Free ATS CV Checker: 12 Tools to Get Your CV Past the Robots in 2024

You’ve spent hours perfecting your CV, highlighting your skills and experience, only to be met with silence. It's a frustrating, all-too-common scenario in today's European job market. The culprit is often not your qualifications but an invisible gatekeeper: the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

The vast majority of large organisations across Europe now use ATS software to screen CVs, automatically filtering out applications that don't meet specific criteria. Simple formatting errors, missing keywords, or an incompatible structure can get your CV rejected in seconds. This means a hiring manager may never even see the valuable experience you bring to the table. Using a free ATS CV checker is a crucial first step to ensure your application gets the human attention it deserves.

What if you could see your CV through the eyes of an ATS before you hit 'apply'? This guide will walk you through the best free platforms to diagnose and fix common issues, boosting your chances of landing an interview.

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1. Jobscan

Jobscan is one of the most established tools for ATS optimisation, making it a reliable starting point. Its core function is to directly compare your CV against a specific job description, generating a match rate percentage. This offers a clear, data-driven benchmark of how well your document aligns with the employer’s needs. For a project manager in Berlin or a software developer in Dublin, this targeted analysis moves beyond generic advice to give you role-specific feedback.

The "Recruiter Findings" and "ATS Findings" sections are particularly useful, as they highlight missing hard skills, soft skills, and other keywords that automated systems are programmed to find. Seeing exactly which keywords are missing can make the difference between passing the initial screening and being overlooked. Learning these details is a key step in understanding how to craft a CV that employers will notice.

Key Features and Limitations

Jobscan’s free tier provides a limited number of scans per month, which is sufficient for targeting a few key roles but can be restrictive for an active job search. While the keyword comparison is excellent, the free version's formatting checks are more basic. For access to advanced features and unlimited scans, a premium subscription is required.

• Website: https://www.jobscan.co/
• Best For: Job seekers who want to optimise their CV for a handful of specific, high-priority job applications.

2. ResyMatch.io (Cultivated Culture)

ResyMatch.io, a tool from career platform Cultivated Culture, offers a straightforward and completely free ATS CV checker. Its main advantage is its simplicity and focus on one core task: comparing your CV against a job description to identify keyword gaps. Unlike other platforms that gatekeep features behind a paywall, ResyMatch.io provides its full scanning functionality without asking for payment, making it an excellent resource for an active job search requiring multiple CV revisions.

The platform is designed for rapid, job-by-job tailoring. For a marketing specialist in Paris applying to various campaigns, this means you can quickly paste your CV and a new job description to get instant feedback on missing technical skills and certifications. The tool also features a "Bullet Analyzer" to help you refine the impact statements in your work experience. This practical approach helps you understand that a well-structured document, like those created to a specific standard, is key to passing automated screenings. To learn more about standard CV formats, you can explore the guidelines and usage of the Europass CV.

Key Features and Limitations

ResyMatch.io's commitment to being 100% free is its greatest strength, offering unlimited scans. However, this accessibility comes with a trade-off. The interface is leaner, and the platform lacks some of the advanced analytical features, such as in-depth formatting checks or broader career management tools, found in premium suites. It excels at its primary function but does not offer extensive guidance beyond keyword matching.

• Website: https://cultivatedculture.com/resume-scanner-app/
• Best For: Active job seekers who need to perform frequent, rapid keyword optimisations for many different roles without incurring costs.

3. Resume Worded

Resume Worded offers a highly structured and data-driven approach to CV analysis. Instead of just matching keywords, it provides a score out of 100 based on more than 20 checks that recruiters and ATS systems use. This score gives you a clear, immediate benchmark of your CV's overall quality and where it needs the most attention. The platform’s strength lies in its prioritised, actionable feedback, guiding you through specific improvements one step at a time.

The section-level feedback is especially practical. A logistics coordinator in Rotterdam can see if their bullet points lack impact, or a graphic designer in Barcelona can identify weak action verbs. The tool flags issues like passive language and incorrect formatting, which helps ensure your experience is presented clearly and professionally. This granular analysis is key to transforming a standard document into a powerful tool that can boost your chances of securing an interview.

