Top 5 Resume Checkers

TJ PatelOct 10, 2024
Resume Tips

Top 5 Resume Checkers: Which One Is Right for You?

Looking for the best resume checker? Here's a quick rundown of the top 5:

  1. ScanResume.ai: Free ATS check, keyword optimization, automated job applications. Paid plan starts at $7.99/month
  2. Jobscan: $49.95/month, job-specific keyword optimization
  3. Resume Worded: Free basic scan, $50/month for full features
  4. LiveCareer: Free ATS check, budget-friendly paid options
  5. Zety: Free checker, paid resume building features

Quick Comparison:

Checker Key Features Free Version Paid Version
ScanResume.ai ATS check, keyword analysis 1 ATS Check per day, 2 Resumes, 5 Automated job applications Unlimited ATS Checks and resumes, 50 automated job applications per day
Jobscan Job-specific keywords, ATS help 5 scans/month $49.95/month
Resume Worded Resume scan, LinkedIn help Basic scan $50/month
LiveCareer ATS check, format tips ATS check Under $3 upgrade
Zety Resume score, ATS templates Checker Pay for building

Choose based on:

  • Your budget
  • Specific needs (ATS check, keyword optimization, etc.)
  • Additional features like LinkedIn optimization

Remember: These tools help, but your own skills and industry knowledge are key to a great resume.

What Are Resume Checkers?

Resume checkers are tools that scan your resume and compare it to job descriptions. They're your secret weapon in the job hunt.

Here's the deal:

Most companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. These systems hunt for specific keywords. No keywords? Your resume might get tossed before a human sees it.

That's where resume checkers shine. They help you:

  1. Nail the right keywords
  2. Format your resume for ATS
  3. Boost your chances of making it past the first cut

Let's break it down:

Keyword Optimization

Resume checkers analyze job descriptions and your resume. They show you what's missing. This helps you tailor your resume for each job.

ATS Compatibility

These tools check if your resume plays nice with ATS. They flag issues like fancy designs or weird fonts that might confuse the system.

Match Percentage

Many resume checkers give you a "match score". It shows how well your resume fits the job. Higher score? Better chance of getting noticed.

Here's a quick look at match scores:

Match Score What It Means
75% - 80% Good fit, likely to pass ATS
80% - 90% Strong match, high chance of human review
90%+ Top candidate, excellent alignment with job

A high match score doesn't guarantee an interview, but it sure helps your odds.

Real-World Impact

One job seeker hit a 97% match using a resume checker. The result? Interview request the next day.

But here's the catch: Resume checkers aren't magic wands. They're tools to help you showcase your skills for each job.

Bottom line: Resume checkers help you speak ATS and recruiter language. They're a smart way to get your resume the attention it deserves.

How to Pick a Resume Checker

Choosing a resume checker can make or break your job search. Here's what matters:

Accuracy and ATS Compatibility

Your checker should get ATS. Good ones flag:

  • Fancy fonts that confuse robots
  • Headers and footers (ATS hates these)
  • Weird layouts

Keyword Smarts

Want a tool that compares your resume to job ads? You should. It'll tell you what keywords to add.

Customization

The best checkers let you tweak your resume for each job. This helps you beat ATS filters.

Price and Perks

Here's a quick look at some options:

Checker Free Stuff Paid Stuff Cool Features
Jobscan 5 scans/month $50/month or $90/quarter Deep keyword analysis, ATS-friendly templates
ScanResume 1 Scan per day, 2 Resumes with unlimited edits, 5 automated job applications $7.99 a month Amazing keyword analysis, ATS-friendly template, Autopilot job applications
Resume Worded Basic scan $50/month, $100/quarter ATS check, LinkedIn boost
Huntr Yes $40/month or $90/3 months AI resume builder, job app tracker

Easy to Use

Pick one that's not a headache. Some give instant feedback, others take longer but dig deeper.

Industry Smarts

Good checkers know what's hot in resumes right now. They should tell you what works.

Helpful Feedback

Look for specific, actionable tips. "This is bad" doesn't help anyone.

File Types

Make sure it can read your files. Most handle DOC, DOCX, and PDF up to 5MB.

Pro Tips:

  1. Use a couple of checkers to double-check.
  2. Save different versions to see your progress.
  3. Aim for 80%+ match score for better ATS odds.

5 Top Resume Checkers Compared

Let's look at five popular resume checkers to help you pick the right one for your job hunt.

1. ScanResume.ai

ScanResume.ai

ScanResume.ai checks if your resume works with ATS systems.

Feature Details
Key Features ATS check, keyword analysis, format tips
Pricing Basic scan free, pay for more
Pros Clear ATS feedback, easy to use
Cons Free version limited

Good for: Quick ATS checks.

2. Jobscan

Jobscan

Jobscan tweaks your resume for specific job posts.

Feature Details
Key Features Job-specific keywords, ATS and LinkedIn help
Pricing Free: 5 scans, then 2/month; Premium: $49.95/month or $89.95/quarter
Pros 50% more interviews, faster job search
Cons Full features cost money

Good for: Targeting specific jobs or companies.

"I tell all my clients to use Jobscan. It speeds up job post analysis and finding keywords." - Certified Resume Writer

3. Resume Worded

Resume Worded

Resume Worded uses AI to improve your resume and LinkedIn profile.

Feature Details
Key Features Resume scan, LinkedIn help, ATS check
Pricing Basic scan free, $50/month or $100/quarter for all features
Pros Used by 1 million+ pros, 4.9/5 rating
Cons Some good stuff costs money

Good for: Boosting both resume and LinkedIn.

4. LiveCareer ATS Resume Checker

LiveCareer

LiveCareer offers a free ATS check and career tips.

