How to Improve Your ATS Score

You improve an ATS score by adding missing job terms under clear headings such as Summary, Skills, and Experience. Use one column, standard fonts, and spell out an acronym once before you abbreviate it. For example write Search Engine Optimization before SEO. Skip tables, text boxes, and graphics that hide text from the plain export recruiters rely on. Parsers often drop whole lines when layout breaks top-to-bottom reading order. Before you submit, preview plain text so critical keywords are not trapped in headers, footers, or images.

Last updated: March 2026 | Written by the MatchResume.ai team

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Why ATS Score Matters

Many companies use ATS to screen resumes before a recruiter sees them. A higher score means more of your applications reach the right people.

What Happens When You Score Low

Resumes below the threshold are filtered out before humans see them

Keyword match is the biggest lever; missing terms drag your score down

Parseable format matters — if ATS can't read your text, keywords don't count

Once you're shortlisted, humans judge content and fit — but you have to get there first

What Affects Your Score

Keyword matchHeavy
Section structureHigh
Format / parseabilityHigh
Relevance orderChecked

How to Raise Your Score

Align with Job Keywords

Pull required and preferred skills, tools, and phrases from the job description. Add them to your summary, skills section, and bullet points. Use the job's exact wording where it fits; don't stuff — one or two targeted terms per bullet is enough.

Use a Parseable Format

ATS have to read your resume to score it. Use standard headings (Summary, Experience, Skills, Education), a simple linear flow, and avoid images or complex tables. Save as PDF or Word as the job specifies.

Test Before You Apply

Run your resume and the job description through a match tool. You'll get a score and see missing keywords or formatting issues. Fix gaps and re-run; one or two iterations usually improve alignment noticeably.

Improving Your ATS Score

Quick Wins

  • Add exact keywords from the job description
  • Use standard section headings (Summary, Experience, Skills)
  • Put the most relevant experience and skills first
  • Tailor each application; one generic resume scores lower

Format & Structure

  • Use a simple, linear layout ATS can parse
  • Avoid images, text boxes, or complex tables
  • Save as PDF or Word as the job specifies
  • Lead with a summary that reflects the role

Test & Refine

  • Run resume and job description through a match tool
  • Fix missing keywords and re-run to see the new score
  • One or two iterations usually improve alignment noticeably
  • Use feedback to add terms and simplify layout

MatchResume.ai Difference

Get a match score and see which keywords are missing before you apply.

Keyword Detection

See which keywords are present and what's missing

Match Score

Get a score and see how you align with the job

Actionable Fixes

Specific suggestions to add missing keywords

FAQ

What is an ATS score?

An ATS score is a rating (often 0–100%) that applicant tracking systems assign to your resume based on keyword match, skills fit, and sometimes format. Higher scores mean your resume is more likely to be shortlisted.

How can I improve my ATS score quickly?

Add missing keywords from the job description to your summary and bullets, use standard section headings, and ensure your resume is in a simple, parseable format (no images or complex tables).

Does resume format affect ATS score?

Yes. ATS need to parse your text. Complex layouts, images, text boxes, or unusual headings can cause parsing errors and lower your effective score. Use a clean, linear layout.

Should I use exact words from the job description?

Where it fits naturally, yes. ATS often match exact phrases. Include the job title and key requirements in your summary and bullets. Avoid stuffing; keep sentences readable.

Can I see my ATS score before applying?

You can't see the score from a specific company's ATS, but you can use standalone match or ATS-style tools that compare your resume to the job description and give you a similar score and feedback.

How much does ATS score matter?

It matters for getting past the first filter. Once you're in the shortlist, recruiters and hiring managers judge you on content and fit. So improving ATS score gets you in the door; the rest of your resume closes the deal.

How do I improve my ATS score?

Add missing phrases from the posting under clear headings, keep one column and simple fonts, and spell out acronyms once. Run a match report, fix the top gaps, and export a clean PDF or Word file before you submit.

How do I improve ATS score from 75?

Read the remaining misses. Often the last points come from synonyms you skipped, bullets without metrics, or skills listed without proof. Tighten three bullets, add one missing tool, and re-run.

How do I increase the ATS score of a resume?

Treat it as a checklist. Align language with the job description, move the strongest proof earlier, and remove formatting that breaks text order. Iterate with the same posting until improvements stop.