Key Features and Limitations

The free version of Resume Worded provides one comprehensive CV score and highlights key areas for improvement, which is ideal for an initial check-up. Its clear, prioritised guidance helps you quickly triage what to fix first. However, to unlock detailed line-by-line feedback, advanced checks, and the ability to tailor your CV to specific job descriptions, a Pro subscription is necessary.

• Website: https://resumeworded.com/score
• Best For: Job seekers who want a quick, comprehensive quality score and a clear, prioritised list of improvements to make.

4. Resume.io

Resume.io offers a quick and accessible free ATS CV checker that provides a clear, actionable score based on over 16 automated checks. Its main appeal is speed and simplicity; you can upload your CV and get a percentage-based score and a breakdown of suggested improvements in under a minute. This rapid analysis makes it an excellent tool for a preliminary check before you start applying for roles, helping you catch common errors that might get your application filtered out.

The platform provides recruiter-informed guidance and actionable steps, translating the technical analysis into practical advice. For a recent graduate in finance or a seasoned professional changing careers, the feedback on sections like "Contact Info" or "Skills" can quickly reveal if critical details are missing or incorrectly formatted for an ATS. The job description matching feature also allows you to see how your CV stacks up against a specific role, highlighting keyword gaps that need addressing.

Key Features and Limitations

The no-cost scan provides genuine value with its practical fixes, making it a strong starting point. One of its standout features is the direct integration with Resume.io's builder ecosystem, allowing you to seamlessly move from analysis to editing. However, this integration also leads to a heavy upsell towards its paid templates and builder subscription. The tool has file size limitations (around 2MB) and only accepts PDF or DOCX formats.

• Website: https://resume.io/ats-resume-checker
• Best For: Job seekers wanting a quick, initial CV health check with the option to use an integrated builder to make immediate corrections.

5. Novorésumé

Novorésumé provides one of the fastest and most direct free ATS CV checker tools available. It is designed to give you an instant verdict on your document's compatibility with automated screening systems. Instead of a detailed percentage score, it often provides a clear pass/fail style assessment, which is incredibly useful for a quick check before you send off an application. This straightforward approach removes ambiguity and immediately tells you if your CV needs urgent attention.

The platform offers tailored, step-by-step recommendations on formatting, keywords, and overall structure. For a professional in any European market, these concrete suggestions can highlight critical issues like incorrect date formatting or a file type that an ATS cannot parse. The fact that the tool works with any CV, not just those created with Novorésumé's builder, makes it a versatile option for anyone needing a quick, no-nonsense evaluation of their document’s technical soundness.

Key Features and Limitations

Novorésumé’s strength is its speed and the clarity of its feedback, making it ideal for rapid-fire checks. However, some of its upload pages only accept PDF files, which might be a minor hurdle. While the free checker is excellent for identifying foundational ATS problems, accessing the platform’s more advanced builder features and deeper insights requires a paid subscription.

• Website: https://novoresume.com/tools/ats-resume-checker
• Best For: Job seekers who need a quick pass/fail compatibility test and actionable, easy-to-follow advice to fix critical ATS errors.

6. Teal

Teal positions itself as more than just a free ATS CV checker; it’s an AI-powered hub for organising your entire job search. Its Resume Checker quickly scores your CV based on 15 targeted checks, evaluating everything from keyword density and measurable results to overall structure and ATS compatibility. The platform’s standout feature is its integration with a wider job-tracking ecosystem, including a Chrome extension that lets you save and manage applications from across the web.

The category-by-category feedback is highly practical. A human resources manager, for instance, can see exactly which bullet points lack measurable impact or where essential hard skills are missing. This granular analysis, combined with the ability to track every application in one place, makes Teal a powerful tool for maintaining momentum during an active job search. It helps you both optimise your CV and manage the subsequent application process efficiently.

Key Features and Limitations

Teal offers a generous free tier that includes unlimited CV scans and access to its core job tracker, which is a significant advantage over competitors with monthly scan limits. However, the most advanced AI features, such as AI-driven writing assistance, are reserved for its paid subscription, Teal+. While the free tool provides excellent diagnostic feedback, implementing the suggested changes requires you to edit your document outside the platform.

