ATS CV Checker
Upload your CV and see the exact text an applicant tracking system pulls out of it, with every problem named and a one-line fix. PDF or Word, about 20 seconds.
- ✓ Files deleted in 60 seconds
- ✓ No login required
- ✓ Free first scan
- ✓ See the exact extracted text
What is an ATS CV checker?
It shows you what an applicant tracking system is likely to read from your CV before you apply. We pull the text out of your PDF or Word file the same basic way an ATS does, run 11 parsing checks on it, and show the extracted text next to every problem we find. It cannot tell you how a particular employer has set up its system.
What the checker looks at in your CV
Every check, its rule and its severity are listed on our methodology page, along with test files you can scan yourself.
CV or resume: what changes for the software
Nothing in how it reads the file. A CV and a resume both get their text extracted and sorted into fields. What changes is the habits that come with the word. CVs in the UK, Europe and the Gulf more often have a photo, a profile picture in a sidebar, a two-column design from a template site, or personal details at the top. The sidebar and the columns are what most often scramble the reading order.
Country guides: UK and Europe, UAE, Saudi Arabia, India and Pakistan. For a cover letter, use the free cover letter checker.
Questions
What is an ATS CV checker?
It shows you what an applicant tracking system is likely to read from your CV before you apply. We pull the text out of your PDF or Word file the same basic way an ATS does, run 11 parsing checks on it, and show the extracted text next to every problem we find. It cannot tell you how a particular employer has set up its system.
Is a CV checked differently from a resume?
No. An applicant tracking system reads a CV and a resume the same way: it extracts the text and sorts it into fields such as name, contact details, experience and education. The word you use does not change that. What differs is what people tend to put on a CV, which is why we also flag personal details.
Should my CV include a photo or date of birth?
For the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada and Australia, generally no: they are usually left off. Some employers in parts of Europe, the Gulf and Asia still expect them. The checker flags a photo, date of birth, marital status and similar details as one of 9 recruiter red-flag checks, so you can decide per application.
Is the CV checker free?
Yes. The scan, the score, the list of problems and the extracted text are free, with no signup and no card. If you want the CV fixed, the rebuilt Word and PDF files are $5 one time, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PDF or Word: which is better for an ATS?
A Word file (.docx) is the safest. A PDF made from Word or Google Docs is usually fine. Avoid a scanned PDF or one exported as an image: there is no text for the ATS to read.
Do you keep my CV?
No. The free scan reads your file in memory and does not store it. If you pay for a rebuild, the finished CV is held for up to about 25 hours so it can be delivered, then deleted.