Ankleshwar Mani Dwivedi

October 23, 2024

How to Improve Your ATS Score: A Step-by-Step Guide for Job Seekers

In today’s competitive job market, your resume’s first audience is often not a human—it’s an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These software tools scan resumes for specific keywords, proper formatting, and job-relevant information, determining whether you’ll advance to the next stage.

An ATS-friendly resume can be the key to unlocking your dream job. At InternBix, we’re dedicated to helping job seekers craft perfect resumes and improve their ATS scores. In this guide, we’ll break down how ATS works, common pitfalls to avoid, and proven strategies to boost your resume’s compatibility with ATS systems.

What is an ATS, and Why Is It Important?

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by recruiters to filter resumes and shortlist candidates. It automates the hiring process, saving time by narrowing down the best matches.

Over 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a recruiter even sees them. Optimizing your resume is no longer optional—it’s essential.

Top Reasons Resumes Fail ATS Screening

• Poor formatting – ATS struggles with images, tables, columns, and unique fonts.
• Missing keywords – Not including key job-specific skills and terms can lower your score.
• Unsupported file types – Submitting resumes in formats like .jpg or .png.
• Overly creative layouts – Fancy graphics might look good but confuse ATS systems.
• Typos and errors – Spelling mistakes in keywords make them unrecognizable to ATS.

Seven Proven Ways to Improve Your ATS Score

1. Use an ATS-Friendly Format
2. Tailor Your Resume with Keywords
3. Optimize Your Skills Section
4. Use Strong Action Verbs
5. Check Spelling and Grammar
6. Avoid Overly Stylized Content
7. Add a Relevant Certifications Section

How to Test Your Resume for ATS Compatibility

Try tools like Jobscan or ResumeWorded to analyze how well your resume matches job descriptions. You can also perform a "text test" by pasting your resume into a plain text editor to identify formatting issues.

Why an ATS-Optimized Resume Matters

An ATS-friendly resume increases visibility, ensuring that your application reaches the recruiter’s desk. It highlights the most relevant skills, improving your chances of landing an interview and getting hired.

Call to Action

Don’t let your resume get lost in the ATS maze. Optimize it today with InternBix. Whether it’s crafting a resume from scratch, tailoring it for a specific role, or offering a professional review, we’re here to help.