Question 1

What is an ATS resume score?

Accepted Answer

An ATS resume score estimates how well your resume matches a job description based on keywords, skills, and section structure. Applicant tracking systems rank candidates before a recruiter reads your resume — a higher match score means your resume is more likely to pass the automated filter.

Question 2

How do I pass ATS screening?

Accepted Answer

Use standard section headings (Summary, Experience, Education, Skills), mirror keywords from the job description where you have genuine experience, avoid tables and graphics, and quantify achievements with numbers. Our free ATS checker shows exactly which keywords you're missing.

Question 3

Is this ATS checker really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free Resume's ATS checker is 100% free with no account required. Upload your PDF, paste the job description, and get instant keyword analysis and an ATS match score — unlimited checks.

Question 4

How does keyword matching work?

Accepted Answer

We extract important terms and phrases from the job description using TF-IDF weighting, so rare and specific requirements rank higher than generic words. We match unigrams and bigrams (e.g. 'machine learning') and normalize common aliases like JS → JavaScript.

Question 5

Is my resume stored when I upload a PDF?

Accepted Answer

No. PDF parsing and ATS analysis run entirely in your browser. Your resume file and job description are never uploaded to our servers.

Question 6

Is my resume data safe when I use this tool?

Accepted Answer

Yes — for ATS checking specifically. Your PDF and job description are parsed locally in your browser; neither file is sent to our servers for scoring. This is separate from the resume builder: if you later export a PDF from the builder, that download uses a short-lived server render, but the ATS checker itself never uploads your files.

Question 7

How can I improve my ATS score quickly?

Accepted Answer

Add missing high-priority keywords to your Skills section, weave terms into experience bullet points with action verbs, write a summary that reflects the target role, and use a single-column layout. Use the 'Improve My Resume' button to open our builder with suggested keywords.

Question 8

What is a good ATS score?

Accepted Answer

Scores of 75% and above indicate a strong keyword match. Between 50–74% suggests a decent fit with room to improve. Below 50% means significant gaps — focus on the missing high-priority keywords shown in your report.

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