Free ATS Resume Checker — Test Your Resume Against ATS Systems
Don't let robots reject your resume. Our ATS checker analyzes formatting, structure, and keywords to ensure your resume gets past applicant tracking systems — and into human hands.
What ATS Systems Actually Check
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) like Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, and Taleo scan your resume before any human sees it. They parse your document into structured data and rank candidates by relevance.
If your resume can't be parsed correctly — or doesn't contain the right keywords — you're automatically filtered out. This is why most job seekers get no callbacks.
✓ ATS-Friendly Elements
- Standard section headers (Experience, Education, Skills)
- Single-column layout
- Standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- PDF format (from Word, not design tools)
- Keywords from job description
✗ ATS Killers to Avoid
- Tables and multi-column layouts
- Text in headers, footers, or text boxes
- Images, graphics, or icons
- Creative section names ("My Journey")
- Unusual fonts or special characters
ATS + Human: Optimize for Both
Step 1: Pass the ATS
Use clean formatting, standard sections, and include keywords from the job posting. This gets you into the "reviewed" pile.
Step 2: Win the 6-Second Scan
Once a recruiter opens your resume, eye-tracking research shows they scan in an F-pattern. Your top third must tell the right story instantly.
How Our ATS Check Works
1. Upload Your Resume
Drop your PDF. We parse it exactly like ATS systems do — checking structure, sections, and readability.
2. Get Your Heat Map
See the attention distribution across your resume. Red = high attention, blue = often missed.
3. Check ATS Compatibility
We flag formatting issues, missing sections, and parsing problems that could get you filtered out.
4. Match Keywords (Full Analysis)
Paste a job description to see keyword match percentage and identify missing terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ATS (Applicant Tracking System)?
An ATS is software that companies use to manage job applications. It parses resumes into a database, filters candidates by keywords and qualifications, and helps recruiters organize their hiring pipeline. 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS systems.
Why do 75% of resumes get rejected by ATS?
Most rejections happen because of formatting issues (tables, columns, images that confuse parsers), missing keywords from the job description, or non-standard section headers. The resume might be perfect for humans but unreadable for machines.
What's the best resume format for ATS?
Use a clean, single-column layout with standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman). Include clear section headers (Experience, Education, Skills). Save as PDF from Microsoft Word or Google Docs — not from design tools like Canva which can create parsing issues. See our complete ATS format guide.
Should I stuff my resume with keywords?
No. Keyword stuffing can backfire — ATS systems and recruiters both detect it. Instead, naturally incorporate relevant keywords from the job description, especially exact phrases for skills, tools, and methodologies they mention.
How do I know if my resume passed ATS?
Use our free resume checker to test ATS compatibility. Upload your PDF, and we'll analyze the structure, sections, and formatting to identify potential issues before you apply.
Ready to Beat the ATS?
Check your resume's ATS compatibility in 30 seconds. Free, instant, no signup required.
Check My Resume Now →Related Resources
Eye-Tracking Research
How recruiters actually read resumes (based on scientific studies).
Why No Interviews?
7 reasons your resume isn't working and how to fix each one.
ATS Format Guide
Step-by-step formatting for ATS compatibility.
Keyword Optimization
How to add keywords without overstuffing.