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

If you are applying for internships or jobs, you may have heard about resume ATS score. Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before recruiters review them.

A higher resume ATS score increases the chances that your resume will pass automated screening and reach a recruiter. To understand the basics, you can first read what is an ATS friendly resume, which explains how ATS systems evaluate resumes.

Let’s understand how students can improve their ATS resume score effectively.

Featured Snippet: What Is an ATS Resume Score?

An ATS resume score measures how well a resume matches a job description and how easily it can be scanned by Applicant Tracking Systems. Resumes with better keywords, structure, and formatting usually receive higher ATS scores.

1. Use Relevant Resume Keywords

The most important factor influencing your resume ATS score is the presence of relevant keywords.

Carefully read the job description and identify key skills. You can also explore resume keywords that help you pass ATS screening to understand which keywords are commonly used by recruiters.

Example keywords:

• Python
• SQL
• data analysis
• project management

Including these keywords in your resume improves ATS compatibility.

2. Use Standard Resume Sections

ATS systems recognize standard headings such as:

• Education
• Skills
• Projects
• Experience
• Certifications

Using clear headings ensures that the ATS system correctly identifies important information.

3. Avoid Complex Formatting

Avoid using:

• tables
• graphics
• icons
• text boxes

These elements may confuse ATS systems and reduce your resume ATS score. Many students make these errors, which are covered in common ATS resume mistakes.

Simple formatting improves readability.

4. Use Bullet Points Instead of Paragraphs

Bullet points make your resume easier to scan.

Example:

Analyzed 10,000+ customer data points using Python to identify purchasing patterns.

Clear bullet points improve both ATS readability and recruiter experience.

5. Include Measurable Achievements

Quantifying your achievements strengthens your resume.

Example:

Developed a data visualization dashboard that improved reporting efficiency by 25%.

Numbers and metrics improve credibility and ATS scoring.

6. Keep Resume Structure Clear

A typical ATS friendly resume structure includes:

• contact information
• education
• projects
• skills
• achievements

This structure helps both ATS systems and recruiters quickly understand your profile. You can also review best skills to include in a fresher resume to strengthen your skills section.

Students often struggle to optimize their resumes manually. Tools like Languify AI Resume Generator analyze resumes, highlight missing keywords, and suggest improvements to increase ATS scores.

Conclusion

Improving your resume ATS score is essential for getting shortlisted in today’s job market. By using relevant keywords, clear formatting, and measurable achievements, you can significantly improve your resume’s chances of passing ATS screening.

If you want an easier way to optimize your resume, you can build or modify an ATS-compliant resume in minutes using the Languify AI Resume Generator.

People Also Ask

What is a good ATS score for a resume?

A good ATS score usually means your resume matches most of the job description keywords and follows ATS-friendly formatting.

How can I check my ATS score?

You can use an ATS resume checker tool to analyze formatting, keywords, and structure.

Do recruiters see ATS scores?

Recruiters typically see ranked resumes based on keyword matches rather than the exact ATS score.