how to understand ats resume scoring metrics

Why does this matter? In 2024, more than 75% of large employers use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to filter candidates before a human ever sees a resume. If you don’t understand ATS resume scoring metrics, your application may be discarded without a second glance. This guide walks you through every metric, shows you how to measure your score with Resumly’s free ATS Resume Checker, and gives you a step‑by‑step checklist to raise your score above the industry average.

What is an ATS and How Does Scoring Work?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that parses resumes, extracts data, and ranks candidates based on relevance to a job posting. Modern ATS platforms assign a numeric score (often 0‑100) that reflects how well your document matches the job description. The score is calculated from several sub‑metrics:

1. Keyword Match – presence of exact words and phrases from the posting.
2. Formatting Compatibility – use of simple fonts, standard headings, and no tables or images.
3. Experience Relevance – years of experience, role titles, and industry keywords.
4. Skills & Certifications – alignment with required/desired skills.
5. Readability & Length – sentence complexity, bullet‑point density, and overall length.
6. Location & Contact Data – parsable phone numbers, email, and address.

Each ATS vendor weights these factors differently, but the core principles remain the same. Understanding these metrics lets you reverse‑engineer a high‑scoring resume.

Core Scoring Metrics Explained

1. Keyword Match

Definition: The percentage of job‑specific words that appear in your resume. Keywords include hard skills (e.g., Python, SEO, Agile), soft skills (leadership, communication), and industry jargon.

• Exact match (e.g., “Project Manager”) scores higher than synonyms (“Project Lead”).
• Frequency matters – a keyword used multiple times in relevant sections boosts the score.
• Placement matters – keywords in the Professional Summary and Work Experience carry the most weight.

How to improve: Use Resumly’s AI Resume Builder to extract keywords from a posting and automatically insert them where they make sense.

2. Formatting Compatibility

Definition: The ATS’s ability to read your document without errors. Complex layouts, graphics, and unusual fonts can cause parsing failures.

• Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman) and 12‑pt size.
• Use single‑column layouts; avoid tables, text boxes, and headers/footers.
• Save as .docx or PDF (ATS‑friendly).

Do: Use bullet points, clear headings, and consistent date formatting (e.g., “Jan 2020 – Present”). Don’t: Insert images, logos, or decorative lines.

3. Experience Relevance

Definition: How closely your past roles align with the target job’s responsibilities and required experience level.

• Highlight quantifiable achievements (e.g., “Increased sales by 23%”).
• Mirror the job title hierarchy – if the posting asks for “Senior Analyst,” emphasize senior‑level duties.
• Include industry‑specific verbs such as “engineered,” “optimized,” or “streamlined.”

4. Skills & Certifications

Definition: The presence of required hard and soft skills, plus any certifications that the posting lists.

• Create a dedicated Skills section near the top of the resume.
• List certifications with dates (e.g., “AWS Certified Solutions Architect – 2023”).
• Use comma‑separated format for readability.

5. Readability & Length

Definition: The ATS evaluates sentence length, passive voice, and overall document length. A concise, active‑voice resume scores higher.

• Aim for 3‑5 bullet points per role.
• Keep sentences under 20 words.
• Use action verbs at the start of each bullet.

6. Location & Contact Data

Definition: The ATS extracts phone, email, and location to match against geographic filters.

• Format phone as +1‑555‑123‑4567.
• Include a city and state (e.g., “Seattle, WA”).
• Ensure the email address is professional ([email protected]).

Measuring Your Current Score with Resumly

The quickest way to see where you stand is to run your resume through Resumly’s free ATS Resume Checker. The tool provides:

• A numeric score (0‑100).
• A breakdown of each metric.
• Actionable suggestions (e.g., “Add 3 more keywords from the job description”).

Step‑by‑step:

1. Visit the ATS Resume Checker page.
2. Upload your latest resume (DOCX or PDF).
3. Paste the job description into the provided field.
4. Click “Analyze” and review the results.
5. Follow the suggested edits and re‑run until you reach at least 80/100.

Step‑by‑Step Checklist to Boost Your ATS Score

Do: Keep the resume under 2 pages for most mid‑level roles. Don’t: Overstuff keywords; they must appear naturally.

Do’s and Don’ts Quick Reference

Do

• Use bullet points that start with strong action verbs.
• Align dates to the right margin for easy scanning.
• Include industry‑specific metrics (e.g., “Reduced churn by 15%”).

Don’t

• Insert photos, logos, or decorative fonts.
• Use passive voice (“Was responsible for…”).
• Write generic summaries that lack keywords.

Real‑World Case Study: From 58 to 89

Background: Sarah, a marketing specialist, applied to a senior content manager role. Her original resume scored 58/100.

Changes Made:

1. Keyword extraction – identified 12 high‑impact terms (e.g., “content strategy, SEO, cross‑functional”).
2. Formatting overhaul – switched to a single‑column, Arial 11, removed a decorative border.
3. Added metrics – “Led a team of 5, increasing organic traffic by 42% in 6 months.”
4. Skills section – listed certifications (Google Analytics, HubSpot).
5. Readability edit – shortened sentences, removed filler words.

Result: After re‑running the ATS Resume Checker, Sarah’s score rose to 89/100, and she secured an interview within 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many keywords should I include?

Aim for 5‑10 core keywords that appear in the job title, responsibilities, and required skills. Over‑loading beyond 15 can look spammy.

2. Does a higher ATS score guarantee an interview?

No, but a score above 80 dramatically improves the odds of passing the initial filter.

3. Can I use a creative design if the ATS is modern?

Most modern ATS still struggle with complex layouts. Stick to a clean design for safety.

4. How often should I update my resume for ATS?

Update each time you apply to a new role, tailoring keywords and achievements to the specific posting.

5. Are PDFs safe for ATS parsing?

Yes, if the PDF is generated from a Word document without embedded images. Avoid scanned PDFs.

6. What if I don’t have certifications listed in the posting?

Include relevant certifications anyway; they can boost the Skills metric and show initiative.

7. How does the ATS handle abbreviations?

Use both the full term and abbreviation (e.g., “Search Engine Optimization (SEO)”).

8. Is there a way to see how a specific ATS (e.g., Greenhouse) scores my resume?

Resumly’s checker mimics the most common parsing algorithms, but you can also request a sample parse from the employer’s career site if available.

Mini‑Conclusion: Mastering the Main Keyword

By now you should understand how to understand ATS resume scoring metrics and have a concrete plan to improve each component. Remember: the ATS is a gatekeeper, not a judge of your talent. Optimize the score, then let your experience shine in the interview.

Next Steps with Resumly

Ready to put the checklist into action? Try Resumly’s AI Resume Builder to auto‑populate keywords, then run the ATS Resume Checker for instant feedback. While you’re at it, explore the Job Search feature to find openings that match your newly optimized profile.

For deeper career strategies, visit the Resumly Career Guide and the Resumly Blog for regular updates on hiring trends.

Boost your ATS score, land more interviews, and accelerate your career – all with Resumly’s AI‑powered toolkit.