ATS resume checker: make sure your resume reads well
Applicant tracking systems (ATS) turn your resume into plain text before ranking it. Upload your PDF or Word file: the tool extracts the text as an ATS would, checks what an ATS and a recruiter look for first, and gives you a list of fixes, most important first.
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Tip: if the extracted text is jumbled or whole blocks are missing, an ATS will struggle with your file in the same way.
Local analysis: your resume never leaves your browser.
Indicative result, computed in your browser. Every applicant tracking system has its own rules: this check catches the most common problems, it does not guarantee the outcome of an application. Nothing you type is sent or stored.
What the check looks at
An ATS (applicant tracking system) is the software that receives applications. It extracts the text from your file, sorts the information into fields (contact details, roles, degrees, skills) and lets recruiters filter and search by keyword. If the extracted text is incomplete or jumbled, your resume is filed badly or missing from searches.
The checker reads the text extracted from your file (or the text you paste), as the software would. It looks for an email address and a phone number, standard section headings (“Work Experience”, “Education”, “Skills”, “Languages”, “Summary”, and their French equivalents), dates and their format, action verbs, measurable results and filler phrases (“team player”, “results-driven”…).
It also spots signs of a hard-to-read file: icons and emojis, decorative bullets, typographic ligatures, tabs or long runs of spaces in the middle of lines, or a majority of one or two word lines, typical of a two-column resume.
Each check is worth points (4 to 12 depending on importance): a passed check earns all its points, a check to review earns half. The score is the total, out of 100. The thresholds (under 200 words: too short; over 900 words: long; at least 5 action verbs) are our editorial benchmarks for a one or two page resume, not official rules.
The check judges form, not substance. To see whether your resume speaks the language of a specific job ad, use the resume vs job match score.
Worked examples
Scores of three versions of the same resume, computed with the tool.
| Resume tested | Score | First fixes suggested |
|---|---|---|
| The tool’s sample resume | 87/100 | Length, Action verbs |
| Same resume without section headings or contact details | 34/100 | “Experience” section, Email address, “Education” section |
| Two-column resume with icons and filler phrases | 55/100 | “Skills” section, Action verbs, Length |
Frequently asked questions
What is an ATS-friendly resume?
A resume whose text software can extract cleanly: one column, standard section headings, contact details written as text, consistent dates, and no key information hidden in images, icons or page headers.
How can I see what an ATS reads in my resume?
Upload your PDF to this tool: the text shown below the button is extracted the way screening software does it. If blocks are missing or mixed up, simplify the layout.
Do I need a plain resume with no color to pass an ATS?
No. Color and a clean design are fine. The problems come from multiple columns, tables, text inside images or text boxes, and icons used instead of words.
PDF or Word for an ATS?
A PDF exported from a word processor (not scanned) reads well in most systems. If the job ad asks for a specific format, follow it.
Is my resume uploaded or stored?
No. The analysis runs in your browser. Your text is neither uploaded nor stored.
How is this different from the resume vs job match score?
This checker makes sure your resume reads well, whatever the job. The match score compares your resume with one job ad and lists missing skills. The two complement each other.
More free tools
- Job applicationResume vs job match scoreUpload your resume, paste the job ad: score out of 100, missing skills and tips, nothing uploaded.Open the tool
- Job applicationCover letter word counterWords, characters, reading time, long sentences and repetitions, with length benchmarks.Open the tool
- SalaryFrench gross to net salary calculatorGross to net and net to gross, monthly or yearly, with each 2026 French payroll contribution and take-home pay after tax.Open the tool
Take action
Your first 3 application packs are on us.
Upload your CV: we find jobs that match you, score each one out of 10 and prepare a tailored CV and cover letter. You review, you approve.
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