Have you ever hesitated to apply for a role just because your resume did not score ‘above 80%’ on an online ATS tool?
You are not alone.
In recent years, job seekers have grown increasingly obsessed with Applicant Tracking System (ATS) scores. Resume scanners and online platforms flash numbers that supposedly determine your resume’s fate – leaving many candidates anxious, discouraged, or worse, rejected by software they barely understand.
But here is the truth no one talks about enough: an ATS score alone will not get you the job and often, it is not even a deciding factor.
Let us break down what really matters to recruiters and how you can stop chasing scores and start attracting real opportunities.
The ATS Myth: How It Started
Applicant Tracking Systems were created to help recruiters manage large volumes of applications — especially at companies that receive thousands of resumes for every open role.
Most ATS platforms store, sort, and search resumes using keywords related to the job description. Over time, job seekers began using tools that mimic these systems to ‘optimize’ their resumes and get a higher score. That is where the obsession began.
But the problem?
Many of these tools are not connected to real ATS systems.
They provide a generic percentage score based on keyword density — not context, not nuance, not the actual quality of your content.
And while keyword alignment is important, it is only one part of a much larger picture.
What Recruiters Actually Look For
According to a 2023 LinkedIn Hiring Trends Report, 72% of recruiters still read resumes manually during the shortlisting process – especially for mid and senior-level roles.
Here is what they truly pay attention to:
Clarity Over Keywords
Recruiters want to see a resume that clearly explains what you’ve done, what results you’ve achieved, and how that experience relates to the role.
A keyword-stuffed resume with no real story or structure is a red flag.
- Instead of: ‘Marketing, SEO, SEM, Campaigns, Ads, Content, Strategy…’
- Try: ‘Led a performance marketing campaign that reduced CPA by 28% in 6 months.’
Tailored Relevance
Recruiters do not need your resume to match every word in the job description. What matters is relevance – showing that your skills and experience solve their problem.
If you are applying for a role in fintech, but your resume is overloaded with general phrases, it may pass the ATS but still feel vague to a human reviewer.
Achievements, Not Just Duties
A 2022 survey found that 91% of recruiters prefer resumes that showcase accomplishments over responsibilities.
Instead of listing what you were supposed to do, highlight what you actually did – with numbers where possible.
Example:
Wrong: ‘Responsible for team coordination.’
Right: ‘Managed a team of 5, improving project delivery timelines by 20%.’
Clean Formatting
Some candidates sacrifice readability in favour of design. Others try to ‘trick’ the ATS with hidden text. Both approaches backfire.
Recruiters value simple, clean layouts with logical structure and clear sections. Your resume should be easy to skim in 6–10 seconds – because that is how long you often get.
Why a High ATS Score Does not Guarantee Success?
Here is a tough truth: you can have a 95% ATS score and still not get shortlisted.
Why?
Because scoring systems cannot measure storytelling, leadership potential, cultural fit, or communication skills. They cannot evaluate the complexity of your projects or your ability to collaborate.
In fact, many recruiters use Boolean searches inside ATS platforms to search for relevant profiles manually – especially when filling niche or leadership roles. That means they are looking for meaning, not just keyword matches.
So, Should You Ignore ATS Tools Completely?
Not at all. ATS tools can be useful guides to help you:
- Align your resume with the right terminology
- Understand how to incorporate job-specific phrases
- Check if you are missing obvious keywords
But they should not be your only focus. The goal is to create a human-first, software-friendly resume – not a robotic keyword list.
What You Should Do Instead?
If you are serious about improving your chances, shift your focus from score-chasing to strategy:
Customize Your Resume for Each Role
Use the job description to guide your wording – but do not copy-paste. Use synonyms and contextually relevant phrasing.
Lead with Outcomes
Frame your achievements with numbers, impact, and business value. Instead of ‘handled clients,’ write ‘Retained 95% of key clients over a 12-month period.’
Use a Clean, Consistent Format
Avoid overly designed templates or tables that confuse ATS software. Use standard fonts, clear section headings, and proper spacing.
Think Like a Recruiter
Ask yourself: If I were hiring for this role, would this resume give me confidence in the person’s ability?
The Role of a Resume Expert in This Journey
As a resume writer who works with professionals across industries, I often meet clients who feel trapped by ATS scores. They rewrite their resumes 10 times, obsess over minor changes, and still do not get results.
Here is what I tell them:
‘You do not need a perfect score. You need a clear, relevant, and compelling story.’
When your resume speaks your value with confidence, the right opportunities follow — with or without an algorithm’s approval.
It is Time to Shift the Focus
The hiring world is evolving. Tools will come and go. But what will not change is the need for real, relatable, and results-driven storytelling in your resume.
So, the next time you see an ATS score that makes you panic, take a breath.
Then ask a better question: Does this resume show who I am, what I’ve done, and what I can do next?
If the answer is yes – you are already ahead of the game.
