How to Check ATS Score of a Resume

In today’s competitive job market, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter and rank resumes before they reach a hiring manager. This means that even highly qualified candidates may not get noticed if their resumes are not optimized for ATS.

An ATS score measures how well a resume aligns with a job description based on factors such as keywords, formatting, structure, and readability. Understanding how to check and improve your ATS score can increase your chances of passing the initial screening and getting interviews.

This guide explains what an ATS score is, how Applicant Tracking Systems work, and how to check and improve your resume’s ATS score to maximize job search success.

For a free ATS resume score check, visit WeSendCV Resume Score Check Free.

What Is an ATS Score?

An ATS score is a numerical ranking assigned to a resume by an Applicant Tracking System based on how well it matches a job description.

Key Factors Affecting an ATS Score

1. Keyword Relevance – The presence of industry-specific terms and job-related skills.
2. Resume Formatting – Proper structure, ATS-friendly fonts, and a compatible file format.
3. Section Organization – Clear headings such as Work Experience, Education, Skills, and Certifications.
4. Readability – Proper grammar, concise bullet points, and logical flow.
5. Industry-Specific Terms – Use of relevant jargon and terminology.

A higher ATS score improves the likelihood of a resume being reviewed by a recruiter.

To optimize your job title and keyword relevance, try the Job Title Keyword Optimizer for ATS.

How Do Applicant Tracking Systems Work?

Applicant Tracking Systems function as automated resume scanners that analyze and rank resumes based on employer-defined criteria. The process typically includes the following steps:

1. Resume Submission – Candidates upload their resumes to an online application system.
2. ATS Parsing – The system scans and extracts key information, such as skills, job experience, and education.
3. Keyword Matching – The ATS compares resume content with keywords from the job description.
4. Resume Ranking – The ATS assigns a compatibility score, filtering resumes based on relevance.
5. Recruiter Review – Only high-ranking resumes are forwarded to hiring managers.

Resumes that fail to meet ATS criteria may not reach human recruiters.

For an ATS-friendly resume builder, check out the WeSendCV Resume Builder.

How to Check Your Resume’s ATS Score

To determine how well your resume performs in an ATS, follow these steps:

Step 1: Use an ATS Resume Scanner

The simplest way to check your ATS score is to upload your resume to an ATS resume checker tool. Many online platforms, such as WeSendCV Resume Score Check Free, provide a detailed analysis.

Step 2: Compare Your Resume with a Job Description

• Copy the job description of the role you are applying for.
• Paste both your resume and job description into an ATS scanner.
• The tool will compare your resume with the required skills, job titles, and experience listed in the job posting.
• The final score indicates how well your resume aligns with the job description.

Step 3: Analyze Keyword Optimization

Applicant Tracking Systems prioritize relevant keywords found in job descriptions.

• Identify critical skills, qualifications, and industry-specific terms from the job post.
• Ensure these keywords appear naturally throughout your resume.
• Use tools like the Job Title Keyword Optimizer for ATS to refine keyword placement.

Step 4: Check Resume Formatting

ATS systems may reject poorly formatted resumes that include:

• Graphics, tables, or multi-column layouts.
• Headers or footers with key information.
• Uncommon fonts or special characters.

To ensure smooth ATS parsing, use a simple and structured resume format.

Step 5: Evaluate Readability and Structure

An ATS-friendly resume should have:

• Clearly labeled sections such as Work Experience, Education, and Skills.
• Bullet points instead of long paragraphs.
• Concise descriptions that highlight key responsibilities and achievements.

A well-structured resume improves readability for both ATS and human recruiters.

Step 6: Use Multiple ATS Tools for Cross-Checking

Since different companies use different ATS platforms, testing your resume across multiple scanners ensures greater accuracy and consistency.

How to Improve Your ATS Score

If your resume receives a low ATS score, follow these improvement strategies:

1. Optimize Keywords for ATS Compatibility

• Identify and include job-relevant keywords from the job posting.
• Use both exact-match terms and variations (for example, “Project Management” and “Project Manager”).
• Avoid keyword stuffing, which makes the resume sound unnatural.

For keyword enhancement, use the Job Title Keyword Optimizer for ATS.

2. Use a Clean and ATS-Friendly Format

• Choose standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
• Save your resume in Word format (.docx) or plain text to avoid parsing issues.
• Avoid unnecessary graphics, tables, and columns.

3. Structure Your Resume Properly

• Header: Full name, contact details, LinkedIn profile.
• Professional Summary: A brief, keyword-rich introduction.
• Work Experience: Clearly defined job roles, responsibilities, and achievements.
• Skills: A mix of hard and soft skills relevant to the job.
• Education: Degrees, certifications, and training.

4. Highlight Achievements Instead of Job Duties

Rather than listing generic job responsibilities, quantify accomplishments using metrics.

Example:
Instead of “Managed social media accounts for the company,” write:
“Increased company social media engagement by 40% through targeted content strategies.”

5. Avoid ATS-Blocking Mistakes

• Do not use headers or footers – ATS may ignore content placed here.
• Do not add images or charts – These elements are not readable by ATS.
• Use standard section labels – Stick to terms like “Work Experience” rather than creative alternatives such as “My Career Journey.”

For error-free resume creation, use the WeSendCV Resume Builder.

Common Myths About ATS and Resume Scoring

1. ATS Only Looks for Keywords

False. While keywords are crucial, ATS also evaluates formatting, readability, and experience relevance.

2. PDF Resumes Are Always Rejected

False. Some ATS platforms process PDFs, but .docx format is generally safer.

3. Resumes Must Be One Page

False. ATS does not have a page limit, but concise content is preferred.

4. Fancy Designs Improve ATS Score

False. ATS cannot read visual elements, so a simple and structured format is best.

Conclusion

Understanding how to check your ATS score is essential for job search success. Since most employers use ATS to filter resumes, optimizing your resume to pass these systems increases your chances of being shortlisted.

Key Takeaways:

• An ATS score determines resume relevance to a job description.
• Use ATS resume checkers like WeSendCV Resume Score Check Free for evaluation.
• Optimize keywords with Job Title Keyword Optimizer for ATS.
• Ensure ATS-friendly formatting by avoiding complex layouts or special characters.
• Use a professional resume builder like WeSendCV Resume Builder for high-quality resumes.

By implementing these strategies, job seekers can improve their ATS scores, increase recruiter visibility, and enhance their job prospects.