What is a CV checker?

A CV checker is a tool that analyses your CV against the same criteria used by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — the software employers use to filter applications. It checks for keyword matches, formatting issues, and section completeness, then gives you a score and actionable fixes.

Is this a CV checker or a resume checker — what's the difference?

There is no functional difference. In Australia, the UK, and New Zealand, the document is called a CV. In the US and Canada, it's called a resume. Our tool works for both — the ATS rules are identical regardless of what you call the document.

Can I check my CV for free?

Yes. Our CV checker is completely free to use. Upload your CV and get your ATS score, keyword gaps, and formatting issues with no sign-up required.

What is a good ATS score for a CV?

A score of 80 or above means your CV is likely to pass most ATS filters and be seen by a human recruiter. Scores between 60–79 need targeted improvements. Below 60 typically means your CV has formatting or keyword issues that will get it filtered out automatically.

Should I upload my CV as PDF or DOCX?

DOCX is generally safer for ATS systems as it is natively text-based and the most widely supported format. PDFs created from Word are usually fine, but PDFs exported from Canva or design tools often fail ATS parsing. When in doubt, use DOCX.

Does this work for Australian CVs?

Yes. Our CV checker works for Australian job seekers applying via Seek, Indeed AU, or direct employer portals. Australian employers commonly use PageUp, ELMO, and Workday — all of which follow the same ATS parsing rules our checker tests for.

Is my CV stored after checking?

No. Your privacy is our priority. We process your CV for analysis and immediately discard it from our servers. We do not store, share, or sell your CV content unless you explicitly save it to your account.

Free CV Checker

Check your CV.
Get your ATS score.

Upload your CV to get your ATS compatibility score, missing keywords, and formatting issues. Exactly like recruiters and Australian employers see it.

ATS compatibility score (0-100)

Missing keywords from the job ad

Formatting issues causing rejection

Works for CVs and resumes worldwide

Process

Check your CV
in 3 simple steps

Instant ATS analysis. No sign-up. No guessing.

Upload your CV

~10s

Drag and drop your PDF or DOCX file. We support all major CV formats used in Australia, UK, and globally.

Get your ATS score

~20s

Our system runs your CV through 25+ ATS readability checks, the same ones employers use, in seconds.

Fix issues & re-check

~10s

See exactly what's wrong, get actionable fixes, and re-check until your CV score is interview-ready.

Intelligence

More than a checker. A CV intelligence engine.

We reverse-engineer how ATS systems read your CV so you know exactly what to fix before you apply.

PARSING ERROR DETECTED

Table structure unreadable by ATS

CV Parser Simulator

We parse your CV the same way Australian and global ATS platforms do. If tables, columns, or graphics are blocking your contact info, we'll catch it before employers do.

ATS Score Breakdown

Your CV score isn't just a number. We break it down into keyword match, formatting, and section completeness so you know exactly what's dragging you down.

Keyword Gap Analysis

Paste the job description and we'll instantly show which keywords your CV is missing. Stop guessing what recruiters want.

Best Practices

What makes a CV ATS-compatible

Follow these rules and stop getting filtered out before a human ever reads your CV.

Use Standard Section Headings

Use “Work Experience” not “My Journey”. Use “Education” not “Where I Learned”. ATS systems match exact headings.

SummaryExperienceEducationSkills

ATS-Safe Fonts

Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman at 11pt. Custom fonts render as garbled text in most ATS systems.

Single Column Layout

Two-column CVs look great but confuse parsers. Keep a linear, top-to-bottom reading flow.

No graphics, tables, or text boxes.

If your CV was built in Canva or has icons in the header, the ATS likely can't read it. Text must be selectable.

Graphics Rejected

Score Guide

What does your
ATS score mean?

Not all scores are equal. Here's how to read yours and what to do about it.

80-100Interview Ready

Your CV will pass most ATS filters. A recruiter will likely read it.

60-79Needs Improvement

You may pass some filters but will be ranked lower than optimised CVs. Fix the flagged issues.

Below 60Major Changes Needed

Your CV is likely being filtered out before a human ever sees it. Significant formatting or keyword work required.

Keyword Match

We scan the job ad and tell you exactly which keywords your CV is missing. No keyword, no match.

CRM experienceStakeholder managementBudget forecasting+ Add 'Salesforce'

Format & Structure Check

Is your CV using tables, text boxes, or a Canva template? We flag every formatting issue that will get you silently rejected.

Contact Info Parseable100%

Section Headings100%

No Tables Detected100%

Font Compatibility60%

Learn More

CV & ATS Guides for Job Seekers

Deep-dive guides on CV optimisation, ATS strategies, and Australia-specific job market tips.

Australia Guide

ATS Resume Australia: Beat the Bots & Land More Interviews in 2026

How Australian employers use ATS on Seek, Indeed AU, and LinkedIn. Includes AU-specific formatting tips, CV vs resume terminology, and PageUp/ELMO guidance.

Read Article

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