What Is a Good ATS Resume Score: How to Check and Improve It
A good ATS resume score is usually a score that shows your resume closely matches the job description you are applying for. In most cases, a score of 75% or higher can be considered good, while a score of 80% or above is often stronger. A score of 90% and above usually means your resume is highly relevant to the job description and is likely well optimized for applicant tracking systems.
However, your ATS resume score is not just a number. It is a signal that shows how well your resume uses the right keywords, skills, experience, formatting, and job-related information.
When you apply for a job online, your resume may be scanned by an Applicant Tracking System, also known as ATS. This system helps employers organize applications and identify candidates whose resumes appear to match the job requirements. If your resume has a low ATS score, it may mean your resume is missing important keywords, has poor formatting, or does not clearly show your qualifications.
That is why many job seekers now check their ATS resume score before submitting applications. It helps them understand whether their resume is strong enough for the role or needs improvement.
What Is an ATS Resume Score?
An ATS resume score is a rating that measures how well your resume matches a job description. It checks your resume against the skills, qualifications, job titles, experience, and keywords that appear in the job posting.
For example, if a job description requires skills such as project management, customer service, Microsoft Excel, data analysis, or digital marketing, the ATS may check whether those words or related phrases appear in your resume.
Your score may be affected by:
Keywords in your resume
Job title relevance
Work experience
Education
Certifications
Skills section
Resume formatting
Readability
Match with the job description
A good ATS resume score means your resume is easier for the system to understand and more relevant to the job you want.
What Score Is Considered a Good ATS Resume Score?
A good ATS resume score is generally around 75% to 80% or higher. This means your resume has a solid match with the job description.
Here is a simple breakdown:
| ATS Resume Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 90% and above | Excellent match |
| 80%–89% | Strong match |
| 70%–79% | Good match, but can be improved |
| 60%–69% | Average match |
| Below 60% | Needs improvement |
A score below 60% does not always mean you are unqualified. It may simply mean your resume is not properly written or optimized for the job description.
For example, you may have the right experience but use different wording from the job post. If the job description says “customer relationship management” but your resume says only “helped customers,” the system may not recognize the full match.
That is why improving your resume wording can make a big difference.
Is 80% a Good ATS Score?
Yes, an ATS score of 80% is usually a good score. It suggests that your resume has a strong match with the job description.
An 80% score may mean:
Your resume includes many of the right keywords
Your skills match the job requirements
Your experience is relevant
Your resume format is readable
Your qualifications are clearly presented
However, you should still review your resume carefully. A score of 80% is strong, but your resume should also sound natural and professional to human recruiters.
Remember, the ATS may help your resume get noticed, but a recruiter or hiring manager still needs to read it and decide whether you are a good candidate.
Is 70% a Good ATS Resume Score?
A score of 70% can be considered decent, but it usually means there is room for improvement. Your resume may match some parts of the job description, but it may be missing important keywords, tools, certifications, or experience details.
If your resume score is around 70%, you should check:
Are important job keywords missing?
Does your work experience match the role clearly?
Are your skills listed properly?
Is your resume format ATS-friendly?
Did you include relevant certifications?
Is your professional summary targeted to the job?
A few smart edits can often move a 70% score closer to 80% or higher.
Is 90% a Good ATS Score?
Yes, a score of 90% or above is usually excellent. It means your resume is highly aligned with the job description.
A 90% score may show that your resume includes:
Strong keyword alignment
Relevant job experience
Correct skills
Clear formatting
Good use of job-specific language
Proper resume sections
However, do not chase a high ATS score by stuffing your resume with keywords. Your resume should still be honest, readable, and professional. Adding too many keywords unnaturally can make your resume look weak when a recruiter reads it.
The best resume is both ATS-friendly and human-friendly.
Why a Good ATS Resume Score Matters
A good ATS resume score matters because it can help your resume perform better during the first stage of the hiring process.
Many employers receive a large number of applications. ATS software helps them organize and filter resumes based on relevance. If your resume does not match the job description well, it may not rank highly in the system.
