Ever feel like your resume is disappearing into a digital “black hole”? You definitely aren’t alone—I hear this from job seekers almost every week. In 2026, over 95% of Fortune 500 companies—and a growing number of small businesses—use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to filter candidates before a human even sees a name.
An ATS score is essentially a “compatibility grade” that tells recruiters how well your resume matches the job description. If your score is too low, you’re rejected automatically, and you’ll probably never know why.
The good news? Beating the bot isn’t about “gaming” the system; it’s about speaking its language. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to optimize your document and use our free ATS resume scanner to land more interviews.
What is an ATS Score?
Think of an ATS score as a “relevancy ranking.” When you upload your CV, the software parses the text, extracts your skills, and compares them against the specific requirements set by the hiring manager. It’s not an IQ test for your career; it’s a matching game—and honestly, a pretty literal one.
For example, if a job description asks for “Python Programming” and your resume only lists “Coding,” the ATS might give you a lower score because it’s looking for that exact keyword. This happens more often than you’d think.
A high resume ATS score ensures you end up at the top of the recruiter’s pile rather than the bottom of the digital trash can.
Why Your Resume Gets Rejected by ATS
If you’re sending out dozens of applications and hearing nothing but crickets, your resume is likely failing for one of three reasons—sometimes all three at once:
Wrong Keywords:
You might have the experience, but if you aren’t using the specific terminology found in the job post, the scanner won’t recognize your expertise. I’ve seen perfectly qualified candidates get filtered out just because they wrote “client relations” instead of “customer success.”
Bad Formatting:
ATS bots struggle with “fancy” designs. Tables, columns, images, and headers/footers often turn your data into a garbled mess that the system can’t read. This is probably the most common issue I come across when people ask me to look at their resumes.
Missing Job Match:
If your resume is too generic, it won’t hit the “relevancy threshold.” Every application needs to be tailored to the specific automated resume screening criteria of that role—even if it feels tedious.
7 Ways to Improve ATS Score
Improving your CV ATS checker results doesn’t require a total rewrite. Focus on these seven high-impact adjustments, and in most cases, you’ll see a noticeable difference:
Use Exact Job Keywords
Mirror the language of the job description. If they ask for “Strategic Planning,” don’t write “Future Mapping.” Use a Resume Keyword Checker to identify the must-have terms. A common mistake is assuming synonyms will work the same way—they usually don’t.
Avoid Tables and Graphics
While they look pretty to humans, tables and charts are kryptonite to many ATS scanners. Stick to a single-column, linear layout to ensure the bot reads your work history in the correct order.
Use Standard Headings
Stick to the basics: Work Experience, Education, Skills. Creative titles like “My Professional Journey” might confuse the software, leading to missing data in your profile.
Match the Job Description
Don’t just list what you did; list what they need. If the job emphasizes “Project Management,” make sure that phrase appears at least 2–3 times in your bullet points.
Use ATS Friendly Fonts
Stick to standard web-safe fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica. Avoid custom fonts that might not render correctly when the system converts your file to plain text.
Optimize File Format
While some systems accept .docx, a flattened PDF is usually the safest bet—unless the portal specifically requests Word. Always check instructions.
Run an ATS Checker
Before you hit submit, use a best ATS resume checker to see your score in real-time. Skipping this step is one of the biggest mistakes job seekers make.
Free ATS Resume Checker (Tool Section)
Stop guessing and start winning.
Our free ATS score checker provides an instant, deep-dive analysis of how your resume performs against modern hiring algorithms.
Whether you’ve tried an Enhancv resume builder or crafted yours from scratch, running it through a proper ATS compliant resume checker is worth the two minutes it takes.
Instant Scoring: Get a 0–100 score based on keyword density and formatting.
Skill Gap Analysis: See exactly which keywords are missing.
Formatting Alerts: Identify unreadable elements like hidden tables or graphics.
Ready to see where you stand? Check your ATS Score for Free Now and stop leaving your career to chance. You can also try our ATS resume checker free tool if you want a quick pass before the full report.
ATS Friendly Resume Template Tips
Formatting is often the biggest hurdle in resume score check success—and honestly, it’s the part most people overlook.
Keep it Simple:
Use white space and 10–12pt fonts. Tiny text usually hurts more than it helps.
Chronological is King:
The reverse-chronological format is easiest for an ATS resume scanner to parse.
No Headers/Footers:
Many systems ignore contact info placed there. Keep all vital data in the main body.
If you’re tired of fighting margins, use a dedicated builder and pair it with an AI Cover Letter Generator to keep your entire application package consistent. Running your final draft through an online resume checker before submitting is always smart.
FAQs
What is a good ATS score?
Generally, 80% or higher is considered safe. Anything in the high 70s usually passes filters.
Can ATS read PDF?
Yes, most modern systems can. Older software may prefer .docx—always follow instructions.
Is ATS score accurate?
While no tool is identical to a company’s private system, an ATS resume score checker provides a reliable directional indicator.
Conclusion
Landing a job in 2026 requires more than just talent; it requires visibility. By optimizing keywords, simplifying format, and using a free ATS resume checker, you ensure your resume actually reaches a human recruiter.