ATS for Resumes Explained (2025): How Scanners Read Your Document
98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS to filter resumes. Learn exactly how these scanners read your document and what you must do to pass automated screening in 2025.
By PitchMeAI Editorial Team
FAQ
How do ATS systems scan resumes?
ATS platforms parse your resume into structured data, identify standard sections, extract and weigh keywords based on location and context, perform semantic matching using NLP to understand synonyms, then generate a numerical score ranking you against other candidates.
What file format is best for ATS compatibility?
Microsoft Word (.docx) files are most reliably parsed by ATS platforms in 2025. While well-optimized PDFs generally work, Word documents are the safest choice across all systems.
Is a 70% ATS score good enough to get an interview?
A 70% score gives you a moderate chance of human review but isn't guaranteed. Scores above 80% are much more likely to pass screening. Improve your score by adding missing keywords, quantifying achievements, and including relevant certifications from the job description.
Can ATS read scanned documents?
Modern ATS use OCR to read scanned documents, but error rates are significantly higher than native digital files. Always submit a .docx or clean PDF rather than a scanned image to ensure accurate parsing.
What formatting should I avoid for ATS compatibility?
Avoid multi-column layouts, tables, text boxes, graphics, headers/footers with critical information, and non-standard fonts. Use a single-column format with standard section headings and simple, clean design for best results.