• Website: https://www.tealhq.com/tool/resume-checker
• Best For: Organised job seekers who want an integrated system to track applications while continuously optimising their CV.

7. SkillSyncer

SkillSyncer positions itself as a powerful and accessible alternative in the ATS optimisation space, offering a robust free ATS CV checker. Its core function, similar to other tools, is to analyse your CV against a specific job description, generating an instant match score. The platform excels at providing a detailed job match report that clearly outlines missing skills and keywords, giving you an immediate, actionable checklist for improvement.

This tool is particularly valuable for professionals in technical fields who need to ensure their specialised abilities are explicitly mentioned. The skills gap analysis can highlight a specific certification or software proficiency that an ATS is programmed to find. Seeing these targeted keyword suggestions provides a clear path to customising your application for each unique role, significantly improving your chances of passing the initial digital screening process. The platform also has a privacy-forward approach, allowing users to request data deletion.

Key Features and Limitations

The free version of SkillSyncer provides a generous number of scans, making it suitable for a moderately active job search. The reports are clear and offer actionable advice, but the user interface is more utilitarian and less polished than some of its larger competitors. While the free tier is very useful, advanced features and unlimited scans require a premium subscription.

• Website: https://skillsyncer.com/
• Best For: Active job seekers looking for a cost-effective tool with a generous free tier to analyse their CV against multiple job descriptions.

8. Wozber

Wozber offers a unique, UK-localised experience that combines a CV builder with a real-time free ATS CV checker. Its standout feature is the way it guides you to optimise your document as you create it. Instead of scanning a finished CV and providing a report, Wozber extracts keywords directly from a job advertisement you provide and integrates them into its builder interface. The platform tracks an "ATS Optimisation Rate" live, giving you instant feedback.

This integrated approach is particularly effective for professionals who need to ensure specific technical terms are present. The platform's virtual assistant provides categorised keyword prompts and tips, mapping required skills directly to the relevant sections of your CV. This removes the guesswork from tailoring your application, showing you exactly where to place keywords like "data analysis" or "GDPR compliance" for maximum impact with an ATS.

Key Features and Limitations

Wozber's strength lies in this guided, job-by-job customisation process. However, its functionality is best experienced when you are actively building or editing your CV within the platform itself. While it excels at content optimisation, it offers fewer advanced design templates or export options compared to dedicated CV design tools, which may be a limitation for those seeking extensive creative control.

• Website: https://www.wozber.com/en-gb/ats-cv-scanner
• Best For: Job seekers who want real-time guidance and a structured process for tailoring their CV to each specific job application.

9. TopCV (UK)

TopCV offers a different approach to the typical automated free ATS CV checker by combining technology with a human touch. Instead of an instant report, you submit your CV for a free review conducted by a professional career expert. The resulting critique, delivered via email within 48 hours, provides personalised feedback on your CV’s content, structure, and its likely performance with applicant tracking systems. This hybrid model stands out by offering a human perspective that an algorithm alone cannot provide.

This service is particularly useful for job seekers who want to know how a human hiring manager, not just a machine, will interpret their experience. The feedback often includes actionable advice on presentation and language. However, it’s important to note that the free review is also a gateway to TopCV's paid CV-writing services, and you can expect follow-up promotional offers.

Key Features and Limitations

The main strength of TopCV's review is the expert analysis, which goes beyond simple keyword matching to assess the overall narrative and impact of your CV. The detailed report covers areas like design, formatting, and the strength of your career story. The primary limitation is the turnaround time. Furthermore, the feedback can sometimes feel geared towards encouraging an upgrade to their paid rewriting packages.

• Website: https://www.topcv.co.uk/cv-review
• Best For: Individuals who value a professional human opinion on their CV and are willing to wait for a detailed, qualitative critique.

10. Reed.co.uk

Reed.co.uk is a dominant force in the UK job market, and its free CV builder serves as a practical entry point for job seekers. Rather than a direct checker, it offers two distinct tools: a CV builder to create a foundational document and a free CV review service. This review, conducted in partnership with TopCV, provides personalised feedback, including comments on its compatibility with applicant tracking systems, making it a useful, albeit indirect, free ATS CV checker.