A good ATS resume score can help you:
Improve your chance of passing initial resume screening
Find missing keywords before applying
Make your resume more relevant to the job
Avoid formatting issues that affect scanning
Increase your confidence before submitting applications
Create a more targeted resume for each role
This is especially important when applying for competitive jobs where many candidates may have similar qualifications.
What Affects Your ATS Resume Score?
Your ATS resume score can be affected by several important factors. Understanding these factors can help you improve your resume before applying.
1. Keyword Match
Keyword match is one of the biggest factors in ATS scoring. If the job description mentions certain skills, tools, responsibilities, or qualifications, your resume should include them where they are relevant to your actual experience.
For example, a job description may include keywords like:
Data analysis
Customer support
Sales reporting
Team leadership
Project coordination
Digital marketing
Administrative support
Python
Microsoft Excel
CRM software
If you have these skills, include them naturally in your resume.
2. Resume Formatting
ATS software may struggle with complicated resume designs. If your resume uses too many tables, columns, graphics, icons, or text boxes, the system may not read it properly.
To improve your ATS score, use:
Clear headings
Simple fonts
Standard sections
Bullet points
Clean spacing
Text-based content
Avoid placing important information inside images or decorative design elements.
3. Skills Section
Your skills section should match the job you are applying for. A generic skills section may not be enough.
Instead of listing random skills, focus on the skills mentioned in the job description, as long as you truly have them.
For example, if you are applying for a human resources role, your skills section may include:
Recruitment
Employee onboarding
HR documentation
Payroll support
Interview scheduling
Employee relations
HRIS software
4. Work Experience
Your work experience should clearly show that you can perform the job. Do not only list duties. Add achievements, results, and specific responsibilities.
Weak example:
“Worked with customers.”
Better example:
“Managed customer inquiries, resolved complaints, and supported daily service operations to improve customer satisfaction.”
The second example gives more detail and includes stronger job-related language.
5. Job Title Relevance
If your past job titles are similar to the role you are applying for, your ATS score may improve. However, if your title is unusual, you can make it clearer.
Example:
“Customer Happiness Officer / Customer Service Representative”
This helps the system and the recruiter understand your role more easily.
6. Education and Certifications
Some jobs require certain degrees, licenses, or certifications. If the job description asks for them, include them clearly in your resume.
For example:
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
Certified Project Management Professional
Google Analytics Certification
First Aid Certification
Nursing License
Teaching Certificate
7. Resume Length and Clarity
A resume that is too short may not include enough information. A resume that is too long may become difficult to scan. For most job seekers, one to two pages is usually enough, depending on experience level.
The goal is to include relevant information without adding unnecessary details.
How to Check Your ATS Resume Score
The easiest way to check your ATS resume score is to use an ATS resume checker. This type of tool scans your resume and helps you identify areas that need improvement.
With an ATS checker, you can review:
Resume score
Keyword match
Skills match
Formatting issues
Missing sections
Job description relevance
Improvement suggestions
Before submitting your next job application, you can use the MyCVCreator ATS Resume Checker to check your resume score and improve your resume for better ATS compatibility.
This can help you see whether your resume is ready or whether you need to make changes before applying.
How to Improve a Low ATS Resume Score
If your ATS resume score is low, do not panic. A low score can often be improved with the right changes.
Here are practical steps to improve your score:
1. Compare Your Resume With the Job Description
Read the job description carefully and highlight the most important skills, tools, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Then compare those details with your resume.
Ask yourself:
Did I include the main skills from the job description?
Did I mention the right tools or software?
Does my experience match the role?
Are my achievements relevant?
Did I use clear job-related language?
2. Add Missing Keywords Naturally
If you have the required skills but forgot to include them, add them naturally.
For example, if the job description mentions “inventory management” and you have done it before, include it in your work experience or skills section.
Avoid keyword stuffing. Your resume should still read smoothly.
3. Rewrite Your Professional Summary
Your professional summary should match the role you are applying for. A weak or generic summary can reduce the strength of your resume.
Weak summary:
“Hardworking person looking for a good job.”
Better summary:
“Detail-oriented administrative assistant with experience in document management, scheduling, data entry, customer support, and office coordination.”
The improved version includes specific keywords and clearly shows value.
4. Improve Your Work Experience Bullet Points
Your work experience should show what you did and what impact you made.
