What is a good ATS score for a resume?

While there's no universally 'perfect' score, most experts agree that aiming for **an ATS score of 80% or higher** is ideal. A score in this range indicates that your resume has successfully captured a significant percentage of the keywords and formatting elements the ATS is looking for, making it highly likely to be passed on to a human recruiter for review. Anything below 60-70% might mean your resume gets automatically filtered out.

How can I check my ATS resume score?

You can check your ATS resume score using online **ATS resume checker** tools. Platforms like the [Evalzz ATS Score Checker](https://ats.evalzz.com) allow you to upload your resume and the job description for which you're applying. The tool then analyzes the compatibility and provides a score, along with detailed feedback on areas like keyword matching, formatting issues, and readability, helping you to **increase ATS score of resume free** or with targeted edits.

What makes a resume ATS friendly?

An ATS-friendly resume is characterized by **clear, simple formatting**, the strategic **integration of keywords** directly from the job description, and a **standard structure**. This includes using common headings (e.g., "Work Experience," "Skills"), widely recognized fonts (like Arial or Calibri), avoiding complex graphics or embedded images, and saving the document in a parseable format like PDF (unless specified otherwise). Essentially, it's designed for machine readability first, then human readability.

How do I beat the ATS system?

You don't 'beat' the ATS system so much as you **optimize your resume to work with it**. The most effective strategies involve meticulously tailoring your resume to each job description. This includes: 1) **Keyword optimization** by matching skills and responsibilities exactly as listed in the JD, 2) **Using clear, standard formatting** and fonts, 3) **Quantifying achievements** with numbers and data, 4) **Avoiding graphics or tables** that confuse the system, and 5) **Proofreading** diligently. Leveraging an **enhance ATS score checker** tool can also guide your optimization efforts.

Boost Your Chances: What Is Increase ATS Score?

Q: Why is an ATS score important?

An ATS score is crucial because it acts as the initial gatekeeper in the modern hiring process. A high score means your resume successfully passed the automated screening, allowing it to reach a human recruiter. Without a good ATS score, your resume might never be seen by human eyes, regardless of your qualifications, significantly hindering your chances of getting an interview. It's the first hurdle you must clear to even be considered for a role.

Q: Does an ATS score guarantee an interview?

No, **an ATS score does not guarantee an interview**, but it significantly increases your probability of getting one. A high ATS score ensures your resume successfully passes the initial automated screening, placing it in the hands of a human recruiter. From there, human judgment takes over, considering factors like overall fit, soft skills demonstrated, and cultural alignment, in addition to the qualifications already parsed by the ATS. It's a critical first step, not the final one.

Landing your dream job feels like a marathon, doesn't it? You spend hours perfecting your resume, tailoring your cover letter, and then hit 'submit,' only for it to disappear into the digital ether. If this sounds familiar, you're likely running into an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

An ATS is recruitment software that helps companies manage large volumes of job applications. It scans, parses, and ranks resumes based on relevancy to the job description before a human even lays eyes on them. In fact, a staggering 75% of large companies and nearly all Fortune 500 companies rely on ATS to filter candidates, according to recent industry reports. This means your beautifully designed resume could be getting rejected by a robot long before it reaches a human recruiter.

So, what's the secret to getting past this digital gatekeeper? It's all about knowing what is increase ATS score and how to apply those strategies effectively. Think of your ATS score as a compatibility rating – the higher your score, the better your resume aligns with the job's requirements, and the higher your chances of getting noticed.

This comprehensive guide from Evalzz Career Blog will demystify the ATS, explain why optimizing your resume is non-negotiable, and provide you with actionable, expert-backed strategies to significantly increase ATS score of your resume, often for free. Let's dive in!

Understanding "What Is Increase ATS Score?"

At its core, increasing your ATS score means making your resume more readable and relevant to an Applicant Tracking System. When an ATS scans your resume, it's looking for specific keywords, phrases, skills, and formatting elements that match the job description. It assigns a relevancy score based on how well your document aligns with these criteria.

Why Your ATS Score Matters More Than You Think

Imagine a recruiter sifting through hundreds, if not thousands, of applications for a single role. It’s an impossible task manually. This is where the ATS becomes indispensable. For a recruiter, the ATS acts as a preliminary filter, presenting them with a manageable shortlist of the most qualified candidates.