The platform is deeply integrated into the UK job ecosystem, allowing you to build a CV and immediately apply for roles advertised on the site. For professionals looking for local work, this seamless integration is highly efficient. The feedback you receive offers a human perspective on ATS compatibility, focusing on layout, clarity, and keyword relevance before you submit your application to UK-based employers.

Key Features and Limitations

The main benefit of Reed.co.uk is its strong brand recognition within the UK and its direct link to live job postings. The CV builder is straightforward, generating a downloadable Microsoft Word document. However, the CV review service is fulfilled by TopCV, meaning it functions as a lead-in to their paid writing services. The builder itself is also quite basic, lacking the advanced design and AI-driven optimisation features of dedicated platforms.

• Website: https://www.reed.co.uk/cvbuilder/
• Best For: UK-based job seekers wanting an all-in-one platform to create a basic CV and get initial human-led feedback before applying to local jobs.

11. CVScanner.co.uk

For job seekers in the UK, CVScanner.co.uk offers a straightforward and privacy-conscious free ATS CV checker. Its main purpose is to give you a quick, no-frills analysis of your CV against a specific job description. The platform is designed for speed and simplicity, making it ideal for a rapid check before you submit an application. You simply paste your CV and the job advert, and the tool provides instant, tailored feedback focused on ATS compatibility.

What sets this tool apart is its strong emphasis on privacy and GDPR compliance. It operates on a "no signup, no data stored" policy, explicitly stating that your information is deleted immediately after the analysis is complete. This is particularly reassuring for professionals in sensitive industries or anyone concerned about their data footprint during their job search. It provides a quick snapshot of your CV's keyword alignment and formatting without requiring you to create an account.

Key Features and Limitations

The primary strength of CVScanner.co.uk is its accessibility and privacy focus. Because no registration is needed, you can get an immediate analysis, which is perfect for final checks. However, this streamlined approach means it lacks the broader ecosystem of features found in other platforms, such as a CV builder or application tracking.

• Website: https://cvscanner.co.uk/
• Best For: UK-based, privacy-minded job seekers needing a quick, one-off ATS check without creating an account.

12. Enhancv

Enhancv offers a free ATS CV checker that integrates directly with its modern CV builder, providing a seamless transition from analysis to action. The tool runs your CV through approximately 19 distinct checks, assessing everything from ATS parsability and keyword density to crucial writing and grammar signals. Its standout feature is the AI-powered suggestions, which provide actionable feedback to help you refine your content on the spot, making it a powerful resource for immediate improvement.

This tool is particularly valuable for professionals who want to ensure their technical skills are not just listed, but are also presented in a format that both hiring managers and software can easily read. The UK-focused resources hub is an added benefit, offering guidance tailored to the local job market. The clear, actionable report makes it simple to understand and implement the necessary fixes to pass initial screening.

Key Features and Limitations

The free checker from Enhancv provides a comprehensive report with practical fixes. Its direct integration with a CV builder allows you to apply the suggestions immediately using professional, modern templates. However, many of the more advanced customisation options and features are tied to Enhancv’s paid plans. The free version may also have limitations on the number of scans you can perform.

• Website: https://enhancv.com/uk/resources/cv-checker/
• Best For: Job seekers who want an all-in-one solution for checking and then building a visually appealing, ATS-compliant CV.

