Best Resume Checkers & Writing Tips For an ATS-Friendly Resume



Writing a professional resume or CV can be a challenging task. To help job seekers better create ones, resume checkers have been developed. These tools scan and analyze resumes for content, format, design, and more, enabling job seekers to improve their resumes and make them more convincing. Some free resume checkers even provide suggestions and resume scores to help applicants strengthen their resumes.

Resume checkers are also referred to as ATS resume checkers as they assist job hunters in customizing resumes to match the requirements of ATS (Applicant Tracking System). 

In this article, we will share the best resume checkers that you can greatly benefit from, as well as some tips on how to write an ATS-friendly resume.

If you want to check how well-written your resume is, you can use a resume checker software. This software scans your resume for keywords that match the role you're applying for, and it estimates your overall resume performance or resume score. Additionally, an ATS resume checker provides you with feedback on how to improve your resume and increase its chances of passing the ATS used by companies.

Each resume checker has different focuses on different aspects of resumes. You can look for the tool’s name to have a general idea of what its main focus is. For example, Cake offers Resume Keyword Optimization, helping users to know how compatible their resume’s keywords are with the job postings.

Some names that you might run into are:

• ATS Resume Scanner
• ATS Resume Checker
• Resume Keyword Scanner
• Resume Grammar Checker

If you’re looking for a scanner that tells whether your resume contains enough keywords, look for an ATS resume checker. On the other hand, if grammar and typos are what you’re worried about, what you need is a Resume Grammar Checker. Now that you know, next time when you’re searching for a free ATS resume scan, take a glimpse at the name to see if it fits your needs.

Job hunting has always been a challenge for anyone. Not only do you need to compete with other candidates, but also surpass the bot (ATS). Therefore, it is crucial to check how well your resume would perform in an actual ATS after you have finished writing it.

In general, online resume checkers and scanners work in the same way. It's pretty straightforward. All you need to do is upload your resume/CV and the job description of the position you’re applying for, and the resume checker will analyze it instantly. Some sites might require you to create a free account to use it or leave your email to which the result will be sent.

Below are some elements that free ATS resume checkers can help you with

• Format, including word count, file type, and sentence length;
• ATS compliant;
• Use of words: keywords from the job descriptions, words to avoid using, or repeated words
• Standard sections that need to cover
• Design and layout
• Grammar and spelling check

Aside from these, different resume checkers may provide additional feedback and even expert suggestions on how to write a powerful resume.

1. Cake

First launched as a resume builder, Cake now provides a wide range of job-hunting tools and helps you develop your personal brand. One of which is the free ATS resume checker. 

You can use it better to match your resume with a specific job posting.

Here’s how:

STEP 1:

Copy and paste the content of your resume or choose an existing resume on Cake. 

STEP 2: Copy and paste the job title and description from the job you’re applying for. 

STEP 3: Click “Start Analyzing” to view the result.  

PROS:

• Fast, easy, and simple to use
• Display the match rate between your resume content and the job ad
• Focus on keyword optimization 

CONS:

• Need to upgrade your plan for more details
• Lack further guidance to improve your resume
  

2. Jobscan

Jobscan is specifically designed to help job seekers learn how to optimize their CVs or resumes for specific job postings. 

PROS:

• User-friendly and simple to use
• Provide details related to word count, measurable results, and words to avoid
• Evaluate section headings, date formatting, and paragraph length

CONS:

• Limited resume scans per month for a free account

3. Enhancv

Enhancv offers feedback on the structure, grammar, spelling, and keywords in your CV/resume, helping you bypass resume scanners successfully.

PROS:

• Result is ready within 2 minutes with details on format, content, and design
  

CONS:

• Allow only one resume in the free trial
• More expensive than other online resume checkers

4. Zety

As one of the leading online resume builders across the globe, Zety allows you to scan and check your resume score in just minutes.

PROS:

• Scans your grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Provides extra tips about relevant skills and keywords

CONS:

• Need to pay extra to ensure your resume meets your needs

5. Live Career

Resume Check is an outstanding feature on Live Career that helps ensure your resume/CV is error-free and fully customized for the job opening.

