The ATS Resume Checker We Recommend

Here’s something most job seekers don’t realize. When you submit your resume online, a human probably isn’t the first one to read it.

Over 97% of Fortune 500 companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before they ever reach a hiring manager. These systems scan for specific keywords, formatting patterns, and qualifications. If your resume doesn’t match what the ATS is looking for, it gets filtered out automatically.

You could be perfectly qualified for a job and never get an interview simply because your resume wasn’t optimized for the system.

That’s why we recommend using an ATS resume checker before you apply.

Disclosure: This page contains an affiliate link. If you sign up through our link, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We recommend this tool because we genuinely believe it helps job seekers.

Why We Recommend Jobscan

After testing multiple resume scanning tools, we consistently point job seekers toward Jobscan’s Resume Scanner

Here’s what makes it stand out:

It Compares Your Resume to the Actual Job Description

Most resume checkers give you generic feedback. Jobscan does something smarter. You paste in the specific job posting you’re applying for, and it analyzes how well your resume matches that exact role.

The tool identifies:

• Hard skills mentioned in the job description that are missing from your resume
• Soft skills the employer is looking for
• Industry-specific keywords and phrases
• Job title alignment
• Years of experience match

This job-specific approach means you’re not just optimizing your resume in general. You’re tailoring it for each application, which dramatically increases your chances of getting through the ATS filter.

It Catches Formatting Issues That Break ATS Systems

Even small formatting mistakes can cause an ATS to misread or completely skip sections of your resume. Jobscan checks for problems most people don’t even know exist.

The formatting scan covers:

• Tables and columns that confuse ATS parsing
• Headers and footers that some systems can’t read
• Font choices and sizes that affect readability
• Image and graphic elements that get ignored
• File type compatibility (PDF vs. Word)
• Resume length and section structure

Getting a “clean” format score means your resume will actually be read the way you intended.

It Gives You a Clear Match Score

After scanning, you get a percentage score showing how well your resume matches the job description. Jobscan recommends aiming for a match rate of 80% or higher to maximize your chances of getting past ATS filters.

The score breaks down exactly where you’re strong and where you need improvement, so you’re not guessing about what to fix.

It’s Built with Recruiter Input

The tool was developed with input from professional recruiters who understand what actually gets resumes noticed. You’ll get tips on things like measurable achievements, resume tone, and whether your experience level matches the role.

How to Use It

The process takes about two minutes.

1. Upload your resume (PDF or Word document)
2. Paste the job description you’re applying for
3. Review your match score and detailed feedback
4. Make the suggested changes to improve your score
5. Rescan to verify your improvements worked

We recommend scanning your resume against each job you apply for, since different positions prioritize different keywords and skills.

Who This Tool Is Best For

Jobscan works well for most job seekers, but it’s especially valuable if you’re:

• Applying to mid-size or large companies that almost certainly use ATS software
• Submitting applications online through company career portals or job boards
• Career changing and need to translate your experience into new industry language
• Getting interviews at a lower rate than expected given your qualifications
• Applying to competitive roles where small optimizations make the difference

If you’re primarily networking into smaller companies or startups that review resumes manually, ATS optimization matters less. But for most job searches in 2026, it’s essential.

The Bottom Line

The job market is competitive enough without your resume getting automatically rejected by software.

An ATS-optimized resume won’t guarantee you a job, but a poorly optimized one can guarantee you won’t get interviews. Taking five minutes to scan and improve your resume before each application is one of the highest-impact things you can do in your job search.

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