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Finding a job in today’s competitive market can feel overwhelming, especially when companies rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. If your resume isn’t ATS-friendly, it may never reach human eyes. This is why knowing how to check your ATS score is crucial.

An ATS is an automated system used by recruiters to scan, filter, and rank resumes based on keywords, formatting, and relevance. If your resume isn’t properly optimized, you might be missing out on great job opportunities even if you’re the perfect candidate.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to check your ATS score, optimize your resume for ATS approval, and improve your job search strategy.

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What Is an ATS and Why Does It Matter?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by recruiters and HR professionals to automate the hiring process. Instead of manually reading each application, an ATS scans and sorts resumes based on specific criteria, such as:

Keywords and skills matching the job description
Resume formatting (PDF, Word, or plain text)
Experience and qualifications
Industry-specific phrases

A low ATS score means your resume might not make it past the initial screening, no matter how qualified you are. That’s why it’s essential to check your ATS score before applying.

How to Check Your ATS Score?

Checking your ATS score helps you determine if your resume is ATS-compatible. Here’s how:

1. Use Online ATS Resume Scanners

Several free and paid tools analyze your resume for ATS compatibility and suggest improvements. Popular options include:

Jobscan
Resume Worded
Rezi ATS Scanner
Zety Resume Checker

These tools compare your resume to a job description and provide a compatibility score (usually out of 100).

2. Manually Check for ATS Issues

While online tools are helpful, you can also manually assess your resume for ATS-friendliness by:

Ensuring your format is ATS-readable (avoid tables, images, and graphics).
Using plain text fonts like Arial, Times New Roman, or Calibri.
Matching keywords from the job description.
Avoiding headers and footers (ATS may not read them).

3. Test with a Plain Text Conversion

ATS systems process resumes in plain text format. To see how your resume looks to an ATS:

Copy and paste your resume into Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac).
Check if all content is readable and properly formatted (no missing sections).

If your resume appears jumbled or missing key sections, it’s time to fix formatting issues.

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Common Reasons for a Low ATS Score

If your resume isn’t scoring well in an ATS scan, here are the most common reasons:

1. Poor Formatting

Avoid tables, columns, and text boxes these confuse ATS systems.
Use a simple layout with clear section headings (e.g., “Work Experience,” “Skills,” “Education”).

2. Missing Keywords

Job descriptions contain key terms that ATS software looks for.
Match your resume’s skills section with relevant job-specific keywords.

3. Using the Wrong File Format

The best file formats for ATS are .docx and .pdf.
Avoid .jpg, .png, or .pages files, as ATS won’t read them.

4. Overuse of Fancy Fonts and Designs

Stick to basic fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
No images, graphs, or icons ATS systems can’t read them.

5. Lack of Job-Specific Tailoring

Generic resumes often score low.
Customize your resume for each job by aligning it with the job description.

How to Improve Your ATS Score?

1. Optimize Your Resume for Keywords

Extract keywords from job postings and integrate them naturally.
Include both acronyms and full phrases (e.g., “SEO” and “Search Engine Optimization”).
Avoid keyword stuffing make it look natural!

2. Use a Clean, ATS-Friendly Format

Use bullet points instead of paragraphs.
Avoid tables, charts, and decorative elements.
Keep section headings clear and recognizable (e.g., “Work Experience,” not “My Journey”).

3. Choose the Right Resume Template

Some resume templates are too complex for ATS software. Stick with simple, text-based formats that ensure all content is readable.

4. Customize for Each Job Application

A one-size-fits-all resume won’t work with ATS. Tailor each resume by:

Adjusting the skills section to match the job posting.
Tweaking job titles and descriptions where applicable.
Ensuring relevant experience is emphasized.

5. Test Your Resume Before Submitting

After making changes, run another ATS check using an online tool. The goal is to score above 80% for better visibility.

FAQs – Check Your ATS Score

Q. What is a good ATS score?
A score above 80% is considered good. However, aim for 90% or higher to maximize your chances.

Q. Can a poorly formatted resume be rejected automatically?
Yes! If the ATS cannot read your resume properly, it may discard it entirely before a recruiter sees it.

Q. Should I use an ATS resume template?
Yes! Use a clean, simple template without columns or graphics to ensure proper parsing.

Q. Do all companies use ATS software?
Most large and mid-sized companies use ATS. However, small businesses may still review resumes manually.

Q. How do I know if a job description has ATS keywords?
Look for repeated terms, technical skills, and industry buzzwords in the job description—these are likely ATS keywords.

Q. Does a PDF work with ATS?
Most modern ATS systems can read PDFs, but .docx files are the safest option.

Final Thoughts

Your resume must pass the ATS before reaching a human recruiter. If you don’t check your ATS score, you may be applying for jobs without ever getting seen.

By following ATS-friendly formatting, keyword optimization, and regular resume testing, you’ll increase your chances of landing interviews.

Start optimizing your resume today, check your ATS score, and get ahead in your job search!