What is an ATS?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is the software employers use to collect and sort job applications. Most large companies and many smaller ones use one. When you apply, the ATS pulls the text out of your CV, splits it into fields such as job titles, dates and skills, and ranks you against the job description. Recruiters often look only at the top of that list.
If the ATS can’t read your CV properly, because of columns, tables, images or unusual headings, your experience may be scrambled or missing, and a strong candidate can end up looking like a weak one. This checker shows you those problems before an employer’s system does.
How your CV is scored
The checker reads your CV the way an ATS does, as plain text, and runs 21 checks in six areas. Each area is worth a set number of points, adding up to 100.
Readability
Single-column layout, no tables, no icon fonts and one consistent date format.
Contact details
Email, phone number, a LinkedIn or portfolio link, and your location.
Sections
Standard headings an ATS recognises: Experience, Education, Skills and a Summary.
Impact
Bullet points that start with action verbs, include numbers and avoid “responsible for”.
Language
No “I” and “my”, few clichés, and a variety of verbs.
Length
Roughly 400–900 words on one or two pages.
How to make your CV ATS-friendly
- 1
Use one column. Two-column templates look good but are often read straight across, mixing your sidebar into your job history.
- 2
Stick to standard headings. “Work Experience”, “Education” and “Skills” are what an ATS looks for. Save creative titles for your portfolio.
- 3
Put contact details in the body. Some systems skip headers and footers, so keep your email and phone number in the main text.
- 4
Lead with results. Start each bullet point with a verb and include a number: “Cut onboarding time by 30%” beats “Responsible for onboarding”.
- 5
Match the job description. Use the same words the posting uses for skills and tools. If it says “project management”, don’t only write “PM”.
- 6
Write dates the same way. Use one format such as “Jan 2022 – Mar 2024” so the ATS can work out your years of experience.
- 7
Skip images, icons and charts. Skill bars and icons carry no text an ATS can read. Write the skill or detail in plain words instead.
- 8
Send the right file. A text-based PDF or .docx works almost everywhere. Never send a scan or a photo of your CV.