How to Fix a Resume With a Low ATS Score

If your resume isn’t getting through the ATS (Applicant Tracking System) filters, you’re probably missing out on plenty of interview opportunities. These systems scan resumes for keywords, formats, and structures to decide who moves forward. Fixing a low ATS score isn’t just tweaking a few words – it requires a strategic approach to make sure your resume speaks the ATS’s language while still appealing to recruiters. Let’s break down what’s going wrong and how you can patch it up.

Understanding Why Your Resume Has a Low ATS Score

It’s easy to blame ATS software as the enemy, but usually, the issue sits squarely with resume formatting and keyword use. ATS systems parse resumes by scanning text, often missing content hidden in headers, footers, or graphics. Your score drops when important keywords or sections are omitted or obscured by formatting that bots can’t interpret.

Look, even small mistakes like using unusual fonts, inserting tables, or adding images can throw off parsing. But here’s the problem: a resume that looks great to human eyes might be unreadable to an ATS. And if keywords don’t match what the job posting includes, the system won’t link your resume to the right job.

Step 1: Simplify Your Resume Format

Forget fancy designs and complicated layouts. The ATS prefers plain structure. Use standard section headers like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills” — anything outside these may confuse the system. Stick to common fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman because anything too decorative might not register.

Tables and text boxes are tempting because they organize info neatly, but many ATS software can’t read these elements at all. Instead, rely on straightforward text with clear spacing. Save your file as a .docx format unless the job posting explicitly prefers PDFs — and even then, avoid those with elaborate formatting or graphics.

Step 2: Match Keywords From the Job Description

Here’s the thing – ATS systems don’t hire; people do. But reports first run through software looking for buzzwords. Match your resume’s language exactly with the job description. If the job calls for “project management,” don’t just say “managed projects.” If “Excel” appears multiple times in the ad, make sure your skills section includes it plainly.

But don’t just stuff keywords randomly or lie about skills — recruiters can spot that. Use them naturally within achievements, responsibilities, and your skills list. The trick is to sprinkle relevant terms across your resume to hit the ATS’s keyword benchmarks and keep your content readable.

Step 3: Optimize Your Work Experience Section

Your job history should carry clear dates and job titles aligned with the role you want. ATS algorithms often check for consistent date formats and recognizable job titles. Using “Marketing Specialist” instead of vague terms like “Marketing Guru” helps. Use action verbs that relate directly to your responsibilities — which can also include relevant keywords.

Don’t forget to quantify your achievements. Numbers appeal both to humans and ATS because they’re concrete. For instance, “Increased website traffic by 40% over six months” is better than “helped increase website traffic.”

Step 4: Include a Skills Section Tailored to the Job

A dedicated skills section is crucial for ATS clarity. Separate your hard skills from soft skills, focusing mostly on the hard ones that the system checks. For example, if you’re applying to a data analyst role, listing languages like Python, SQL, and tools like Tableau directly helps your ATS score more than vague phrases like “strong analytical ability.”

And yes, list every relevant skill the employer expects—ATS systems often compare this list to their database of required skills before a human ever lays eyes on your resume. Make sure formatting stays simple—no icons or special characters.

Step 5: Avoid ATS Killer Content and Formatting

What exactly kills your ATS score? Columns, graphics, graphics, headers and footers, and images top the list. Even things like using inconsistent bullet points or special symbols — like emojis or uncommon bullets — can confuse parsing.

Your email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile should be plain text, no embedded links in fancy formats. And don’t overdo abbreviations without spelling them out once — ATS software might not link “SEO” with “Search Engine Optimization” unless explicitly clarified.

Step 6: Use ATS Resume Checker Tools (Including CV Owl)

Before submitting, run your resume through an ATS resume checker to see how well it’s scored and where it misses keywords. Tools like CV Owl ATS Resume Checker provide detailed feedback. These tools show you missing keywords, formatting errors, and other areas where your resume fails to meet ATS criteria.

Spend time improving based on these reports instead of guessing. Remember, it's okay to test multiple times as you improve. Then, you start seeing your resume passing ATS filters consistently.

Step 7: Tailor Your Resume for Each Application

What worked for one job won’t work for another. Instead of submitting a generic resume for every position, tailor it every time. Adjust your skills section, keywords, and even your summary. It feels tedious, but optimized resumes for individual jobs get way higher ATS scores and recruiter attention.

Granted, this is time-consuming, but it beats your resume getting tossed before anyone reads it.

Step 8: Keep Your Resume Concise But Complete

Long resumes might overwhelm ATS parsing, but too short can omit key skills or experiences. Aim for clear, concise sentences that cover relevant information without fluff. Don’t cram your resume onto one page if you have 10 years experience — but be prudent by prioritizing roles and skills relevant to the job.

Frankly, clarity helps both ATS bots and hiring managers.

Final Thoughts on Fixing a Low ATS Resume Score

Fixing a low ATS score doesn’t require a complete rewrite, but it needs a systematic cleanup: ditch complex formatting, align keyword usage, and keep your content clear and straightforward. Use ATS testing tools like CV Owl to verify and improve. Above all, tailor your resume to each role you pursue. Your work isn’t just about beating robots; it’s about making your skills and experience stand out to real people — just in a way the system can’t miss.

This approach can put your resume back into the pool of considered candidates—and that’s where your next opportunity lies.