Use bullet points that include action words and relevant keywords.
Examples:
Managed daily customer inquiries through phone, email, and live chat
Prepared weekly sales reports using Microsoft Excel
Coordinated project timelines and tracked team deliverables
Assisted with employee onboarding and HR documentation
Improved filing accuracy by organizing digital records
5. Use Standard Resume Headings
ATS software understands standard headings more easily.
Use headings like:
Professional Summary
Work Experience
Education
Skills
Certifications
Projects
Avoid unusual headings such as:
My Life Story
What I Have Done
My Abilities
Career Journey
6. Remove Unnecessary Design Elements
A beautiful resume is useful only if the system can read it. Remove design elements that may confuse ATS software.
Avoid:
Heavy graphics
Text boxes
Icons instead of words
Multiple columns
Complicated tables
Images containing text
7. Save Your Resume in the Right File Format
Many employers accept PDF or DOCX files. Always follow the instructions in the job application. If the employer asks for a specific format, use that format.
If there are no instructions, a clean PDF or DOCX version is usually acceptable.
Should You Always Aim for 100% ATS Score?
No, you do not need a 100% ATS score. In fact, trying too hard to reach 100% can make your resume sound unnatural.
Your goal should be to create a resume that is:
Relevant to the job
Easy for ATS software to read
Clear to recruiters
Honest and accurate
Focused on achievements
Professionally written
A score between 80% and 90% is usually strong enough for many applications, especially if the resume is also well written.
A 100% score is not always realistic because some job descriptions include requirements you may not have. You should never add false skills or experience just to increase your score.
ATS Resume Score vs Interview Chance
A good ATS resume score can improve your chances of getting noticed, but it does not guarantee an interview.
Recruiters may still consider:
Your work history
Your achievements
Your education
Your portfolio
Your location
Your salary expectations
Your communication skills
Your overall fit for the role
Your ATS score helps you pass one important stage, but your resume still needs to convince a human reader.
That is why your resume should not only be optimized for software. It should also clearly show why you are the right person for the job.
Common Mistakes That Lower Your ATS Resume Score
Many job seekers have low ATS scores because of avoidable mistakes.
Here are some common ones:
1. Sending the Same Resume for Every Job
Different jobs require different keywords. If you use the same resume for every application, your score may be lower.
2. Ignoring the Job Description
The job description is your guide. It tells you what the employer wants. Use it to tailor your resume.
3. Using Too Many Graphics
Graphics may make your resume look attractive, but they can cause ATS scanning problems.
4. Forgetting Important Skills
Sometimes job seekers have the right skills but forget to list them. Make sure your skills section is complete and relevant.
5. Writing Vague Bullet Points
Bullet points should be specific. Instead of saying “helped with office work,” explain what you actually did.
6. Using Unclear Job Titles
If your job title is uncommon, add a clearer version beside it.
7. Not Checking the Resume Before Applying
Many job seekers submit resumes without checking how well they match the job. Using an ATS checker can help you avoid this mistake.
Example of a Good ATS-Friendly Resume Summary
Here is an example of a resume summary that can support a better ATS score:
“Results-driven digital marketing specialist with experience in SEO, content strategy, email marketing, social media management, Google Analytics, and campaign reporting. Skilled at improving online visibility, tracking performance metrics, and supporting lead generation campaigns.”
This summary works because it includes specific job-related keywords while still sounding natural.
Example of a Weak Resume Summary
“Hardworking and passionate person looking for an opportunity to grow in a good company.”
This summary is too general. It does not include job-specific skills, experience, or keywords. It may not help your ATS score much.
Final Thoughts
A good ATS resume score is usually 75% or higher, while 80% to 90% is often a strong range to aim for. A higher score means your resume is more closely matched to the job description, but the quality of your writing still matters.
Your resume should be built for both ATS software and human recruiters. It should include the right keywords, clear formatting, strong achievements, and honest information about your skills and experience.
Before you apply for your next job, take a few minutes to check your resume, compare it with the job description, and make improvements where needed.
To make the process easier, you can check your resume with the MyCVCreator ATS Resume Checker and improve your ATS resume score before submitting your application.
