What is the Notch Score?
Your Notch Score is a percentage (0-100%) that shows how well your resume matches a specific job description. It's based on:
- What the JD actually asks for (not just keywords)
- What you've proven you can do (based on your resume)
- How clearly you communicate (format, structure, impact)
Think of it as "interview likelihood" - a higher score means you're more likely to get past the first screen.
Understanding Your Score
You have most of what they're asking for. Apply with confidence. Your resume shows clear evidence of the key competencies.
You're in the running, but there are gaps. Use Notch's suggestions to bridge them. Consider emphasizing adjacent experience.
Significant gaps between your experience and what they want. Either surface hidden experience or consider if this role is the right fit.
How We Calculate Your Score
Notch uses a dual scoring system combining AI analysis and deterministic scoring across 5 dimensions:
What % of the job's key competencies do you address?
Do you use metrics, scope, and strong verbs?
Is your relevant experience recent (last 5 years)?
Is your writing concise and easy to scan?
Does your format work with applicant tracking systems?
Your final score is the sum of all five dimensions, converted to a percentage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my score only 72% when I think I'm a great fit?
You might be underselling yourself! Common reasons for lower-than-expected scores:
- You have relevant experience but didn't mention it on your resume
- Your bullets are too vague (missing metrics, scope, or clear outcomes)
- You're using different terminology than the JD
- Your most relevant experience is buried or not emphasized
Solution: Review Notch's suggested rewrites - they'll show you how to surface what you actually did.
Should I only apply to jobs where I score 75%+?
Not necessarily. A 65-74% score suggests you're in the running, though your odds may vary depending on the role and competition. Use Notch to improve your resume for the role, not to gate whether you apply. The score is a guide, not a guarantee.
Why do I get different scores for the same resume on different jobs?
Because Notch scores your match to a specific job, not your resume quality in general. The same resume can be a 85% match for one role and 60% for another if the requirements differ.
What are the three bullet variants (Classic / Match / Statement)?
Each bullet has three versions to help you choose your tone:
- Classic (A): How you'd naturally write it - conservative and safe
- Match (B): Optimized for the JD - uses their keywords and emphasizes what they want
- Statement (C): Full impact - owns your accomplishments confidently
All three are interview-defensible. Pick what feels authentic to you.
What do the ⚠️ risk flags mean?
Notch's "Honesty Lock" catches potential red flags in rewrites:
- Placeholder metrics: "100% increase" without context
- Title inflation: "Led" vs "Contributed to"
- New entities: Adding companies/projects not on your resume
Always verify flagged bullets before using them. If you can't defend it in an interview, don't use it.
Can I use Notch for non-traditional backgrounds?
Yes! Notch works across all industries and experience levels. It's especially helpful if you're:
- Making a career pivot
- Translating non-corporate experience to corporate roles
- Re-entering the workforce after a gap
- Self-taught or lacking traditional credentials
How to Improve Your Score
- Surface hidden experience: Did you actually do the thing they're asking for but forgot to mention it? Add it.
- Use their language: If the JD says "cross-functional collaboration," use that phrase (don't say "teamwork").
- Add metrics and scope: "Managed team" → "Managed 6-person team" or "Led project" → "Led $2M project"
- Choose stronger variants: Notch's Match (B) and Statement (C) bullets score higher than Classic (A).
- Keep it recent: Emphasize experience from the last 5 years when possible.