ATS scores represent how well your resume matches a specific job description across multiple dimensions: keyword match, formatting quality, section structure, and overall compatibility. Understanding these scores helps you optimize strategically rather than guessing.
Score benchmarks for Indian job applications: Below 50% — your resume is severely mismatched and will almost certainly be filtered out. 50-60% — borderline; might pass at companies with low applicant volumes but will fail at competitive companies. 60-75% — decent match; may pass ATS but you'll be competing with better-optimized resumes. 75-85% — strong match; high probability of reaching human reviewers. 85%+ — excellent match; you'll be among the top-ranked candidates in the ATS.
What affects the score: Keyword match is typically the largest component (60-70% of the score). This measures how many skills, qualifications, tools, and experience requirements from the JD appear in your resume. Formatting quality (15-20%) assesses whether ATS can parse your resume correctly. Section structure (10-15%) checks if standard sections are present and properly labeled. Some ATS systems also factor in experience relevance and education match.
A critical nuance: ATS scores are relative to specific job descriptions, not absolute. A resume scoring 90% for a Python developer role might score 40% for a Java developer role. This is why tailoring your resume per application is essential. Don't assume a high score on one JD means you'll score well on others. Test against each specific job description you're applying to.
To improve your score: focus first on keyword gaps (the highest-impact fix), then formatting issues, then section structure. Even small improvements — adding 3-4 missing keywords — can jump your score by 10-15 points.