ATS Scoring Explained: How to Get a High Match Rate

The Magic Number

Recruiters often see a dashboard where candidates are ranked by a "Match Score" or percentage—85%, 92%, 40%. This score determines who gets a call and who gets archived. But how is it calculated?

The Calculation Logic

The score is derived primarily from:

• Keyword Presence: Do you have the required skills?
• Keyword Frequency: How often do they appear (weighted for relevance)?
• Contextual Relevance: Is "Manager" a job title or just a word in a sentence?
• Experience Duration: Does your "5 years of Java" align with their requirement?

What is a Good Score?

80%+: Excellent. You are likely in the top tier of candidates.
60-79%: Good/Average. You might get reviewed if the top tier is small.
Below 60%: Unlikely to be seen.

How to Boost Your Score

Mirror the Language: If they say "Client Relations," don't write "Customer Service." Use their exact vocabulary.
Long-Form Content: Acronyms are great, but spell them out too. "CPG (Consumer Packaged Goods)" hits two keywords.
Fill in the Gaps: Ensure your education and employment dates are clear so the system can calculate your years of experience correctly.

Conclusion

You don't need to cheat the system—you just need to speak its language. A high match score doesn't guarantee a job, but it guarantees a human look.