What Is a Good ATS Score? (And Does It Really Matter?)

Jamie Anderson

• 3 min read
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What Is a Good ATS Score? (And Does It Really Matter?)

If you've uploaded your resume to an ATS resume checker, you've probably wondered:

"What is a good ATS score?"

In most cases, a score of 70 - 80% or higher is considered a strong starting point.

A higher score generally means your resume matches the job description more closely, making it more likely to pass the initial screening used by many employers.

However, there's one important thing to understand:

A good ATS score improves your chances of getting noticed, it doesn't guarantee an interview.

Think of it this way.

A resume with a low ATS score may be missing important keywords, skills, or formatting that help employers quickly identify qualified candidates. Improving those areas can make your application more competitive.

But once your resume reaches a recruiter, they'll still evaluate your experience, achievements, and overall suitability for the role.

The goal isn't simply to achieve the highest possible score. The goal is to create a resume that both Applicant Tracking Systems and recruiters can easily understand.

Why Your ATS Score Matters

Many employers receive hundreds of applications for a single vacancy. To help manage that volume, many organisations use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to organise resumes and identify candidates whose qualifications closely match the job description.

That's why your ATS score can be a useful indicator.

A strong score often suggests that your resume includes the relevant skills, keywords, and experience employers are looking for. It can also highlight areas where your resume could be improved before you apply.

Rather than guessing what's missing, using an ATS resume checker allows you to identify gaps and make targeted improvements that strengthen your application.

But Here's What Many Job Seekers Get Wrong

Some candidates become so focused on achieving a perfect ATS score that they forget who they're ultimately writing their resume for.

Recruiters.

Adding dozens of keywords or repeating phrases from the job description just to increase your score can make your resume sound unnatural and difficult to read.

A strong ATS score should be the result of a well-tailored resume, not the goal itself.

Career experts, including Coursera's Applicant Tracking System Guide, emphasize that keywords must be integrated naturally so your resume connects with human reviewers. The focus should always be on relevance, clarity, and accurately representing your experience.

What Can Lower Your ATS Score?

If your ATS score is lower than expected, it doesn't necessarily mean your resume is poor. More often, it means there's room to improve how well it matches the job you're applying for.

Some of the most common reasons for a lower ATS score include:

  • Using the same resume for every application.
  • Missing important keywords from the job description.
  • Listing skills that aren't relevant to the role.
  • Using unclear section headings or inconsistent formatting.
  • Leaving out important qualifications or certifications mentioned in the job posting.

Making a few targeted changes can often improve both your ATS score and the overall quality of your resume.

How to Improve Your ATS Score

If you want a stronger ATS score, focus on improving the quality of your resume rather than trying to "beat" the system.

Here are a few practical ways to improve your score:

  • Tailor your resume for each job application.
  • Include relevant skills and keywords naturally throughout your resume.
  • Use clear section headings such as Work Experience, Skills, and Education.
  • Quantify your achievements wherever possible.
  • Remove outdated or irrelevant information that doesn't support the role.

The best resumes are written for both technology and people, they pass ATS screening while remaining clear and persuasive for recruiters.

Check Your Resume Before You Apply

Before submitting your application, it's worth checking how well your resume aligns with the job description.

Preplink.ai Resume Scan lets you upload your resume, compare it with a specific job description, and receive an ATS score along with practical suggestions to improve your application. Instead of simply showing a number, it helps you identify missing keywords, relevant skills, and other areas that could strengthen your resume before you apply.

A few small improvements before clicking Submit could make the difference between being overlooked and getting shortlisted.

Final Thoughts

So, what is a good ATS score?

For most resumes, 70 - 80% or higher is a solid benchmark. More importantly, that score should reflect a resume that genuinely matches the role you're applying for.

Rather than aiming for a perfect score, focus on building a resume that's relevant, well-structured, and tailored to each opportunity. When your resume speaks the language of both Applicant Tracking Systems and recruiters, you'll put yourself in a much stronger position to secure more interviews.