How to Improve Your ATS Resume Score Before Applying for a Job

Understanding ATS and Why Your Resume Score Matters

Before we get into how to improve your score, it’s worth knowing why ATS even plays a role in hiring. Most companies use ATS software to save time sifting through hundreds or thousands of resumes. The system scans your resume for keywords, structure, and relevance to the job description. If your resume doesn’t match the system’s criteria, it might never reach a human.

Frankly, having a low ATS score means your application sits buried, no matter how impressive you are on paper. So improving your ATS resume score isn’t a small tweak — it’s a necessity to get noticed in today’s job market.

Focus on Relevant Keywords — But Don’t Go Overboard

Look, stuffing every possible keyword into your resume without context won’t work. ATS algorithms look for keywords, but they also assess how naturally those words are placed. Filling your resume with a list of buzzwords or unrelated jargon won’t help — it may even count against you.

Start by closely reading the job description. Pull out the most important skills, tools, and qualifications. Instead of dumping these in a separate “Keywords” section, weave them into your work experience and summary naturally. For example, if the job calls for “project management” and “Agile,” mention how you led Agile projects or streamlined project workflows.

And don’t forget to include variations and synonyms your ATS might spot. If the ad says “customer service,” phrases like “client support” or “customer relations” can count too, as long as they fit your actual experience.

Choose the Right Resume Format for ATS Compatibility

It sounds simple, but format can make or break your ATS score. Some design elements, tables, graphics, or unusual fonts can confuse ATS software. If the system can’t read the resume properly, it won’t extract the keywords or data it needs.

Go for a clean and straightforward format with standard section headings—like “Work Experience,” “Education,” and “Skills.” Avoid text boxes, headers, footers, or images. Stick with a readable font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and keep font sizes consistent.

Also, save your resume in a compatible file type; .docx or PDF (only when the ATS accepts it) tend to work best. If in doubt, test your resume with an ATS resume checker (like the one on CV Owl) to see how it parses.

Optimize Section Headings and Use Standard Labels

ATS systems rely heavily on section titles to understand where to look for relevant info. Non-standard naming can confuse the system. For example, instead of “What I’ve Done” or “My Story,” stick to “Work Experience” or “Professional Experience.”

Clear section headings tell the ATS exactly what to expect. It also helps recruiters skim your resume faster. Adding your contact info at the top clearly labeled “Contact Information” ensures your ATS finds your phone number and email formatted properly.

Use Bullets for Achievements, But Keep Them Simple

Long paragraphs might sound impressive, but ATS and hiring managers prefer skimmable content. Bulleted achievements under each role help break down information into digestible points. However, keep the bullets straightforward — avoid special characters, emojis, or unusual symbols that might not translate well.

Each bullet should focus on clear outcomes or skills, like increased sales by 20%, managed a team of 10, or reduced process time by 15%. Numbers stand out to both ATS and humans.

Include a Skills Section With Relevant Keywords

At the end or near the top of your resume, include a dedicated skills section listing core competencies matched to the job. This makes scanning easier and helps boost your keyword density in a natural way.

List a combination of hard skills (like “SQL,” “budget forecasting,” or “content marketing”) and soft skills only if the job specifically mentions them. This section should be tailored for each application — generic lists won’t do.

Watch Out for ATS Resume Parsing Errors

This is where most candidates trip up: the ATS misreads info because of how it’s formatted. For instance, dates and job titles can get jumbled or misplaced if you use multiple columns or inconsistent date formats.

Stay consistent with your date format—choose either “Jan 2026 – Dec 2026” or “01/2026 – 12/2026.” Keep the order of information the same for each job entry: job title first, then company name, location, dates, followed by bullet points. This helps the ATS assign the right data to the right categories.

Test Your Resume With an ATS Checker Before Sending

Testing your resume before submitting it saves you from costly mistakes. Tools like the CV Owl ATS Resume Checker let you upload your resume and score it immediately.

These checkers highlight missing keywords, formatting problems, and suggest areas to improve. This feedback loop is crucial because even small tweaks can improve your score drastically.

Don’t just guess what the system sees—make sure you know.

Customize Your Resume for Each Application

While it might be faster to send one resume out for all jobs, that lowers your ATS score. Because every job description uses slightly different language and priorities, tailoring your resume is key.

Adjust keywords, reorder your skills to match priorities, and rephrase bullet points to match the job’s tone. This extra effort pushes your resume higher in the ranks and signals genuine interest to employers.

Minimize Graphics and Avoid Headers/Footers

Even if infographics or personal logos look cool, many ATS systems can’t read them. Crucial info trapped in images or headers might be ignored completely, lowering your score.

Keep your resume plain-text friendly and save design-heavy resumes for networking events or in-person meetings. Your goal is to get past the system first; aesthetics come second here.

Wrap Your Resume With a Clear Contact Section

Including your phone number, professional email, city, and LinkedIn profile in a clear format is more important than you realize. ATS parses this info for candidate communication, and missing or messy contact details could stop recruiters from getting in touch.

Resist the urge to add multiple phone numbers, personal slogans, or unnecessary info unless specified by the job post.

Conclusion: Keep Testing and Refining for Every Job

Improving your ATS resume score takes more than a one-time fix. With each job application, revisit the description, adjust your keywords, test with an ATS tool, and ensure your format stays clean. That’s where your chances really start to climb.

Think of your resume like a living document — constantly evolving, improving, and moving you closer to that interview call.