Efficiency: ATS dramatically speeds up the hiring process by automating the initial screening. This means less time for recruiters, but also a faster response time for you if your resume is optimized.
Fairness (with caveats): While an ATS can filter out bias related to names or personal details, it can also unintentionally filter out highly qualified candidates whose resumes aren't formatted or keyword-optimized correctly.
First Impression: Your ATS score is essentially your first impression. A low score means your resume might never even be seen by a human, regardless of how qualified you are for the role.
Competitive Edge: In a crowded job market, even a slight edge can make a huge difference. A higher ATS score positions you favorably against other applicants who might have overlooked this crucial step.

The Core Components of a High ATS Score

To truly increase ATS score of resume, you need to understand what the system prioritizes. Based on our experience working with thousands of job seekers on Evalzz, these are the fundamental elements:

Keyword Matching: This is perhaps the most critical component. The ATS extracts keywords from the job description and scans your resume for those same terms. This includes job titles, skills (hard and soft), industry-specific jargon, and responsibilities.
Formatting & Structure: ATS prefers clean, standard resume formats. Overly complex designs, graphics, tables, text boxes, and unusual fonts can confuse the system, leading to parsing errors and a lower score.
Contact Information: Clear, concise contact details are essential for the ATS to correctly identify you.
Work Experience: Detailed descriptions of roles, responsibilities, and achievements, especially those quantified with numbers, are highly valued.
Education: Standardized listings of degrees, institutions, and dates.
Skills Section: A dedicated, easy-to-read skills section where you list both technical and soft skills is a goldmine for ATS.

Practical Strategies to Increase ATS Score of Resume Free

You don't need expensive software to significantly increase ATS score of resume free. Many effective strategies involve thoughtful preparation and strategic writing. Let's look at some actionable tips that will help your resume pass the ATS test with flying colors.

Keyword Optimization: Speaking the ATS Language

This is where most job seekers can make the biggest difference. The key is to mirror the language used in the job description.

Analyze the Job Description (JD): Read the JD thoroughly. Highlight or list all keywords related to skills, responsibilities, tools, and qualifications. Pay attention to exact phrasing. If a JD asks for "Project Management Software," don't just put "PMS."
Integrate Keywords Naturally: Don't just stuff keywords. Weave them into your resume organically. Use them in your summary/objective, work experience bullet points, and especially in your dedicated skills section. For example, instead of just saying "Managed projects," say "Managed full lifecycle projects utilizing Agile methodologies and JIRA, delivering X% efficiency improvements" if Agile and JIRA were mentioned in the JD.
Skill Variations: Include both common acronyms and full names if appropriate (e.g., "SEO" and "Search Engine Optimization").
Hard Skills First: Prioritize hard skills (technical skills, software proficiency, certifications) as these are often easier for ATS to identify and match.

Formatting for ATS Friendliness

An ATS-friendly resume doesn't have to be boring, but it does need to be clean and predictable.

Simple Layouts: Stick to traditional, chronological or hybrid resume formats. Avoid fancy templates with multiple columns, images, or complex graphics, as these can garble text when parsed by an ATS. A good starting point can be found with the Evalzz Resume Builder, which offers ATS-optimized templates.
Standard Headings: Use common headings like "Work Experience," "Education," "Skills," "Summary," "Projects," and "Certifications." ATS is programmed to recognize these.
Common Fonts: Choose widely recognized fonts like Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, or Georgia. Avoid custom or decorative fonts.
No Headers/Footers (mostly): While some modern ATS can handle them, it's safer to avoid putting critical information (like your name or contact details) in headers or footers, as some older systems might not parse them correctly.
Save as PDF (usually): While some employers request Word documents, PDF is generally preferred as it preserves formatting across different systems. Always check the job posting for preferred file types. If none is specified, PDF is a safe bet.

Quantifying Achievements: The Data ATS Loves

Numbers stand out to both ATS and human eyes. They demonstrate impact and provide concrete evidence of your accomplishments.

Use the STAR Method: Describe the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Focus heavily on the Result, especially when it can be quantified.
Examples:
- Instead of: "Responsible for increasing sales."
- Try: "Increased quarterly sales by 15% (or $150K) through targeted digital marketing campaigns."
- Instead of: "Managed a team."
- Try: "Led a team of 5 software engineers, consistently meeting project deadlines and reducing bug reports by 20%."

