Most resumes are filtered by software before a person reads them. Here is what your ATS score means, what it checks, and how to lift it before you hit send.
What an ATS actually does
An applicant tracking system parses your resume into fields, scans for the terms in the job post, and ranks how well you match, before a recruiter opens a single file.
If the software cannot read your layout, or your wording does not match the role, strong candidates get filtered out. The score shows you what the machine sees.
What your score measures
- Parse-ability: can the software read your structure? Single-column, text-based layouts score well. Tables and graphics often break parsing.
- Keyword match: does your wording reflect the job post? The checker flags terms recruiters search for that you are missing.
- Content strength: weak verbs, missing metrics, and vague lines lower your score. Kazifi points to the exact bullets to rewrite.
- Format and length: right length for your experience, clean headings, standard section names.
How to lift your score
- Switch to an ATS-friendly template so parsing stops costing you points.
- Close keyword gaps by adding real terms from the post, honestly, see fix missing keywords.
- Rewrite weak bullets into lines that lead with impact.
Tip: a score in the high range passes most filters. Chasing 100 by stuffing keywords backfires with the human who reads you next.