PROS:

• Accept a variety of file types, including .doc, .docx, .pdf, .html, .rtf, .txt.
• Focus on the most 30 common errors in resumes/CVs (e.g., formatting, word choice, measurable results, etc.)

CONS:

• Confusing pricing terms
• High rates
• Poor technical support
• Slower operation speed compared to other resume score checkers
  

6. Resume Shine

As the name says, Resume Shine is a resume score checker that gives you a fair idea of the quality and how recruiters think about it. You can also pay to get expert help to further enhance your resume/CV.

PROS:

• Accept a variety of file types, including .pdf, .doc, .docx, .txt.
• Cover all key sections in a resume, which are summary & objective, education, work experience, skills, contact, and format

CONS:

• Vague suggestions
• Different scoring for the same resume
  

7. Rezi

Rezi is an AI-powered platform that helps job seekers like you focus on the content instead of formatting. Known as an ATS resume scanner, it also gives you some suggestions about inserting efficient keywords to get through applicant tracking systems.

PROS:

• Focus on keyword optimization 

CONS:

• Only one resume in the free version
• No access without a subscription
  

8. Resume Worded

Designed by top recruiters, an online resume checker Resume Worded allows you to compare your resume with professional CVs. This way, you can optimize your resume and tailor it to the specific position you're applying for.

PROS:

• Powered with AI
• Provides you with tailored feedback on both your resume and LinkedIn profile

CONS:

• Free trial only

9. Kick Resume

On Kick Resume, once your resume and cover letter are done, the resume scanner can proofread your documents. 

PROS:

• Resume is reviewed within 60 seconds
• Designed beautifully and provides many specific details

CONS:

• Have to create an account to use the service
• Limited features for the free trial

10. Zip Job

Zip Job is a professional free resume scanner that matches job customers to a certified resume writer who also uses ATS to screen resumes.

PROS:

• Upload resumes directly to the platform without copy-pasting
• The review is very comprehensive, including the topics that both hiring managers and recruiters care about

CONS:

• Review results sent via email within 48 hours

💡 Tailor the resume to the job description.

It's important to note that even if two job titles are the same, the job responsibilities and qualifications may differ depending on the company and industry. Therefore, it's crucial to tailor your resume to match the job description of the position you're applying for. This will showcase your qualifications and keep your resume relevant to the job.

💡 Use keywords from the job description.

Applicant Tracking System scans a resume's content for specific keywords from a specific job ad to determine its relevance to the position opening. That’s why you can increase your chance of getting through the resume screening by inserting relevant keywords. 

These keywords can be found in the following sections in the job description: 

• Job overview 
• Responsibilities and duties 
• Requirements 

So, for example:

Then...

💡 Standardize the sections/headings. 

Most ATS resume scanners will even go over your resume’s headings, so make sure you label them by default. 

Here’s how to do it right:

• Contact 
• Resume Profile/About Me
• Professional Summary/Personal Statement
• Work Experience
• Education
• Skills

💡 Avoid using graphics.

ATS will be unable to read images, charts, and other graphics. So, avoid these when creating your resume otherwise they may cause parsing errors in the ATS.

Also, do not overuse graphical templates, shading, or coloring. When it comes to ATS scanners, the more simple, the better.

💡 Send your resume in the right format. 

Not only the employer but also ATS prefer a resume in .doc or .pdf. A Word document is by far the most easily read by the majority of ATS, while modern ATS can also read a .pdf file. 

Sending your resume in PDF seems to be the safer bet as the readers won’t encounter any formatting errors.

Read more to know how to write an ATS-friendly resume here!

Using a resume checker can greatly improve your chances of getting an interview by helping you create a convincing and ATS-friendly resume. Matching your resume with the job description and hitting the right keywords is key. 

Utilizing a ready-made free resume template, avoiding graphics, and sending your resume in PDF format can also increase your chances of getting past the ATS scanner. 

Cake is the best free resume builder that allows users to create professional online resumes and portfolios as well as helps them to check them. Its simple and intuitive interface makes it easy to showcase your skills and accomplishments to potential employers. 

Eager to try it out? Sign up or download your resume templates for free. You can also follow our blog post for more career guidance.