> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.arco.careers/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why Your arco Match Scores Look Wrong and How to Fix Them

> Diagnose low match scores, unexpected score drops after uploading your CV, and why scores don't update instantly when you change preferences.

Match scores in arco are usually working as designed, even when they look off at first glance. This page walks through the most common reasons scores seem wrong and what to check before contacting support.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Everything scores low">
    * **Have you uploaded a CV?** Without one, arco works from your self-reported profile only.
    * **Is your CV machine-readable?** If your CV is image-based, heavily designed, or has text embedded in graphics, extraction will be poor.
    * **Are you targeting a level above your experience?** Lead and Head-of roles scored against a mid-level CV will score low. That's accurate, not broken.
    * **Are you changing discipline?** arco scores relevant experience, not total years. If you're switching fields, your scores will honestly show that.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Scores dropped after I uploaded my CV">
    This is common and usually correct. Before a CV, arco takes your stated experience level at face value. After a CV, it assesses what's actually documented. If the two don't quite agree, scores adjust, and the new number is the more useful one.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="A job I'm clearly qualified for scored low">
    Check the red flags on that card first. They usually contain the answer. If the posting is vague or badly written, scoring against it is harder. Sparse postings tend to score conservatively.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="A job I'm not qualified for scored high">
    If the posting is short on detail, scores can drift upward. Read the red flags before treating a high score as a green light.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="My scores didn't update after I changed something">
    Scores update on the next search, not instantly. On Pro, that's the next daily run or use **Find Jobs** now. On Free, it's your next weekly refresh.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Still doesn't look right?

Email [support@arco.careers](mailto:support@arco.careers) with the job title, company, and the score you're seeing, plus what you expected.

## Related articles

* [How match scoring works](/job-matches/how-scoring-works)
* [How your CV affects your scores](/your-cv/how-your-cv-affects-scores)