How to Check Your Resume ATS Score for Free
You've spent hours perfecting your resume. But have you checked whether it will actually make it past the ATS?
Before you send another application into the void, you need to know your ATS score.
What is an ATS Score?
An ATS score is a percentage that indicates how well your resume aligns with:
Typical scoring:
- 80-100%: Excellent – Your resume should pass ATS screening
- 60-79%: Good – Some improvements needed
- 40-59%: Fair – Significant optimization required
- Below 40%: Poor – Major revisions necessary
Why Your ATS Score Matters
If your ATS score is low, you're eliminated before a human ever sees your resume.
The numbers:
- 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before being reviewed
- 88% of recruiters use ATS to filter candidates
- A resume with 85% match is 3x more likely to get an interview than 45%
What Factors Affect Your ATS Score?
1. Keyword Match (30-40% of score)
Does your resume include keywords from the job description?
- Required skills
- Preferred qualifications
- Tools and technologies
- Certifications
2. Formatting (25-35% of score)
Can the ATS properly parse your resume?
- Simple, single-column layout
- Standard fonts
- No graphics or tables
3. Completeness (20-30% of score)
Does your resume include all expected sections?
- Contact information
- Professional summary
- Work experience
- Education
- Skills
How to Check Your ATS Score: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Resume and Job Description
Gather:
- Your resume (in .docx or .pdf format)
- The job description you're applying to
Step 2: Visit CVCraft's Free ATS Checker
Step 3: Review Your Score
You'll see:
- Overall ATS Score (percentage)
- Formatting Score
- Keyword Match
- Missing Keywords
- Improvement Suggestions
Step 4: Make Improvements
Priority 1: Fix critical formatting issues
Priority 2: Add missing keywords
Priority 3: Optimize content
Step 5: Re-Test
After changes:
Understanding Your Score
90-100%: Exceptional
Very high likelihood of passing ATS.
80-89%: Strong
High likelihood of passing.
70-79%: Good
Moderate chance—spend 30-60 minutes improving.
60-69%: Fair
Don't submit yet—address major issues first.
Below 60%: Needs Work
Complete resume overhaul needed.
Common ATS Score Killers
1. Keyword Mismatch
Using different terminology than the job description.
2. Fancy Formatting
Graphics, tables, or complex layouts.
3. Missing Sections
No skills section or incomplete education.
4. Wrong File Format
Submitting images or unsupported formats.
Start Checking Your Score Today
The process takes 5 minutes. The impact on your job search could be massive.
Quick Start:
Ready to check your ATS score? Try CVCraft's free ATS checker now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good ATS score for a resume?
An ATS score of 80-100% is excellent and indicates your resume should pass screening. 60-79% is good but needs improvement. Below 60% means significant optimization is required before submitting applications.
How do I check my resume ATS score for free?
Visit CVCraft.com, upload your resume, paste the job description you're targeting, and receive an instant ATS compatibility score with keyword analysis and improvement suggestions—completely free.
What factors affect my ATS score?
Three main factors: Keyword match (30-40% of score) measures how well your resume matches the job description. Formatting (25-35%) checks if ATS can parse your resume. Completeness (20-30%) ensures all essential sections are included.
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