What is a good ATS score, and how do you raise it?
An ATS score estimates how well your CV can be read and matched to a job. Here is what the number means, what a strong score looks like, and the fastest ways to lift it.
What an ATS score measures
An ATS score is an estimate, not an official grade from the employer. It combines two questions: can software read your CV cleanly, and does the content match what the job asks for?
Different tools weight things differently, so treat the score as a checklist of fixes rather than a pass mark.
- Readability: standard headings, clean layout, selectable text
- Keyword match: skills and job titles from the job description
- Completeness: contact details, dates, education, skills section
- Writing quality: action verbs, measurable results, no clichés
What counts as a good score
As a rule of thumb, scores of 80 and above mean the CV is easy to parse and closely matched to the role. Scores from 60 to 79 usually need keyword and formatting work. Below 60, the file often has a structural problem such as tables, images of text or missing sections.
The fastest ways to raise it
Most gains come from a handful of changes:
- Paste the job description and add the missing skills you genuinely have
- Use the employer's wording for your job title where it is accurate
- Replace 'Responsible for' with a strong verb and a result
- Move contact details out of the page header into the body
- Export a text-based PDF instead of a scanned or designed image
Do not chase 100
A human still reads the CV after the software. Stuffing keywords may lift a score but hurts your chances with the recruiter. Aim for a clear, honest CV that scores well because it fits the job.
Put this into practice
Score your CV against a real job description and fix the gaps in minutes.