Most resumes submitted online never reach human eyes. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) reject 75% of applications before a recruiter sees them. The average unoptimized resume scores just 40/100. But with a few strategic changes, you can push that score past 90 — and that's when interview calls start coming in.
Why Your ATS Score Matters More Than Ever in 2026
75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a human sees them
Source: Jobscan 2026 Hiring Report
7 Proven Techniques to Boost Your ATS Score
- •Match exact keywords from the job description — don't paraphrase. If the JD says 'project management,' use 'project management,' not 'managed projects.'
- •Use standard section headings: 'Work Experience' (not 'Where I've Worked'), 'Education,' 'Skills,' 'Certifications.'
- •Avoid tables, columns, text boxes, and graphics — ATS parsers read left-to-right, top-to-bottom only.
- •Include both the acronym and full term: 'Search Engine Optimization (SEO)' — ATS may search for either.
- •Quantify achievements with numbers: 'Increased revenue by 34%' instead of 'Improved revenue.'
- •Submit as .docx or .pdf — but check the job posting; some older ATS systems can't parse PDFs.
- •Add a 'Skills' section with 12-15 keywords from the job description — this is the #1 factor for ATS matching.
LeadRises Pro Tip
Use the LeadRises AI Resume Builder's ATS scanner — it scores your resume against real ATS algorithms and shows exactly which keywords you're missing. Users report going from 42 to 89/100 in under 5 minutes.
Common ATS Mistakes That Kill Your Score
- •Using creative fonts — stick to Arial, Calibri, Helvetica, or Georgia
- •Putting contact info in headers/footers — many ATS can't read those areas
- •Using abbreviations without spelling them out first
- •Including images, logos, or icons — ATS reads them as gibberish
- •Listing skills without context — always tie skills to specific achievements
How LeadRises AI Boosts Your ATS Score Automatically
How long does it take to improve my ATS score?
With LeadRises AI Resume Builder, most users improve their ATS score from 40 to 85+ in under 5 minutes. The AI automatically identifies missing keywords, reformats your resume, and rewrites bullet points.
Is there a free ATS scanner?
Yes! LeadRises offers a free ATS resume scanner. Upload your resume and get an instant ATS score with specific recommendations for improvement.
What ATS score do I need to get interviews?
Aim for 80+. Resumes scoring 80+ on ATS are 4× more likely to receive interview calls. Our users average 89/100 after optimization.