Feature Details
Key Features ATS check, format tips, career advice
Pricing Free ATS check, pay for resume building
Pros Free, quick results
Cons Free version basic

Good for: Budget-conscious job seekers needing basic ATS checks.

5. Zety Resume Checker

Zety

Zety checks resumes as part of its resume-building tool.

Feature Details
Key Features Resume score, content tips, ATS-friendly templates
Pricing Free checker, pay for resume building
Pros Works with resume builder, simple to use
Cons Full features need subscription

Good for: All-in-one resume creation and checking.

Pick a resume checker based on what you need, your budget, and your job search plan. Remember, these tools help, but your own smarts and industry know-how are key to making a great resume.

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Picking the Right Resume Checker for You

Choosing a resume checker depends on your needs and budget. Here's how to pick:

1. Know your goals

Job-specific or general update? For targeted optimization, try Jobscan. For a quick review, LiveCareer's free ATS check works.

2. Consider your budget

Prices vary widely. Here's a quick comparison:

Tool Free Version Paid Version
ScanResume.ai 1 daily scan $7.99/month
Jobscan 5 scans, then 2/month $89.95/quarter
Resume Worded Basic scan $50/month or $100/quarter
LiveCareer ATS check Under $3 for upgrade
Enhancv Limited features $24.99/month
Ladders Basic features $49.97/month

3. Check for ATS compatibility

75% of resumes get rejected by ATS. Make sure your tool checks for this. ScanResume, Jobscan, Resume Worded, and LiveCareer all do.

4. Look for keyword optimization

Tools that match your resume to job descriptions can help. Jobscan user Kirsten B. said:

"I applied to over 250 jobs over about 2 years and got only one job interview... I started using Jobscan, applied to only 12 jobs in 3 months and received 5 interviews and landed an awesome job."

5. Consider extra features

Some tools offer LinkedIn optimization or job suggestions. Pick based on what you need most.

A good resume checker is an investment. As Adam S. put it:

"Anyone seriously looking for a job should sign up for this platform... The return on investment is unlike anything else!"

Getting the Most from Your Resume Checker

You've picked a resume checker. Now let's make your resume shine:

1. Beat the ATS

75% of resumes don't make it past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Here's how to beat those odds:

  • Use a clean, simple format
  • Stick to basic fonts like Arial or Calibri
  • Save as .doc or .docx

2. Nail the keywords

ATS systems scan for specific words. Here's what to do:

  • Read the job description carefully
  • Spot common terms
  • Add these keywords naturally to your resume

3. Show your impact with numbers

Don't just say you "increased sales". Be specific:

"Boosted quarterly sales 27% through targeted email campaigns"

4. Use power verbs

Start each bullet with a strong verb:

  • "Spearheaded" not "Led"
  • "Orchestrated" not "Managed"
  • "Pioneered" not "Started"

5. Customize for each job

One resume doesn't fit all. For each application:

  • Match your skills to the job
  • Highlight relevant experience
  • Tweak your summary

6. Check the details

Small errors can cost you. Double-check:

  • Spelling and grammar
  • Consistent formatting
  • Current contact info

7. Use the feedback

Resume checkers give specific advice:

  • Fix each issue they point out
  • Upload your revised resume
  • Aim for 80% or higher score

As Vadim Pushkarev, a job seeker, said:

"I got a detailed breakdown of my resume's weak points and solid advice to fix them. After that, I got hired by two major companies in my field."

8. Keep it human

Yes, optimize for ATS. But remember: humans will read it too. Keep it engaging and easy to skim.

Wrap-up

Choosing the right resume checker can make a big difference in your job search. Here's what you need to know:

  1. Resume Worded: Popular choice. Free to start, pro version for more insights.

  2. ScanResume.ai: Real-time editing with Power Edit, Automated job applications. $7.99/month, feature-rich.

  3. SkillSyncer: Compares skills to job descriptions. Free for two scans, then $14.95/month.

  4. Zety: Resume builder + checker. $23.70/month, $2.70 two-week trial.

  5. LiveCareer: Budget option at $5.95 every three months.

Each tool has its perks. Jobscan lets you edit on the fly, while Zety compares your resume to others in your field.

These tools are helpers, not replacements for your effort. One job seeker said:

"I got a detailed breakdown of my resume's weak points and solid advice to fix them. After that, I got hired by two major companies in my field."

Bottom line: Use these tools to polish your resume, but don't forget the human touch. A resume that works for both ATS and humans is your best bet for landing that dream job.

FAQs

Which resume checker is best?

It depends on what you need. Jobscan is popular, but there are other good options:

Checker Features Cost
Jobscan ATS simulation, keyword optimization Free (5 scans/month), $50/month or $90/quarter
Resume Worded ATS simulation, personalized feedback Free version, paid from $99/month
Huntr Full job seeker toolkit Free plan, Pro $40/month or $90/quarter
SkillSyncer Keyword scanner Free

What are the best ATS checkers?

Jobscan is well-known, but Huntr is gaining traction. It offers a complete package for job seekers, including resume optimization and application tracking.

How to check if a resume is ATS-friendly for free?

Want to make sure your resume plays nice with ATS without spending a dime? Here's how:

  1. Use clear headings (like "Work Experience", "Education")
  2. Keep date formats consistent (MM/YYYY)
  3. Stick to simple designs - no fancy fonts or embedded images
  4. Save as a Word doc
  5. Try SkillSyncer's free tool to check keywords

Is there a free resume scanner for keywords?

Yep! SkillSyncer offers a free keyword scanner. It matches your resume against job descriptions to spot missing skills and keywords. It's a handy tool for tailoring your resume without breaking the bank.