting noticed by employers often starts long before a human even sees your resume. That’s where Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) come into play. These software solutions help recruiters filter and rank candidates based on their qualifications, using algorithms to scan resumes for specific keywords, formatting, and relevance to the job description. For job seekers, this raises an all-important question: What is a good ATS score for a resume?
Understanding ATS Scores
An ATS score is usually a numerical value that indicates how well your resume matches the job description for which you’re applying. It’s typically expressed as a percentage—for example, an 85% match—and reflects the alignment between your resume content and the employer’s criteria.
When you submit your application online, your resume is often analyzed by an ATS before a recruiter ever reviews it. The system compares your skills, work experience, education, and keywords to those included in the job listing. Based on this comparison, a match score is calculated and the recruiters may sort applications using that score.
So, What’s Considered a “Good” ATS Score?
While the ideal ATS score can vary slightly by industry and recruiter preference, here’s a general guideline on how to interpret the score:
- 90-100%: Excellent match – Your resume is highly compatible with the job description and is very likely to pass through ATS filters.
- 80-89%: Good match – You’re in a strong position, but there may be a few keywords or relevant skills you can enhance.
- 70-79%: Fair match – You may want to tweak your resume to better align it with the job posting.
- Below 70%: Weak match – The chances of getting through ATS screening diminish and revisions are strongly recommended.
As a rule of thumb, most career experts and resume professionals suggest aiming for an ATS score of at least 80%. This significantly increases your chances of being shortlisted by the ATS and moving on to the next stage of the hiring process.
How to Improve Your ATS Score
If your ATS score isn’t where you want it to be, there are several strategies you can employ to improve your resume’s performance:
- Use Keywords Wisely: Carefully analyze the job description and incorporate relevant keywords and phrases into your resume. These might include specific skills, certifications, tools or technologies, and job titles.
- Tailor for Each Role: Create customized resumes for each job application instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Avoid Graphics and Complex Formatting: ATS systems prefer simple formatting. Avoid tables, images, headers, and footers, as these can confuse the parser.
- Use Standard Headings: Stick to conventional section headers like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” to help the ATS easily identify key sections of your resume.
- Spell Out Abbreviations: Include both abbreviations and full terms (e.g., “Project Management Professional (PMP)”) to ensure nothing gets missed.
Tools to Check Your ATS Score
There are several online tools and platforms designed to help you determine how well your resume performs in an ATS. Some popular options include:
- Jobscan: Offers a detailed ATS match rate and actionable feedback.
- Resumeworded: Provides keyword analysis and resume strength grading.
- Zety: Gives you resume tips and ATS optimization suggestions.
These tools typically allow you to upload your resume alongside a specific job description. The platform then analyzes your resume’s content, checks for keyword alignment, and provides a match score with suggestions for improvement.
Final Thoughts
A high ATS score isn’t just a number—it’s the gateway to getting noticed in a sea of applications. By understanding how the ATS evaluates your resume and proactively tailoring your application accordingly, you can greatly increase your chances of landing an interview.
While the perfect resume won’t guarantee a job offer, achieving an ATS score of 80% or above ensures your application sails past the first hurdle and gets in front of human eyes—a crucial first step toward securing your next role.