Free ATS Resume Checker - Optimize Your Resume for Job Applications
Boost your chances of landing interviews with an ATS-friendly resume
Upload your resume in PDF, DOCX or TXT format and instantly check its compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
Click or drag file to this area to upload
Supported file types: .pdf, .doc, .docx, .txt
🧠 What is ATS?
An ATS, or Applicant Tracking System, is resume scanning software used by employers to filter and rank job applicants automatically.
It helps hiring teams:
- Collect, scan, filter, and rank job applications.
- Automatically decide which resumes are most relevant for a specific job based on keywords, skills, experience, and formatting.
Optimizing your resume for ATS ensures it reaches human recruiters and increases your chances of landing interviews.
🏢 Who Uses Applicant Tracking Systems?
ATS platforms are widely used by:
- Companies of all sizes, especially medium to large ones.
- Recruitment and staffing agencies
- HR departments in corporate settings
- Government institutions and nonprofits
- Any organization that receives many job applications can benefit from ATS software to automate and speed up the hiring process.
📍Where Is ATS Used in the Hiring Process?
- A company posts a job online (LinkedIn, Indeed, etc.).
- Candidates apply through the platform or the company’s career site.
- The application and resume go directly into the ATS system.
- The ATS scans each resume for:
- Job title matches
- Skills and keywords
- Work history and education
- Consistent formatting and structure
- Only the resumes that score high are passed on to human recruiters.
⚠️ Why ATS Optimization is important to You as a Job Seeker:
If your resume is not optimized for ATS, it may:
- Be rejected automatically before a human ever sees it.
- Miss out on opportunities, even if you’re a strong match.
That’s why formatting, keyword usage, and structure matter a lot in modern job applications.
✅ Good Points (ATS-Friendly Resume Features)
| What to Include | Why it Helps |
|---|---|
| Simple formatting (no tables or columns) | ATS can easily parse plain text from single-column layouts. |
| Standard section headings | Use common titles like Work Experience, Education, Skills, etc. |
| Relevant keywords from the job ad | Match words from the job description (e.g., "Angular", "CI/CD", "TypeScript"). |
| Bullet points for achievements | Improves readability and keyword scanning. |
| Clear job titles and dates | ATS systems look for structure: Title – Company – Date – Description. |
| Standard font (Arial, Calibri, etc.) | Prevents parsing issues with fancy fonts. |
| File format: PDF or DOCX | Both are acceptable if properly created (like your current PDF). |
| Contact info in text (not image) | ATS can recognize and extract email, phone, and LinkedIn profile. |
| No spelling errors | Misspelled keywords won't match job filters. |
| Consistent date formatting | Use MM/YYYY or Month YYYY format consistently. |
❌ Bad Points (What to Avoid)
| What to Avoid | Why it Hurts Your ATS Score |
|---|---|
| Tables, columns, or text boxes | Many ATS systems cannot read inside them — information may be skipped. |
| Images, icons, or logos | ATS ignores or misreads graphics, including social media icons. |
| Multiple font types and colors | Confuses parsing and can make your resume look unprofessional. |
| Header/footer text | Some ATS systems do not read content in headers or footers. |
| Uncommon section titles | Using titles like "My Journey" instead of "Work Experience" may be ignored. |
| Overuse of acronyms without explanation | Use full terms too: e.g., CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Delivery). |
| Missing job titles or companies | Incomplete experience entries can't be matched to job requirements. |
| Too generic content | Avoid vague descriptions like "Worked hard" — be specific and measurable. |
| Unstructured date ranges | Avoid "Present" without a start date; always include both dates. |
| Inconsistent formatting | Varying styles for different sections confuse ATS and hurt readability. |