Top 12 Free ATS CV Checker Comparison

Tool	Core features ✨	Quality ★	Price 💰	Target 👥	Standout 🏆
Jobscan	✨ Match-rate (CV vs JD), keyword & ATS findings, CV manager	★★★★	💰 Freemium (limited free scans; premium paid)	👥 JD-tailors, power users	🏆 Deep JD keyword mapping & mature toolset
ResyMatch.io (Cultivated Culture)	✨ CV↔JD matching, bullet analyzer, multiple scan types	★★★★	💰 Free	👥 Job-by-job tailors, budget-conscious	🏆 100% free — repeat tailoring with no paywall
Resume Worded	✨ Score/100, ATS parsability, section-level feedback & examples	★★★★	💰 Freemium (some paid features)	👥 Quick triage & early-stage applicants	🏆 Clear prioritized fixes + examples library
Resume.io	✨ 16+ ATS checks, JD matching, actionable steps	★★★★	💰 Free scan; builder upsell	👥 Users wanting scans + builder workflow	🏆 Fast JD matching + smooth builder integration
Novorésumé	✨ Pass/fail ATS score, formatting/keyword/structure checks	★★★★	💰 Free basic scan; paid builder	👥 Fast-check seekers, template users	🏆 Very fast scoring with concrete recommendations
Teal	✨ 15 targeted checks, category feedback, job-tracker integration	★★★★	💰 Freemium (paid ecosystem for advanced tools)	👥 Applicants tracking many roles	🏆 Integrates optimization with job-tracking tools
SkillSyncer	✨ Instant match score, skills/keyword gap detection, JD compare	★★★★	💰 Freemium; competitive premium plans	👥 Cost-conscious users seeking unlimited scans	🏆 Lower-cost Jobscan alternative with privacy options
Wozber	✨ Real-time ATS optimization rate, categorized keyword prompts	★★★★	💰 Freemium (best inside builder)	👥 UK jobseekers and builder users	🏆 Live ATS score mapped to CV sections
TopCV (UK)	✨ Free human CV critique with ATS-focused feedback, email report	★★★	💰 Free review; paid rewrite packages	👥 UK professionals wanting expert review	🏆 Human perspective + ATS-aware critique
Reed.co.uk	✨ Free CV builder (Word), free review via TopCV, direct job links	★★★	💰 Free	👥 UK jobseekers seeking jobs + CV tools	🏆 Easy starting point + direct access to UK listings
CVScanner.co.uk	✨ Instant ATS checks, CV↔JD comparison, auto-delete for privacy	★★★	💰 Free	👥 Privacy-conscious UK applicants	🏆 GDPR-minded, no signup & temporary processing
Enhancv	✨ ~19 checks, ATS parsability, AI-powered suggestions, modern templates	★★★★	💰 Freemium (builder upsell)	👥 Users wanting modern, design-forward CVs	🏆 Actionable AI suggestions + modern CV design options

From Checked to Shortlisted: Your Next Steps

You've now explored a comprehensive list of the best free ATS CV checker tools available. Navigating the digital gatekeepers of the modern job market can feel daunting, but as you've seen, you are not powerless. The primary lesson is that Applicant Tracking Systems are not insurmountable obstacles; they are simply pattern-recognition tools that you can strategically prepare for. The journey from submitting your CV to landing on a hiring manager's shortlist begins with understanding these patterns.

Each tool we've reviewed offers a unique lens through which to view your application. They reveal the critical importance of keyword alignment, the necessity of clean and simple formatting, and the impact of using conventional section titles. Your goal is no longer to simply list your experiences, but to present them in a language that both software and humans can easily understand.

Key Takeaways and Choosing Your Tool

Remember that a score from any single free ATS CV checker is not a definitive measure of your worth as a candidate. It is a diagnostic data point—a helpful guide showing you where to focus your efforts.

To make the most of this resource, consider your specific needs when selecting a tool:

• For Detailed Job Matching: If you have a specific role in mind, tools like Jobscan and ResyMatch.io are invaluable for targeted feedback.
• For General CV Health Checks: For a broad overview of ATS compatibility, Resume Worded and Wozber offer excellent advice.
• For Integrated Job Searching: If you want a tool that lives within your job search workflow, the browser extensions offered by Teal are a fantastic choice.

The most effective strategy involves using a combination of these tools. This multi-faceted approach ensures you cover all your bases, from high-level formatting to granular keyword detail.

Beyond the Scan: Building a Strong Foundation

While these checkers are excellent for retrofitting an existing CV, the most powerful approach is to build your CV on an ATS-optimised foundation from the very beginning. Instead of patching up potential problems, you can start with a structure that is already proven to work. This is where the principle of "ATS-first" design comes into play. By choosing a platform that prioritises compatibility from the outset, you eliminate the guesswork and can focus your energy on what truly matters: articulating your skills, quantifying your achievements, and tailoring your experience to the job you want.

Your CV is the single most important document in your job search. By leveraging the insights from these checkers and adopting a proactive strategy, you are not just "beating the bots." You are taking a definitive step towards presenting the most professional and compelling version of yourself to potential employers, ensuring your application gets the attention it truly deserves.

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