How to Improve Your Jobscan Resume Score

If you've searched for your jobscan resume score, you probably already know it's a number that tells you how well your resume matches a specific job description. The fix is straightforward: align your resume's keywords and format with what the company's software expects. Here's how to raise that score and get more interviews.

Match the Job Description's Keywords

The biggest factor in your score is keyword matching. The software scans for terms from the job posting, so you need to mirror them naturally. Start by copying the full job description into Jobscan along with your resume. It will highlight the keywords you're missing.

Focus on the 10 to 15 most important terms, usually skills and qualifications. For example, if the job asks for "project management" and "stakeholder engagement," make sure those exact phrases appear in your experience bullets. Don't stuff keywords in randomly; that looks bad to human readers and can hurt you. Aim to include most of the top terms in a way that reads naturally.

After you edit, rescan and see if your score improves. Small gains of a few points per round are normal, so keep iterating until you're satisfied.

Fix Formatting That Confuses Software

ATS software struggles with fancy layouts. Tables, images, text boxes, and unusual fonts can cause it to misread your content or skip it entirely. Use a clean, simple format: standard fonts like Arial or Calibri, left-aligned text, and clear headings like "Work Experience" and "Education." Save your resume as a .docx or a text-based PDF, not a scanned image.

Avoid headers and footers, because the software often ignores them. Use bullet points under each job instead of paragraphs or tables. This isn't just about passing the scan; it also makes your resume easier for a person to read quickly.

Quantify Achievements and Tailor Each Resume

Your score also improves when your bullets are specific and measurable. Instead of writing "Managed a team," say "Led a team of 10, increasing productivity." Numbers like percentages, dollar amounts, and team sizes give the software clear data points and make your impact obvious to a recruiter.

Tailor your resume for every application. Use the job description's own action verbs and phrases. If it says "orchestrated," use that word. If it emphasizes "data analytics," include that phrase in your summary or skills section. You don't need to rewrite everything; just adjust the most relevant parts.

Here's a simple checklist for each application:

• Run the job description through Jobscan and note the top keywords.
• Weave those keywords into your summary, skills, and experience bullets.
• Replace vague duties with quantified achievements.
• Save as a clean, text-based file and rescan to confirm your score.

Don't get obsessed with hitting a perfect number. The score is a guide, not a guarantee. A well-written, tailored resume that reads naturally will always beat one stuffed with keywords. Use the score to catch obvious gaps, but trust your judgment on what sounds good.

If you want help beyond the score, Destava's AI career manager can build and fix your resume, improve your LinkedIn profile, and even find and apply to jobs for you, so you can focus on preparing for interviews.