Free ATS Resume Checker
Over 75% of resumes are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems before a human ever sees them. Import your resume below — you will continue in the PitchCV app for the full ATS check (same flow as the homepage).
Import resume for free ATS check
Privacy guaranteed — your resume is processed securely and never sold.
Free tool · Applicant tracking systems
What ATS resume checking covers on PitchCV
Applicant tracking systems rank and filter candidates before recruiters open files. This page explains the parsing and structure layer—whether machines can read dates, employers, and bullets reliably. Vocabulary and verbs matter next; they have dedicated tools so each URL stays focused for search engines and readers.
Machine-readable layout
Single-column flow, plain headings, and text-based skills blocks reduce the risk that Workday, Greenhouse, or Lever drop half of your experience during ingestion.
Tables, text boxes, and graphics
Creative PDFs often hide job titles or dates inside shapes. ATS checkers surface where extraction breaks so you can rebuild those sections in parser-friendly HTML or Word styles.
Section labels recruiters search
Consistent labels such as Experience, Education, and Skills help both ATS filters and human reviewers jump to proof points faster—especially for compliance and volume hiring queues.
Signals that commonly break ATS parsing
If your resume looks perfect on screen but ranks poorly, the issue is often invisible: the parser never joined your role title with its achievements. Use this checklist before you import.
- Headers typed as text instead of Word styles—or custom text boxes for entire employment blocks.
- Multi-column layouts where the second column is read before the first column finishes.
- Icons or badges replacing plain-text labels for programming languages or certifications.
- Footers with contact details only, while the body omits phone or city where the ATS expects it.
- Merged table cells that collapse months or employer names when exported to plain text.
After import, PitchCV continues the workflow in the app: you see which sections survived extraction and which keywords still need reinforcement.
Which PitchCV free tool should you open next?
Each landing page is written for a different optimization job. Use the table below to pick the fastest path after your ATS check passes the readability bar.
| Tool | Primary question it answers | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| ATS resume checker (this page) | Can an ATS parser read my file without losing roles, dates, or bullets? | Fix layout and headings, then re-import to confirm extraction. |
| Resume keyword scanner | Does my vocabulary match the job description’s hard skills, tools, and domain nouns? | Paste a target posting in PitchCV and close prioritized gaps. |
| Action verb generator | Do my bullets read as duties instead of measured outcomes? | Rewrite weak openers with verbs you can defend in behavioral interviews. |
How our ATS checker works
Our scanner mimics the exact logic used by enterprise hiring software like Taleo, Greenhouse, and Workday.
1. Formatting parse test
We attempt to extract your text. If you use columns, tables, or complex designs, we'll flag exactly where the parser fails to read your experience.
2. Keyword density scan
We compare the vocabulary in your document against standard industry requirements to find missing hard skills and buzzwords.
3. Action verb analysis
We detect weak, passive language (for example, “responsible for”) and suggest strong, metric-driven verbs that algorithms score highly.
Frequently asked questions
Answers mirror the structured data on this page for consistency with Google rich results.
What does the PitchCV ATS resume checker evaluate?
It focuses on how applicant tracking systems parse your file, keyword coverage versus role expectations, and phrasing strength—including weak verbs that reduce impact. After import, you continue in PitchCV for the full analysis workflow.
Is the ATS checker the same as the keyword scanner?
No. The ATS checker emphasizes parsing and overall ATS fit. The resume keyword scanner page is tuned for vocabulary gaps. Both use the same secure resume import into PitchCV.
What file types can I upload?
PDF and DOCX (also DOC where supported), up to 5 MB, consistent with the homepage upload contract.
Who should run an ATS resume check first?
Anyone applying through large employers, agencies, or job boards where resumes are auto-screened. If you recently redesigned your CV with columns, icons, or text boxes, run an ATS check before spending time on keyword tweaks.
Does a high ATS score replace tailoring to a job posting?
No. ATS fit includes machine readability plus vocabulary match. Use this checker for structure and parsing, then use the resume keyword scanner with a target job description to close role-specific gaps.
Related resume guides
Use these practical resources to improve score, clarity, and recruiter relevance.