Improving your resume score requires a strategic approach. This guide provides actionable steps to boost your ATS score and make your resume more effective.
Quick Wins
Start with these high-impact improvements:
1. Add Missing Keywords
Review the missing keywords from your analysis and naturally incorporate them into your resume. Focus on skills section and summary first.
2. Strengthen Bullet Points
Replace weak bullet points with action verbs and quantifiable results. Use our AI enhancement feature for suggestions.
3. Fix Formatting Issues
Address any ATS flags like missing section headings, complex layouts, or formatting inconsistencies.
Improving Each Score Component
Skills Match Score
To improve your skills match:
- Add all relevant skills from the job description to your skills section
- Include both exact matches and related skills
- Place important skills in your summary as well
- Mention skills in your experience bullets where relevant
- Use industry-standard terminology
Title Match Score
To improve title relevance:
- Use standard job titles that match industry norms
- If your title is non-standard, add the standard equivalent in parentheses
- Highlight relevant experience even if titles don't match exactly
- Emphasize transferable skills in your summary
Recency Score
To improve recency:
- Emphasize your most recent and relevant experience
- Include recent projects, certifications, or training
- Address employment gaps proactively in your summary
- Highlight continuous learning and skill development
Achievements Score
To strengthen achievements:
- Start every bullet with a strong action verb
- Quantify results with numbers, percentages, or dollar amounts
- Focus on impact and outcomes, not just responsibilities
- Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure achievements
- Highlight achievements relevant to the target role
Before:
"Responsible for managing the sales team"
After:
"Led sales team of 12 representatives, exceeding quarterly targets by 25% and increasing revenue by $2M annually"
Education Score
To improve education relevance:
- Highlight relevant coursework if you're a recent graduate
- Include certifications related to the role
- Mention continuing education or professional development
- Emphasize degree relevance in your summary if it's a key requirement
Using AI Enhancements
Our AI enhancement feature can help improve your score:
- Enhance individual bullet points with stronger wording
- Add quantifiable metrics where appropriate
- Optimize content for specific job descriptions
- Improve keyword usage naturally
Pro Tip
When using AI enhancements, always provide the job description. This allows AI to tailor suggestions specifically to the role, improving keyword optimization and relevance.
Addressing ATS Flags
Fix these common issues to improve your score:
Missing Section Headings
Ensure all sections have clear, standard headings (Experience, Education, Skills, etc.)
Complex Formatting
Remove tables, multi-column layouts, and graphics that confuse ATS systems
Missing Dates
Include start and end dates for all positions and education entries
Inconsistent Formatting
Use consistent date formats, spacing, and styling throughout
Iterative Improvement Process
Improving your resume score is an iterative process:
- Analyze: Run ATS analysis with the job description
- Identify: Review missing keywords and low-scoring areas
- Improve: Make targeted improvements to address gaps
- Re-analyze: Check your score again to see improvements
- Refine: Continue refining until you reach your target score
Target Scores
Aim for these scores based on your situation:
- Minimum Acceptable: 60+ overall score
- Good: 70+ overall score
- Excellent: 80+ overall score
- Component Scores: Aim for 70+ in each category, especially Skills and Achievements
Remember
Improving your resume score takes time and effort. Focus on making genuine improvements to your content, not just gaming the system. A well-written resume with a good score will always outperform a keyword-stuffed resume with a perfect score.
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