How to Interpret ATS Feedback Reports

If you’ve ever uploaded a resume to a job board and received a cryptic ATS feedback report, you know the frustration of not understanding what the system is actually saying. This guide breaks down every section of an ATS report, shows you how to translate technical jargon into actionable changes, and equips you with Resumly’s AI‑powered tools to turn those insights into a resume that gets noticed.

What Is an ATS Feedback Report?

ATS (Applicant Tracking System) feedback reports are automated analyses generated by the software that employers use to screen resumes before a human ever sees them. The report typically scores your document on:

• Keyword match – How many of the job‑specific terms you used.
• Formatting compatibility – Whether your layout can be parsed correctly.
• Readability – Sentence length, passive voice, and overall clarity.
• Skill relevance – Alignment of listed skills with the posting.

These metrics are presented as percentages, warnings, or simple “pass/fail” flags. Understanding each metric is the first step to improving your chances of moving past the digital gatekeeper.

Why ATS Feedback Matters

According to a 2023 LinkedIn Talent Report, 75% of recruiters use an ATS, and 60% of candidates never make it past the initial automated screen. That means a single mis‑step—like a missing keyword or an unreadable table—can eliminate you from the pool before a recruiter even clicks “view profile.”

Interpreting the feedback correctly lets you:

1. Prioritize fixes – Focus on the highest‑impact issues first.
2. Tailor each application – Adjust your resume for different roles without starting from scratch.
3. Measure progress – Track improvements over time with repeat scans.

Common Elements in an ATS Report

Below is a typical breakdown you’ll see in most ATS tools (including Resumly’s free ATS Resume Checker):

Understanding each column helps you decide where to act first.

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Decoding Your Report

1. Open the report and locate the overall rating. This is your quick health check. Anything below 70 usually indicates multiple issues.
2. Read the keyword section. Highlight any missing or low‑frequency terms. Compare them with the job description and add them naturally into your bullet points.
3. Check formatting warnings. Common culprits are tables, text boxes, and graphics. Replace them with simple bullet lists and standard headings.
4. Review the readability score. Aim for a score of 70+ (roughly 8th‑grade reading level). Shorten long sentences and replace passive voice.
5. Analyze the skill gap. If the report flags a skill you possess but didn’t list, insert it in the “Core Competencies” section.
6. Run a second scan after edits. Use Resumly’s Resume Roast or the ATS checker again to verify improvements.

Checklist: Fixing the Most Frequent Issues

• Add missing keywords – Use exact phrasing from the job posting.
• Simplify formatting – Remove tables, columns, and images.
• Standardize headings – Use “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills.”
• Optimize bullet points – Start each with a strong action verb and quantify results.
• Improve readability – Keep sentences under 20 words, avoid jargon.
• Include a skills matrix – List hard and soft skills in a plain‑text block.
• Save as .docx – Most ATS parsers handle Word files better than PDFs.

Do’s and Don’ts When Responding to ATS Feedback

Do:

• Mirror the language of the job posting.
• Use a clean, single‑column layout.
• Prioritize measurable achievements.
• Test your resume with multiple ATS tools.

Don’t:

• Overstuff keywords (keyword stuffing can trigger spam filters).
• Use fancy fonts or graphics.
• Include irrelevant experience.
• Submit a PDF unless the posting explicitly asks for it.

Real‑World Example: Turning a Red Flag Into a Green Flag

Scenario: Jane applied for a “Digital Marketing Manager” role. Her ATS report showed a 35% keyword match and a formatting error due to a two‑column layout.

What Jane Did:

1. Switched to a single‑column template using Resumly’s AI Resume Builder.
2. Added missing keywords like “SEO strategy,” “PPC campaigns,” and “marketing analytics.”
3. Rewrote bullet points to start with verbs and added numbers (e.g., “Increased organic traffic by 45%”).
4. Ran the revised resume through the ATS Resume Checker – keyword match rose to 78%, formatting warnings disappeared, overall score jumped to 82.

Result: Jane moved from “rejected by ATS” to “first‑round interview” within a week.

Leveraging Resumly Tools to Improve Your Score

Resumly offers a suite of free and premium tools that align perfectly with the steps above:

• AI Cover Letter – Generates a keyword‑rich cover letter that reinforces the same terms the ATS looks for.
• Job Match – Suggests the top 10 keywords for any posting.
• Application Tracker – Keeps a log of each version you submit and the corresponding ATS scores.
• Resume Readability Test – Gives a quick Flesch‑Kincaid score and suggestions.

By integrating these tools into your workflow, you can iterate faster and maintain a high‑performing resume library.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does a “low keyword match” actually mean? It means the ATS could only find a small percentage of the terms it expects based on the job description. Adding the missing words usually boosts the score dramatically.

2. Should I use a PDF or a Word document? Most ATS platforms parse .docx files more reliably. Use PDF only if the employer explicitly requests it.

3. How many times can I resubmit the same resume? You can submit as many times as you like, but each submission should be a new version that addresses the previous feedback.

4. Are there any ATS‑friendly fonts? Yes—Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, and Helvetica are safe choices. Avoid decorative fonts like Comic Sans or script styles.

5. Can I automate the keyword insertion process? Resumly’s Job Search Keywords tool extracts top keywords from any posting, which you can paste directly into your resume.

6. What if the ATS flags a skill I don’t have? Never claim a skill you lack. Instead, focus on related competencies you do possess and consider upskilling.

7. Does the ATS score affect human reviewers? Yes. Recruiters often sort candidates by ATS rating before reviewing details, so a higher score improves visibility.

8. How often should I run an ATS check? Run a check before each application and after any major edit. Keeping a version history in the Application Tracker helps you see progress over time.

Final Thoughts: Mastering ATS Feedback Reports

Interpreting ATS feedback reports is not a one‑time task; it’s an ongoing optimization loop. By systematically addressing keyword gaps, cleaning up formatting, and polishing readability, you turn a low‑scoring resume into a high‑performing asset. Combine these tactics with Resumly’s AI‑driven suite—especially the ATS Resume Checker and AI Resume Builder—and you’ll consistently beat the bots and land interviews.

Ready to put these strategies into action? Visit Resumly.ai today, run your first ATS check, and start building the resume that gets you past the gatekeeper.