Proofreading: The Unsung Hero

Typos and grammatical errors don't just look unprofessional to human eyes; they can also confuse an ATS, leading to missed keyword matches. A single misspelling of a critical skill could cause your resume to be overlooked.

Read Aloud: This helps catch awkward phrasing and errors your eyes might skip.
Get a Second Pair of Eyes: Ask a friend or mentor to review your resume.
Utilize Tools: Use built-in spell checkers and grammar tools, but don't rely solely on them. Programs like Grammarly can also be helpful.

Leveraging Tools to Enhance ATS Score Checker & Optimization

While manual optimization is powerful, technology can significantly enhance ATS score checker processes and give you an even clearer picture of your resume's readiness.

The Power of an ATS Resume Checker

An ATS resume checker tool can be incredibly valuable. These tools analyze your resume against a specific job description and provide a score, highlighting areas where you're strong and where you need improvement. This is precisely what the Evalzz ATS Score Checker is designed to do.

How it works: You upload your resume and the job description. The checker then identifies keywords, analyzes formatting, and gives you a percentage match or a score. It often points out missing keywords, problematic formatting, and areas for improvement.
Iteration and Refinement: Use the feedback from an enhance ATS score checker to make targeted adjustments. Repeat the process until you achieve a high score. It's an iterative process, but each refinement brings you closer to an interview.

Beyond the Score: Human Review

While a high ATS score is essential, it's not the only factor. Your resume ultimately needs to impress a human being. After optimizing for ATS, take a moment to read your resume yourself. Does it tell a compelling story? Is it easy to understand? Does it highlight your unique value proposition?

Consider seeking feedback from career counselors or industry professionals. At Evalzz, we believe in combining technological advantages with human insight to maximize your career success. Our Career Guidance on Evalzz offers personalized advice that goes beyond just the ATS score.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Trying to Increase ATS Score

Even with the best intentions, job seekers often make mistakes that can tank their ATS score.

Keyword Stuffing: Overloading your resume with keywords in an unnatural way. This can flag your resume as spam to an ATS and certainly turn off a human reviewer.
Invisible Text: Some applicants try to hide keywords by making them the same color as the background. ATS systems are sophisticated enough to detect this and will often penalize your resume.
Generic Resumes: Using the same resume for every job application is a surefire way to get a low ATS score. Each job description is unique, and your resume should reflect that.
Using Graphics for Text: Putting your contact information or key skills into an image file. ATS cannot read text embedded in images.
Incorrect File Type: Submitting a resume in a file format not requested (e.g., .pages instead of .pdf or .doc).

Does an ATS Score Guarantee an Interview? Setting Realistic Expectations

This is a common question, and the answer is a resounding no, not a guarantee. Why is an ATS score important? Because it significantly increases your chances of getting an interview, but it doesn't guarantee one. Think of it this way:

A high ATS score gets your foot in the door. It means your resume has successfully passed the initial automated screening and is now in the hands of a human recruiter.
A human recruiter makes the final decision. Once your resume clears the ATS, a human reviews it. They look for clarity, conciseness, impact, and overall fit with the company culture and team dynamics – things an ATS can't fully assess.
It's one piece of the puzzle. Your interview performance, networking efforts, recommendations, and other application materials (like a cover letter or portfolio) all contribute to the final hiring decision. A strong resume simply opens the door.

Ultimately, a high ATS score is a vital step in your job search strategy. It’s about removing a significant barrier that prevents countless qualified candidates from even being considered.

Key Takeaways for Increasing Your ATS Score

To summarize our deep dive into what is increase ATS score, here are the most critical points to remember:

ATS is Your First Interviewer: Understand that Applicant Tracking Systems are the gatekeepers of modern hiring.
Keyword Match is King: Tailor your resume precisely to the job description's keywords.
Format for Readability: Keep your resume design clean, simple, and standard. Avoid fancy graphics.
Quantify Everything: Use numbers and data to demonstrate your impact and achievements.
Proofread Meticulously: Eliminate all typos and grammatical errors.
Utilize an ATS Checker: Tools like the Evalzz ATS Score Checker can give you invaluable insights.
No Guarantee, but High Chance: A high ATS score doesn't guarantee an interview, but it drastically improves your odds of being seen by a human. For more opportunities, remember to check Evalzz Jobs.

By following these strategies, you’re not just optimizing your resume; you’re reclaiming control over your job search and significantly boosting your chances of moving forward in the recruitment process. Don't let a robot stand between you and your next career opportunity!