Free ATS Resume Checker

An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that employers use to collect, scan, and manage resumes throughout the hiring process. It reviews skills, experience, and keywords that match the job description, helping recruiters quickly identify qualified candidates.

Because ATS software plays such a critical role in early screening, using an ATS resume scanner can help you understand how your resume performs before you apply. 

Our ATS Resume Checker scans your resume similarly to hiring systems, identifying content or formatting issues that could prevent a passing ATS score. After you scan your resume, you can use our Resume Builder to implement the changes recommended in your report.

MyPerfectResume’s free ATS Resume Checker is the best tool for getting a personalized resume score and a detailed list of suggested improvements to help you tailor your resume to the role you are applying for and optimize the content and layout for ATS.

Our ATS score checker is an easy-to-use, mobile-friendly tool designed to help you create a complete, error-free, and targeted resume. Explore our guide on how to write a resume for additional tips from career professionals to stand out to hiring managers in your field.

Scanning your resume with an ATS-compliant resume checker is the best way to determine whether it aligns with ATS filters that check for key qualifications, such as technical skills and soft skills listed in the job description.

Our mobile-friendly ATS Resume Checker helps you improve your resume’s performance, ensuring it is optimized for ATS screening and aligned with hiring managers’ expectations.

Remember to tailor your resume to the job description by incorporating keywords that match your skills and qualifications. A keyword-optimized resume is more likely to pass ATS and demonstrate to hiring managers that you meet the role’s requirements.

A strong ATS resume score is typically 80% or higher, as this indicates alignment with the job posting and improves the chances that your application will reach the hiring manager. ATS scores can vary depending on the software employers use and how closely your work experience matches a specific job description.

A score that’s considered strong for one role might be average for another, which is why it’s important to tailor your resume for each application. Crafting a resume that highlights relevant skills and experience is key to standing out.

For example, if a role emphasizes leadership and communication, you could highlight these skills in your resume summary or objective statement to show employers you’re aligned with their needs. However, ATS scores aren’t based on keywords alone—factors like formatting, relevant experience, and tailoring your content also play a key role.

You can use our ATS Resume Checker to scan your resume for free and identify potential errors, including formatting issues and missing or generic content. You’ll gain insights into areas that need improvement, such as missing sections or a lack of measurable achievements. 

Tailoring your content to the job description and incorporating measurable accomplishments that align with the role increases your chances of passing ATS filters and reaching the recruiter.

It’s also important to use strong action verbs like “implemented,” “coordinated,” or “achieved” to showcase your impact and results-oriented approach.

To boost your score, ensure your resume includes both technical skills, such as software proficiency or data analysis, and interpersonal skills, such as communication and teamwork.

The best resume file format to use for ATS is Word (.doc or .docx). Most applicant tracking systems are designed to parse Word files accurately, which means your content—like headings, work history, and skills—will be read accurately. 

Most modern ATS tools can also read text-based PDF files with simple formatting. But some older systems may have trouble reading PDFs. To be safe, stick with a Word file unless the employer requests a different format. Ensure your resume formatting is ATS-friendly by using a professional resume font and avoiding complex graphics, tables, or design elements. 

If you’re unsure, our ATS Resume Checker can help verify that your resume’s format and content are readable by hiring software before you apply. We also recommend exploring resume examples to see samples of optimal resume formatting.