What is an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?
ATS is software employers use to collect, parse, and search resumes. Most large companies and many startups use ATS to filter applications before a recruiter ever sees them.
The two main issues that cause resumes to fail ATS screening:
- Parsing problems: Complex formatting (tables, graphics, unusual fonts) breaks the ATS's ability to read your resume correctly
- Keyword mismatch: Your resume doesn't contain the skills, tools, and terms the employer is searching for
Your goal: Readable structure + relevant skills + proof of impact. An ATS-friendly resume is also a recruiter-friendly resume.
What does an ATS checker look for?
A good ATS resume checker analyzes multiple dimensions to predict how well your resume will perform:
📋 Structure & Formatting
- Standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
- Consistent date formats
- Simple bullet points (no graphics or icons)
- Readable fonts and spacing
🔍 Keywords & Content
- Skills, tools, and role-specific terms from JD
- Action verbs and measurable outcomes
- Role alignment and seniority signals
- Natural keyword usage (not stuffing)
ATS-friendly resume checklist
Use this checklist to make sure your resume passes ATS screening:
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Use standard headings: Experience, Education, Skills (not "My Journey" or "What I've Done")
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Avoid complex tables and graphics: Use simple text and bullets instead
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Keep dates consistent: Use "Jan 2020 – Dec 2022" format throughout
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Use simple bullet points: Standard bullets (•) work best
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Put core skills in a dedicated Skills section: Makes them easy to find and search
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Add metrics to your bullets: Use %, $, time saved, or other numbers
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Match JD wording naturally: Use the same skill names (e.g., "SQL" not "database queries")
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Save as PDF or Word as requested: PDF preserves formatting; Word is more editable
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Use one resume per job for best results: Tailor keywords and bullets to each role
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Keep it to 1-2 pages: 1 page for <5 years experience, 2 pages for senior roles
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Use standard fonts: Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman work best
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Include contact info at the top: Name, email, phone, LinkedIn (no full address needed)
How to improve keyword match (without keyword stuffing)
Keyword matching is important, but keyword stuffing (repeating terms unnaturally) hurts more than it helps. Here's how to improve your match the right way:
- Extract the top 10 recurring skill terms from the JD: Look for tools, technologies, and responsibilities mentioned multiple times
- Add only skills you truly have: Don't fake experience—you'll be asked about it in interviews
- Put tools in your Skills section: This makes them easy for ATS to find (e.g., "SQL, Python, Tableau")
- Put proof in your bullets: Show how you used those skills with metrics and outcomes
- Use synonyms once: If the JD says both "stakeholder management" and "cross-functional collaboration," use both naturally in different places
Example: If the JD asks for "A/B testing," don't write "A/B testing" five times. Instead, write it once in Skills and once in a bullet that shows what you achieved: "Ran 15+ A/B tests that improved conversion by 18%"
Sample ATS resume score report (example)
Here's what a typical ATS report looks like after scanning:
Example Report Summary
Issues Found
- Missing Skills section (add SQL, Python, Tableau)
- Inconsistent date formats (use "Jan 2020 – Dec 2022")
- Summary too long (reduce to 3-4 sentences)
- Vague bullets (add metrics and outcomes)
Recommended Fixes
- Add Skills section with top 10 keywords from JD
- Rewrite top 3 bullets to include metrics (%, $, time)
- Tailor summary to emphasize "data-driven decision making"
- Use consistent date format throughout
Expected improvement: Implementing these fixes could raise your score to 85-90/100 and increase your keyword match to 80%+.
Resume bullet fixes (before → after)
See how AI-powered fixes transform vague bullets into ATS-friendly, impact-driven statements:
Product Manager
❌ Before (vague, no keywords)
Worked on product improvements and helped the team.
✅ After (metrics + keywords)
Led product improvements that increased user activation by 22% through A/B testing and data-driven prioritization, collaborating with engineering and design teams.
Data Analyst
❌ Before (generic)
Analyzed data and created reports.
✅ After (specific tools + impact)
Built SQL-based dashboards in Tableau that reduced reporting time by 60% and enabled data-driven decisions across 5 product teams.
Software Engineer
❌ Before (no details)
Contributed to backend development.
✅ After (technical + measurable)
Implemented a Redis caching layer that reduced API response time by 40% and improved system reliability to 99.9% uptime.
ATS resume checker FAQ
What is a good ATS score?
70+ is generally good, 80+ is strong, and 90+ is excellent. But the score is just a guide—focus on fixing specific issues (formatting, keywords, metrics) rather than chasing a perfect number.
Can ATS reject a resume automatically?
Some ATS systems can filter out resumes that don't meet minimum keyword thresholds, but most use ATS as a search and ranking tool. Recruiters still review resumes—ATS just helps them find the best matches faster.
PDF vs Word—what's better for ATS?
Modern ATS can parse both PDF and Word (.docx) files. Use PDF if you want to preserve formatting exactly. Use Word if the job posting specifically requests it or if you want the employer to be able to edit your resume.
Do keywords really matter?
Yes, but only if they're relevant and natural. Recruiters search ATS databases for specific skills and tools. If your resume doesn't contain those terms, you won't show up in search results—even if you have the experience.
Should I tailor my resume for every job?
Yes, especially for the keywords and top 3-5 bullets. You don't need to rewrite everything—just adjust the Skills section and your most relevant accomplishments to match the job description. Use our
Resume JD Matcher to speed this up.
Why does my resume lose formatting after upload?
ATS extracts text from your resume and stores it in a database. Complex formatting (tables, text boxes, columns) confuses the parser. Stick to simple, single-column layouts with standard headings.
Are tables bad for ATS?
Yes. Most ATS struggle to parse tables correctly, which can scramble your content. Use simple text and bullet points instead.
How long should my resume be?
1 page if you have less than 5 years of experience, 2 pages for senior roles. ATS doesn't penalize length, but recruiters prefer concise resumes that focus on recent, relevant experience.
Does the ATS check grammar and spelling?
Most ATS don't check grammar, but recruiters do. Typos and errors hurt your credibility. Proofread carefully or use a tool like Grammarly before submitting.
Can an ATS read two-column resumes?
Some modern ATS can handle two columns, but many still struggle. To be safe, use a single-column layout with clear section headings. If you must use two columns, test your resume with an ATS checker first.