ATS Systems Guide
Understand how Applicant Tracking Systems work and how ATScore helps you pass them.
How ATS Systems Work
Resume Parsing
The ATS extracts information from your resume and converts it into a searchable database format.
- Reads text, PDF, or Word documents
- Parses contact info, work history, and skills
- Converts images and fancy formatting into text
- May struggle with unconventional layouts
Keyword Matching
The system searches for keywords and phrases from the job description in your resume.
- Identifies technical skills and tools
- Looks for industry-specific terminology
- Matches required years of experience
- Scores based on keyword relevance and frequency
Ranking & Filtering
Resumes are ranked and filtered based on how well they match the job requirements.
- Higher match percentage = higher ranking
- Minimum threshold to pass initial screening
- Top candidates move to recruiter review
- Low-scoring resumes are automatically rejected
Recruiter Review
The top-ranked resumes are reviewed by human recruiters for final decision.
- Recruiters see a summary of parsed data
- May re-read original resume for verification
- Look for cultural fit and soft skills
- Schedule interviews for promising candidates
ATS Optimization Tips
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Helvetica)
- Keep margins between 0.5-1 inch
- Avoid tables, columns, and text boxes
- Don't use headers or footers
- Skip images, logos, and graphics
- Save as PDF or .docx (avoid .doc)
Common ATS Rejection Reasons
Red Flags That Cause Rejection
- ✕Complex formatting with tables or columns
- ✕Missing required keywords from job description
- ✕Unusual file formats (image files, PDFs with images)
- ✕Headers and footers with contact info
- ✕Special characters and symbols
- ✕Work history gaps without explanation
- ✕Inconsistent date formats
- ✕Graphics, logos, or photos
What Gets You Through
- ✓Clean, simple formatting
- ✓Keyword-rich content matching the job
- ✓Clear section headers and structure
- ✓Quantified achievements and results
- ✓Relevant skills and experience highlighted
- ✓Consistent and professional layout
- ✓Standard fonts and simple design
- ✓PDF or Word format (.pdf, .docx)
How ATScore Helps You Pass ATS Systems
AI-Powered Analysis
Get detailed insights on how your resume performs against ATS systems with machine learning.
Keyword Optimization
Receive specific recommendations on which keywords to add based on the job description.
Formatting Check
Identify formatting issues that might cause ATS parsing errors and get instant fixes.
Match Score
See your resume's match percentage and understand exactly what's missing or what to improve.
Key Takeaway
ATS systems are not your enemy, they exist to help companies manage large volumes of applications. By following ATS best practices, you're not "gaming the system," you're making your resume readable and discoverable.
The key is to balance ATS optimization with human readability. Your resume should be easy for both machines and people to understand. ATScore helps you find that balance by analyzing your resume against actual ATS algorithms.
Optimize Your Resume for ATS Today
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