How to Check and Improve Your Resume ATS Score (Step-by-Step Guide)

Why Your Resume's ATS Score Matters

In today's competitive job market, getting your resume past the initial screening is more challenging than ever. According to recent data, over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before they reach human eyes. This means that even the most qualified candidates can be rejected automatically if their resume doesn't meet the ATS criteria.

While many job seekers focus solely on design and content, understanding your ATS score is crucial for application success. The growing frustration among qualified candidates being rejected by ATS systems before reaching hiring managers has led to a need for better understanding of how these systems work and how to optimize resumes accordingly.

Understanding ATS Systems and Scoring

Applicant Tracking Systems are software applications that help employers manage the recruitment process. These systems scan, sort, and rank resumes based on specific criteria set by employers. Here's how they work:

• Keyword matching and analysis: ATS systems search for specific keywords and phrases related to the job description.
• Format compatibility: They analyze the structure and format of your resume to ensure it can be properly parsed.
• Content parsing capabilities: ATS systems extract information from your resume and organize it into categories.
• Scoring mechanisms: Based on the above factors, your resume receives a score that determines whether it moves forward.

ATS systems specifically look for:

• Job title matches: How closely your previous positions match the job you're applying for.
• Skills alignment: Whether you have the required skills listed in the job description.
• Experience duration: If you meet the minimum experience requirements.
• Education requirements: Whether you have the necessary degrees or certifications.

Common Reasons for Low ATS Scores

Understanding why resumes get rejected by ATS systems is the first step to improving your score. Here are the top factors that lead to poor ATS performance:

• Incompatible file formats: Using file types that ATS systems struggle to read properly.
• Complex formatting: Fancy designs, tables, and graphics that confuse the ATS parser.
• Missing key job-specific keywords: Not including the essential terms from the job description.
• Non-standard section headers: Using creative headings instead of standard ones like "Experience" or "Education."
• Graphics and images: Including logos, photos, or icons that ATS systems cannot interpret.
• Tables and columns: Using multi-column layouts that disrupt the reading order for ATS systems.

Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your ATS Score

Step 1: Format Your Resume Correctly

The foundation of a good ATS score is proper formatting. Here's how to ensure your resume is ATS-friendly:

• Use ATS-compatible file formats: Save your resume as a .docx or .pdf file. These formats are most widely accepted by ATS systems.
• Implement proper heading structures: Use clear, standard section headings like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills."
• Avoid tables, columns, and text boxes: These elements can confuse ATS systems and cause them to misread your information.
• Use standard fonts: Stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Remove headers and footers: Some ATS systems cannot read information placed in headers and footers.

Step 2: Analyze Job Description Keywords

Identifying and incorporating the right keywords is crucial for a high ATS score:

• Identify essential skills and qualifications: Carefully read the job description and highlight required skills, qualifications, and experiences.
• Use keyword extraction tools: Tools like JobScan or ResumeFlight can help identify key terms from job descriptions.
• Incorporate keywords naturally: Don't just list keywords; integrate them naturally into your experience descriptions and skills sections.
• Include both acronyms and full terms: For example, use both "Search Engine Optimization" and "SEO" to cover all bases.

Step 3: Test Your Resume's ATS Compatibility

Before submitting your application, test how well your resume performs with ATS systems:

• Use ResumeFlight's ATS optimization feature: Our tool analyzes your resume against specific job descriptions and provides an ATS compatibility score.
• Review the detailed analysis: Identify which keywords are missing or underrepresented in your resume.
• Check for formatting issues: Ensure that your resume's structure is being correctly interpreted.
• Make recommended adjustments: Update your resume based on the feedback to improve your ATS score.

Manual vs. Automated ATS Optimization

Let's compare traditional methods with using a tool like ResumeFlight:

Expert Tips for Higher ATS Scores

Take your ATS optimization to the next level with these advanced strategies:

• Keyword placement: Place important keywords in prominent positions, such as section headings and the first bullet points of job descriptions.
• Section ordering: Put the most relevant sections first. If the job requires specific technical skills, place your skills section before your work experience.
• Experience description optimization: Use action verbs and quantifiable achievements that incorporate key terms from the job description.
• Skills section formatting: Create a dedicated skills section that clearly lists your relevant abilities, especially technical skills.

Your Path to ATS Success

Maintaining a strong ATS score is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process. As you apply for different positions, you'll need to continually adjust your resume to match each job description. This might seem time-consuming, but the increased chances of getting an interview make it well worth the effort.

ResumeFlight automates this entire process, saving you time and increasing your success rates. Our platform analyzes job descriptions, suggests optimizations, and helps you create a perfectly tailored resume for each application in minutes.

Remember, in today's competitive job market, having a professionally written resume is only half the battle. Ensuring that your resume is optimized for ATS systems is equally important. By following the steps outlined in this guide and leveraging tools like ResumeFlight, you can significantly increase your chances of getting past the initial screening and landing that all-important interview.

Your resume is your first impression on potential employers. Make sure it's not just seen by humans, but also properly read and ranked by the ATS systems that guard the gates to your next career opportunity.