Is a 70 ATS Score Good Enough?

Understanding ATS Scores: Not Just Numbers

Applicant Tracking Systems rate your resume based on how well it matches a job description, key phrases, formatting, and more. But a 70? It’s not a universal pass or fail. These systems vary widely—some might label a score of 70 as solid, others as borderline. Scores reflect keyword presence, structure, and resume readability to software, not necessarily recruiter judgment directly.

Look, a 70 means your resume hits many important keywords and sticks to basic formatting rules. It likely won't trip the system up. But here's the problem: ATS software often doesn’t give out a lot of nuance. Small differences in resume layout or phrase usage can swing the score from decent to dismal. Plus, every company uses its own ATS and scoring methods, so what’s 70 on one platform can feel very different elsewhere.

Also, ATS scores aren’t about perfect grammar or style, but the keywords industry and hiring teams want to find. If your resume only scores 70, you may have solid content, but possibly some mismatches or missing crucial job-specific phrases.

What Does a 70 ATS Score Mean in Recruitment Terms?

Think of your ATS score like a traffic light. 100 is green: go ahead, send to recruiter. 70 is yellow: pretty good but pay attention. Below 50? That's red, meaning your resume probably won’t reach human eyes. Scores around 70 sit in a gray zone. They don’t outright block you, especially if your industry or role doesn’t have cutthroat competition. But in competitive fields, small improvements can make all the difference.

Granted, getting passed the ATS is just step one. Recruiters have piles of resumes. Only if your resume looks clean, targets the job, and reflects key skills will you get a closer look. So, a 70 ATS score means you're on the radar, but not shining yet.

Here's a recruiter-secret: sometimes ATS software filters out resumes that don't meet very specific criteria, like years of experience or certifications. Even if your score is 70, missing one critical field can knock you out. On the flip side, over-optimized resumes that stuff keywords but feel robotic can annoy readers once passed ATS.

Common Pitfalls That Keep Your ATS Score at 70

It’s tempting to think 70 is good enough and move on, but a few common issues keep many resumes stuck here:

First, ignoring detail in job descriptions. ATS picks up on very particular phrasing. For example, if the job calls for “project management,” but your resume only says “managed projects,” the software might miss the key phrase.

Second, formatting trouble. Fancy fonts, headers, tables, and graphics can confuse ATS parsers. Your resume might look sharp on screen but read like gibberish to software, dragging your score down.

Third, failing to include critical sections such as a clear skills list or certifications. ATS software looks for these structured blocks to categorize qualifications quickly.

Lastly, mismatched file types matter. Most ATS prefer .docx or simple PDF files without encryption. Uploading unusual formats risks losing points.

How to Improve Your ATS Score Beyond 70

Well, can you push from 70 to the 80s or 90s? Definitely, and it’s not rocket science. Start by aligning your resume’s language exactly with the job description. That means using specific keywords and phrases repeated naturally without overdoing it.

Check your formatting. Stick with simple layouts—standard fonts like Arial or Calibri, uniform bullet points, and no images or text boxes. These keep ATS parsers happy and don’t confuse them.

Add a dedicated skills section listing keywords related directly to the job. This is your software cheat code. Also, verify that your resume includes credentials, education, and certifications if listed in the posting.

If you’re unsure, tools like CV Owl’s ATS Resume Checker offer useful feedback, highlighting missing keywords and structural issues.

Balancing ATS Optimization with Human Appeal

But here’s the catch: a resume only optimized for ATS without readability kills your chance with actual recruiters. If your resume feels robotic or stuffed with unnatural keywords, your application might not go far after passing AI filters.

Don’t turn your resume into a jumble of keywords. Instead, incorporate them smoothly into accomplishments and responsibilities. Remember, recruiters look for clarity, impact, and proof of skills.

Also, tailor your resume each time you apply. Slight tweaks for every job help keep your ATS score high and demonstrate genuine fit.

Does Industry or Role Affect What ATS Score You Need?

Totally. Some industries use ATS more aggressively, while others may rely more on referrals and networking, giving more leeway in scores. Tech, finance, and corporate roles usually demand higher ATS adherence due to volume. Creative or startup roles sometimes allow for unconventional resumes that don’t play by ATS rules as strictly.

For senior or specialized positions, ATS scoring can be tricky. Sometimes software may score resumes lower if jargon or fewer keywords appear, even if experience is stellar. Human screening might weigh in sooner there.

So, while a 70 ATS score might be fine for specific roles, for hotly contested posts or large companies, it might be worth pushing higher.

How Recruiters Really View ATS Scores

Recruiters rarely see the exact ATS score—you do, through external tools. They see the filtered pile. If your resume passes the ATS filters, it hits the recruiter's desk. So the ATS score is a gatekeeping measure before they evaluate.

Recruiters want resumes that beat the ATS but also represent candidates clearly and professionally. A 70 ATS score means you’re likely in the game, but the goal should be to eliminate weak spots so your resume can stand out once it reaches a person.

Pro tip: recruiters love when candidates send a link to a LinkedIn profile or portfolio alongside the resume. ATS doesn’t read those but can boost your human-level appeal.

ATS Score Myths You Should Ignore

One myth is that a 100 score guarantees an interview. No, it just means your resume is keyword-perfect but doesn’t guarantee a recruiter’s interest or a job fit.

Another misconception is that a low ATS score means automatic rejection. Sometimes low scores come from unique resumes in unconventional formats and can still catch recruiter attention if the role is niche.

Also, some think rewriting your resume endlessly boosts ATS scores exponentially. Minor changes make the biggest impact. Over-optimizing might backfire.

Practical Next Steps If Your ATS Score Is 70

First, review your resume for direct keyword matches to the job description. Then, simplify any complex formatting.

Scan sections like the summary and skills lists for possible keyword boosts. Next, check file format and if your resume has sections ATS loves: experience, education, certifications, skills.

Try running your resume through a reliable ATS checker like CV Owl’s tool for detailed feedback.

If possible, get a recruiter or professional resume writer to eyeball it. Sometimes human feedback fills gaps machines miss.

Keeping Your Resume Ready in a Changing Job Market

ATS systems update and hiring priorities shift all the time. Don’t settle for a one-time 70 score. Use it as a starting place. Keep testing resumes on different platforms before applying.

Stay aware of new buzzwords or skills emerging in your field and drop those into resumes naturally.

Remember, an ATS score is just one part of a bigger job search puzzle. Keep networking and preparing for interviews alongside optimizing resumes.

Where to Learn More About ATS Optimization

To keep sharpening your approach, head over to CV Owl’s ATS Resume Checker blog. It lays out solid guidance and updates on interacting with ATS software that hiring teams use daily.

And following recruiters on LinkedIn or job forums gives real-world insight beyond numbers. Resume writing isn’t just about clearing machines—it’s about telling your story clearly enough for another human to get on board.

In Closing

Look, a 70 ATS score isn’t bad. It means you’re mostly speaking the right language and your resume can likely pass initial digital screening. But it’s not a green light to relax. Optimizing past 70 can raise your odds significantly especially in competitive markets. Tweak your language, clean your format, and keep a human touch strong enough to hold interest once the score gets you through the door.

Keep testing, stay sharp, and give your resume every chance to stand out—not just in software, but with those who actually decide who gets the call.