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Accurate ATS Resume Scanner: Test Your Resume Free

Written By Editorial Team

Last Modified: 24th December 2025
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What is an ATS Resume Scanner?

An ATS resume scanner is a web-based application that evaluates the compatibility of your resume with Applicant Tracking Systems. It performs a comparison of your resume with the specific job description and subsequently marks the matching keywords, pointing out the areas of incorrect formatting as well as the skills that are lacking. All these steps are done so that you can make the necessary adjustments before you submit your application. The main aim is to let your resume sail through the automated screening process and ultimately land in a recruiter’s hand. Here are two quick definitions to reckon with:


  • ATS (Applicant Tracking System): A software that the recruiting firms use to automatically sort and rank the applications based on the keywords matching, before passing on the pick to the recruitment consultants for further review.


  • ATS resume scanner: A device that checks your resume using the same technique as an ATS would do, thereby flagging the issues that need to be dealt with beforehand.


This applies to resumes as well as CVs. The scanner emulates the process where your document enters the employer's system and then reveals your precise position in the queue.

Why Use A Free ATS Resume Checker Before Applying?

If your CV format does not comply with the standard one or if you fail to mention some important terms from the job posting, then you can be automatically rejected by the system even if you are totally qualified for the position. An ATS resume checker catches issues for you before you submit. It gives you particular feedback regarding what is working and what is not, so you can then carry out targeted fixes.


  • Formatting errors: The checker points out layout problems which could lead to silent rejections.


  • Missing keywords: It picks out job description words that your resume does not have.


  • Actionable tips: You receive clear directions on how to improve your ATS score before applying.


You can compare it with a pre-flight check. You will not skip that step before boarding, and the same is true for running a quick scan before sending your resume.

What An Accurate ATS Resume Scanner Checks For?

An ATS resume scan analyzes the document in a more nuanced way than just keywords. Below is a summary of what a dependable scanner usually evaluates.


  • Formatting and the file compatibility: ATS systems have difficulty dealing with intricate designs. The use of tables, multi-column layouts, text boxes, and non-standard fonts in order to make your resume more visually appealing can end up causing parsing errors which, in turn, means that your information is not read correctly by the system. The optimal choice is simple and clear formatting.


  • In terms of file types, the safest options are PDF and Word documents (.docx). Completely steer clear of image files such as .jpg or .png as these are not accessible to ATS.



  • Match of keywords and skills: The ATS filtering process takes place by comparing the keywords present in the job description with your resume. If certain keywords are absent from your document, your score will be affected negatively or your application will be eliminated at that stage.


  • A resume keyword tool can assist you in detecting the distances between your resume and the job posting. For example, Mployee.me’s Resume Keyword Tool points out your percentage of matches and emphasizes the terms you need to insert.



  • Professional summary: A crisp summary right at the beginning helps ATS to sort your resume properly. Moreover, it provides the recruiters with a quick overview of your qualifications when they finally decide to go through your application.


  • Spelling and grammar: Mistakes may result in the automatic rejection of your application or a reduced ATS score. The scanners identify spelling and grammar problems and allow you to fix them before submitting your application.


  • Measurable results and achievements: The use of action verbs and the presentation of achievements in numbers will attract both ATS and recruiters. Instead of stating "responsible for sales," one should say "increased sales in the region by 35% in a year."


  • Resume length: The right length mostly depends on how experienced you are. Usually, entry-level candidates stick to one page, whereas senior managers might need two. When your resume is too long or too short, it can happen that the system will not parse your content very accurately.


Make sure to do these and correct your resume's errors before submitting it.

How To Scan Your Resume for ATS?

The scanning of your resume is a process that takes only a few minutes and gives you a resume score. Here is what is involved in the process.


Step 1: Upload Your Resume

The first thing to do is to upload your resume in either PDF or Word format. Most scanners are capable of accepting both formats but PDF usually does better in terms of preserving the layout. You can directly upload your resume to a free ATS scanner such as Mployee.me’s Resume Scan to initiate the process.


Step 2: Check Your ATS Score Report

Once the scanning is done, you will be given a comprehensive report. This generally consists of your total ATS score, a section-wise breakdown, and the particular errors that have been marked by the system. The resume scanner of Mployee.me returns a score report with clear, followable tips so you have a definite idea of what to correct and how to correct it.


Step 3: Fix Identified Mistakes

Go through the recommendations one by one. Start with addressing the formatting issues, then add the missing keywords and improve content. The feedback is more specific, and therefore it gets easier to make the significant changes that will really push your score up.


Step 4: Re-scan and Submit

When you finish with the edits, do another scan to verify your improvements. The aim is to attain an ATS score of 80% or higher before you hand in your application.


Re-scanning after every round of edits allows you to monitor your progress and also to find anything that you might have overlooked during the first scan.

How To Interpret Your ATS Score?

Your ATS score is an indication of how well your resume meets ATS requirements. But what does that mean in terms of numbers?


What does it mean to get an 80% ATS score?


