If your ATS score is low, your resume is likely being filtered out before a recruiter ever sees it. The good news is that improving your score is not about rewriting everything. It is about making precise, targeted adjustments.
This guide breaks down exactly how to improve your ATS score in practical steps.
What is an ATS score?
An ATS score is an estimate of how well your resume matches a specific job description. It is usually based on:
- Keyword overlap
- Skills alignment
- Experience relevance
- Formatting readability
A higher score increases your chances of passing automated screening systems.
1. Match keywords from the job description
This is the biggest factor.
- Extract skills, tools, and requirements from the job post
- Add them naturally into your resume
- Prioritize repeated terms
Do not copy everything. Focus on relevance.
2. Align your job titles where appropriate
If your role matches the job you are applying for, make the title clearer.
Example: Instead of “Marketing Ninja,” use “Digital Marketing Specialist.”
3. Improve your skills section
Your skills section should mirror the job description.
Include:
- Tools mentioned in the job post
- Technical skills
- Industry-specific abilities
4. Rewrite weak bullet points
Avoid generic descriptions.
Weak: Responsible for managing servers.
Stronger: Managed cloud infrastructure across AWS environments, improving uptime by 25 percent.
5. Increase keyword density naturally
Do not stuff keywords. Instead:
- Use variations of the same term
- Repeat important skills in different contexts
- Spread them across sections
6. Remove irrelevant experience
Anything not related to the job can lower your score.
Keep your resume focused and targeted.
7. Use standard section headings
Stick to:
- Professional Summary
- Work Experience
- Skills
- Education
8. Add missing tools and technologies
If the job requires specific tools you have used, make sure they appear clearly.
9. Simplify formatting
ATS systems struggle with complex layouts.
Avoid:
- Tables
- Columns
- Graphics
- Icons
10. Tailor every application
A single generic resume will always score lower than a targeted one.
Adjust your resume for each job you apply to.
Final Thoughts
Improving your ATS score is about alignment, not reinvention.
The closer your resume language matches the job description, the higher your score will be.
Small edits can create a significant difference in whether your resume reaches a recruiter or gets filtered out early.
Compare ATS Resume Tools
Choosing the right resume scanner depends on your workflow, budget, and how closely you need to match a specific job description. Start with the ATS comparison hub, then review Hireva vs Jobscan, Hireva vs Teal, Hireva vs Resume Worded, and the best ATS resume checkers in 2026.