Free ATS resume checker
Most companies run your CV through software before a person reads it. Check yours in a minute and see what the software may struggle with.
Free, ATS-friendly, no watermark.
Build my CV freeWhat the checker looks at
The score is based on things applicant tracking systems (ATS) commonly depend on. It looks at whether your CV has real, selectable text; a simple one-column layout; standard headings such as Experience, Education and Skills; clear contact details; and bullet points that show results rather than only duties. It also compares your wording with a job description if you paste one, so you can see which keywords are missing.
How to check your CV
- Open DesignMyCV and choose Check my old CV's score.
- Upload your CV as a PDF or Word file.
- Read the score and the list of fixes, starting with the red items.
- Fix them in the builder, or start again from an ATS-friendly template.
- Download the new version as PDF or Word.
What the score means
A score is a guide, not a guarantee. Every company sets up its ATS differently, and no tool can promise your CV will pass all of them. A higher score means fewer known problems, such as tables, images, odd headings or missing keywords. A person still decides whether to interview you, so write for people as well.
Common reasons a CV scores low
- Two or three columns, tables or text boxes that scramble the reading order.
- Skills shown as images, bars or icons instead of words.
- Creative headings like "My journey" instead of "Experience".
- A scanned PDF, which is only a picture of text, so the software reads nothing.
- No keywords from the job advert.
- Contact details placed inside the page header, where some systems skip them.
Frequently asked questions
Is the ATS resume checker free?
Yes. Checking your CV's score is free, and so is downloading your CV as PDF or Word with no watermark.
Will my CV pass every ATS?
No tool can promise that, because every company configures its system differently. The checker finds common problems so you can fix them.
What happens to my file?
Files you upload to check are processed and then deleted straight away. We keep only the score.
Can it read a scanned CV?
No. A scanned PDF is only an image. Type your details into the builder instead, or export a text-based PDF from your original document.
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