An 80% or more score means great compatibility with ATS. A resume at such a score level could very well pass the automated screening process and be seen by a human recruiter. ResuScan is there to facilitate the process for job seekers to reach this goal. More than 5,000 users have got 80%+ ATS scores using the platform.

ATS Score Ranges and Interview Chances

ATS Score Range What It Means
Below 50% High rejection risk; major fixes needed
50–70% Moderate issues; improvements required
70–80% Good but not optimized; minor tweaks needed
80% or higher Strong ATS compatibility; ready to apply

If your score falls below 70%, focus on formatting and keyword alignment first. Those two areas typically have the biggest impact on your overall score.

What Makes a Resume Scanner Accurate?

Different ATS scanners do not all provide the same level of feedback. Some give superficial suggestions while others deliver detailed and actionable insights. Here are the factors that differentiate the accurate scanners from the basic ones.


  • Parsing tested against real ATS systems: The top scanners are created after thorough research on how the actual ATS platforms used by the companies conduct the resume parsing. Mployee.me has gone through more than 10 ATS systems that are in use by MNCs to make sure its scanner exhibits real-world screening behavior.


  • Detailed error identification: Trustworthy scanners give you fine-grained feedback on the exact errors instead of vague suggestions like "improve your resume". You want to learn exactly what is wrong and where the issue is coming from.


  • Clear and actionable feedback: Nice scanners not only tell you what to fix but also explain how to fix it. Easy to follow tips are more valuable than generic advice. If a scanner says merely "add more keywords" without pinpointing which ones, then it is not offering much help.


Thus, finding an accurate resume scanner is not tough. One can easily use ResuScan to check their ATS score for free.

Common ATS Resume Mistakes to Fix After Your Scan

After you scan your resume, there will be a few mistakes that keep appearing over and over. Making these issues right will not only make your resume ATS-friendly but also improve the probability of your being among the shortlisted candidates.

Mistake 1: Unreadable Formatting

Even small design choices can confuse ATS software.

Do: Stick to a single-column layout with standard section headings like "Experience," "Education," and "Skills."

Don’t: Use tables, text boxes, columns, or complex designs that confuse ATS software.

Mistake 2: Missing Keywords

Not including the right terms can lower your match rate.

Do: Use a keyword tool to identify gaps and add missing terms naturally throughout your resume.

Don't: Leave out relevant terms from the job description, which lowers your match rate.

Mistake 3: Incorrect Contact Details

ATS and recruiters need accurate info to reach you.

Do: Double-check that all contact information, including email and phone number, is accurate and up to date.

Don’t: Include wrong or missing contact details that can cost you the interview.

Mistake 4: Graphics and Images

Visual elements often look nice but can block ATS parsing.

Do: Keep your resume clean without logos, photos, or icons that ATS cannot read.

Don't: Add visual elements that don’t provide functional value to your application.

Mistake 5: Fancy Headers and Footers

Important information should not be hidden from the system.

Do: Place your name, contact details, and key content in the main body of the document.

Don’t: Put critical information in headers or footers where ATS may skip it.

Is Your Resume Data Private and Secure?

Privacy is a legitimate concern when it comes to the upload of personal documents on the web. The most reliable scanners encrypt your data and do not disclose it to anyone outside. ResuScan labels personal information as confidential and adheres to NDA practices with its clients. The data from your resume is kept in a secure place and you are the one who decides how it will be used.

Get Your Free ATS Resume Scan Now?

A quick scan can reveal exactly what's holding your resume back and what to fix. Here's what to do:

Step 1: Upload Your Resume in PDF Format

Resume Scan Dashboard Snapshot

Step 2: Add Your Total Years of Experience

Add Total Years of Experience

Step 3: Wait 30 Seconds for Results

Wait for Results

Key Takeaways

An ATS resume scanner is a great helper for job applicants as it enables them to adapt their resumes for the automated screening systems.


  • ATS instruments analyze CVs even before the recruiters get a chance to see them.


  • Generally, the rejection comes from formatting errors and not including terms.



  • Correcting mistakes that ATS has discovered will gain you an advantage and your probability of being shortlisted will increase.


  • The better your ATS scores, the stronger your job matches will be.


  • If your score is below 70%, then the emphasis should be on the correct use of formatting and alignment of keywords.


  • A basic, neat layout is recommended while making complex design efforts is discouraged.


  • Do not put your contact information and other important content in headers or footers; instead, put them in the main body.


Regularly scanning your resume and making the necessary improvements will significantly boost your chances of getting interviews in tough job markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I scan my resume when applying to different jobs?

Every time you adjust your resume for a new job description, make a quality scan of it. This is because keywords and requirements of different roles may vary, thus a resume that is perfect for one position may turn out to be of no use for another job.

Do all applicant tracking systems read resumes the same way?

Can I use an ATS scanner for a CV instead of a resume?

What file format gives the most accurate ATS scan?

Does an ATS resume scanner work for all industries and job roles?

How is an ATS resume scanner different from an ATS resume builder?

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