10 Tips to Improve Your ATS Resume Score in 2026

An ATS score is a resume score that shows how well your resume matches a job description and how easily it can be read by an Applicant Tracking System. Many companies use ATS software to collect, scan, and organize resumes before recruiters review them.

A good ATS score usually means your resume has the right keywords, clean formatting, clear sections, relevant skills, and strong work experience. A low ATS score may mean your resume has missing keywords, formatting issues, weak bullet points, or details that the system cannot read properly.

Why Does ATS Score Matter?

Your ATS score matters because your resume is often reviewed by software before it reaches a recruiter. If your resume is not ATS-friendly, it may not be parsed correctly. This means your skills, experience, contact details, or achievements may not appear properly in the recruiter’s system.

A strong ATS score can help your resume become easier to read for both the ATS and the hiring team. It does not guarantee an interview, but it improves your resume readiness and reduces common mistakes that can hurt your application.

As of February 2026, ResuScan has scanned 716,778+ resumes from 381,713+ users. Only 5% of scanned resumes scored above 80, while 64% scored below 50. This shows that many candidates are applying with resumes that may not be fully optimized for ATS screening.

Here are the 10 most important tips to improve your ATS Resume Score. These tips will help you understand how to increase ATS score of resume, how to improve ATS resume score, and how to make your resume easier for both ATS systems and recruiters to read.

Keywords help ATS systems understand whether your resume matches the job role. But using them naturally is important because both ATS software and recruiters read your resume. If your resume sounds forced or overloaded with keywords, it can reduce your chances.

• Read the job description carefully and pick important skills and tools
• Add keywords only where they match your real experience
• Avoid repeating the same keywords again and again

Example:

Instead of writing “Good in customer support,” write “Handled 40+ customer support tickets daily using CRM tools.”

Using the same resume for every job can lower your ATS score because each job has different requirements. Your resume should match the specific role you are applying for.

• Update your skills based on the job description
• Adjust your summary and experience for each role
• Remove irrelevant information

Example:

For a technical support role, include skills like troubleshooting, SLA, and ticketing tools instead of general skills.

Simple resumes usually work better with ATS systems. Fancy designs may look attractive, but they can confuse resume scanners and reduce your ATS score.

• Use a single-column layout
• Avoid graphics, icons, and tables
• Use standard headings like Skills, Experience, Education

Example:

Instead of using a colorful template with icons, use a clean black-and-white format with clear sections.

Not all resume templates are ATS-friendly. A professional CV creator can help you build a resume that is properly structured and easier for ATS systems to read.

• Use tools that provide ATS-friendly templates
• Check your resume score before applying
• Improve formatting and structure

Example:

Using ResuScan, you can upload your resume and get a score out of 100 based on 40+ ATS checks.

Some ATS systems may not understand every short form or abbreviation. Writing the full form once helps improve keyword matching and makes your resume clearer.

• Write full form with acronym once
• Use acronym later in the resume
• Avoid unclear abbreviations

Example:

Write “Customer Relationship Management (CRM)” once, then use CRM later.

This small step improves ATS keyword matching and clarity. ResuScan can highlight missing keyword variations in your resume.

A dedicated skills section helps ATS systems quickly understand your abilities. Missing this section can lower your ATS score because important keywords may not be clearly visible.

• Add role-specific skills
• Avoid random or unrelated skills
• Keep it clear and simple

Example:

For technical support: troubleshooting, CRM tools, SLA management, remote support.

The wrong file format can affect ATS parsing. Always follow the job application instructions before uploading your resume.

• Use PDF or DOCX as required
• Avoid image-based resumes

Use a professional file name in a clear format like “name_profile_resume”

Example:

Use “Rahul_Sharma_Technical_Support_Resume.pdf” instead of random file names.

ATS systems may not always read headers and footers properly. Important details should be placed in the main body of your resume.

• Place contact details at the top
• Avoid putting key info in header/footer
• Keep it simple and visible

Example:

Write your name, phone, and email clearly at the top instead of inside a header.

This improves ATS readability and ensures recruiters can see your details. ResuScan checks parsing issues and highlights missing information.

A clear and simple resume is easier for both ATS systems and recruiters to read. Avoid using creative titles, unusual fonts, or confusing wording.

• Use standard fonts like Arial or Calibri
• Keep bullet points short
• Use clear job titles

Example:

Write “Sales Executive” instead of “Sales Ninja.”

Simple resumes perform better in ATS scoring. ResuScan helps improve readability and structure for better results.

Applying without checking your resume can reduce your chances of getting shortlisted. An ATS resume checker helps you find and fix issues before you apply.

• Check your ATS score
• Find missing keywords
• Improve formatting and content

Example:

Using ResuScan, you can see if your resume score is below 50 or above 80 and improve it accordingly.

ResuScan data also shows that only 5% of resumes score above 80, while 64% score below 50, Checking your resume before applying helps you stand out and improve your chances of getting shortlisted.

• Use keywords from the job description naturally in your summary, skills, and work experience sections.

• Customize your resume for every job instead of sending the same CV everywhere.

• Keep your resume format simple with clear headings, short bullet points, and a single-column layout.

• Avoid graphics, icons, tables, headers, footers, and image-based resumes because they can affect ATS parsing.

• Spell out important acronyms once, such as “Customer Relationship Management (CRM),” to improve keyword matching.

• Add a targeted skills section with role-specific tools, abilities, and technical keywords.

• Save your resume in the format requested by the employer, usually PDF or DOCX.

• Use a professional CV creator or ATS resume checker to identify missing keywords, formatting issues, and weak sections.

• ResuScan is an ATS checker and it has scanned over 7 Lakh+ resumes. Out of the total resumes scanned, only 5% had an ATS score of 80% and more.

• Before applying, scan your resume once with ResuScan to check your ATS score and improve your chances of getting shortlisted.