What is an ATS Score?
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software used by 99% of Fortune 500 companies to automatically filter, rank, and reject resumes before a human ever reads them. When you submit your resume online, an ATS parses it, extracts key information, and scores it against the job description's requirements.
A low ATS score means your resume is rejected automatically — even if you're perfectly qualified. Spireix's free ATS Resume Checker evaluates your resume against the same parameters these systems use, giving you an instant score and actionable advice to improve it.
18 Parameters We Test
01Email Address Present
02Phone Number Present
03LinkedIn URL
04Professional Headline
05Spelling Accuracy
06Grammar Correctness
07Personal Pronoun Usage
08Passive Voice Check
09Keyword Density
10Target Role Match
11Action Verb Strength
12Quantified Achievements
13Summary/Objective Section
14Work Experience Section
15Education Section
16Skills Section
17File Format (PDF/DOCX)
18Resume Length (400–700 words)
Common ATS Traps to Avoid
- Graphics & Tables: Most ATS systems cannot parse resume graphics, columns, or tables — keep it simple.
- Headers & Footers: Contact info placed in headers/footers is often missed by ATS parsers.
- Unusual Section Names: Label sections clearly as "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills" — not creative alternatives.
- Missing Keywords: Read the job description carefully and mirror its exact language for key skills.
- Long Files: Keep your resume under 2MB and 1–2 pages. Longer resumes get lower ATS scores.
- Personal Pronouns: Remove all "I," "me," and "my" from your resume.
- Generic Bullet Points: Replace vague statements with quantified accomplishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ATS score?
An ATS (Applicant Tracking System) score is a measure of how well your resume is optimized for automated resume-screening software used by 99% of Fortune 500 companies. A high score means more of your applications reach human recruiters.
What file formats do you support?
We support PDF (.pdf), Microsoft Word (.doc and .docx) files up to 5MB. PDF is the recommended format for the most accurate text parsing.
Is my resume stored on your servers?
No. Your resume is processed in real-time and never stored on our servers. We value your privacy completely.
How is the ATS score calculated?
Our AI evaluates 10 critical dimensions: Contact Information, Spelling & Grammar, Personal Pronouns, Keyword Matching, Sentence Clarity, Quantified Achievements, Section Architecture, Document Properties, and more — producing a score out of 100.
What score do I need to pass ATS?
Recruiters typically set an ATS cutoff of 70–80%. A score of 80+ is considered 'Good' by our system. We recommend targeting 85+ for competitive roles.
Can I check multiple resumes?
Yes! You can check as many resumes as you like for free. For saved history and comparison features, sign up for a free account.
What is keyword matching?
Keyword matching (Step 4) compares your resume's skills and terminology against the job description you provide. ATS systems filter candidates who don't match required keywords even if they're qualified.
Do you offer a resume builder?
Yes! After checking your score, you can use our AI Resume Builder to fix the identified issues section-by-section. Pro plan users get AI-powered rewrites and unlimited templates.
What is a quantified point?
Quantified points are resume bullet points that include measurable achievements — like 'increased sales by 35%' or 'managed a team of 12'. ATS systems and recruiters heavily favor quantified accomplishments.
How do I improve my ATS score?
Focus on: (1) adding all contact info, (2) using keywords from the job description, (3) removing personal pronouns, (4) adding quantified achievements, (5) ensuring all mandatory sections are present, and (6) keeping the file under 2MB.