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Free tool · Runs in your browser

Free ATS resume checker

Paste your resume, and add a job description if you have one. Get a score out of 100 and a fix for every check that does not pass.

Private by design. The check runs on this page. Your resume and the job description are not sent to Applystead or anyone else, and nothing is saved.

Paste your resume as plain text, or choose a .txt, .docx or .pdf file.

Add the posting to check its keywords too.

Your score

Paste your resume and select Check my resume. Your score appears here.

What the checker looks for

  1. Contact info. An email address, a phone number and a profile or portfolio link, as plain text.
  2. Standard headings. Experience, Education and Skills, each on its own line, so a system can tell the sections apart.
  3. Bullets that start with action verbs. One achievement per bullet, opening with what you did, without “responsible for”.
  4. Numbers. Bullets that say how many, how much or how fast, where that is true.
  5. Length and layout. One or two pages of words, short bullets, no “I” in bullets and no table or column layout.
  6. Dates. A start and end date for each role, in one format, running forward.

Learn more: how to make an ATS-friendly resume, resume action verbs, how long a resume should be and how to use resume keywords truthfully.

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Frequently asked questions

Is my resume uploaded or saved?

No. The check runs in your browser with this page's own script. Your resume and the job description are not sent to Applystead or anyone else, and nothing is saved. If you choose to fix it in the Resume studio or tailor it, the text is kept in this browser tab so the next page can fill it in.

How is the ATS score calculated?

The checker runs 17 plain checks in six groups: contact info, section headings, bullets and action verbs, quantified results, length and readability, and dates, plus job keywords when you paste a job description. A pass earns the check's full weight, an improve earns half and a fix earns nothing; the score is the share earned, out of 100.

Does a high score guarantee my resume passes an ATS?

No. Each applicant tracking system reads resumes its own way and recruiters decide who moves forward. The score shows how clear and complete your resume is on the points most systems and recruiters rely on, so you can fix what is easy to fix.

What does Share my score share?

Only the number. The link is this page's address with your score added, for example ?score=82. It never carries your resume, your job description or your name.

Which files can I upload?

Plain text, Word .docx and PDF files with a text layer, up to 5 MB. The file is read in your browser. A scanned PDF has no text to read, so paste your resume instead.

Is the ATS resume checker free?

Yes. It is free, needs no account and has no usage limit, because all the work happens in your browser.