CV Optimiser guide

ATS CV checker

ATS systems vary, but most reward clear structure, readable formatting and relevant job-description language. This page helps you check the practical things that can stop a CV being understood properly.

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Check your CV against the role

Paste your CV and a job description to see match score, missing keywords and priority fixes.

Who this is for

  • People applying through online application systems
  • Candidates using designed CV templates
  • Job seekers who want to check keyword and formatting risks

What the checker looks for

  • Plain text readability
  • Standard headings and logical order
  • Relevant keywords used naturally
  • Experience that matches the advert

Quick manual checks

  • Paste your CV into plain text and check the order
  • Avoid tables or graphics for essential content
  • Use clear headings such as Experience and Education
  • Compare your skills section with the job description

ATS readability

An ATS check should focus on whether your CV can be parsed and whether it contains relevant evidence. It cannot guarantee how every employer's system will rank you.

What to improve

Use simple formatting, add truthful role language and make your strongest relevant examples easy to find.

Frequently asked questions

What should I check first for an ATS CV checker?

Start with relevance. Your CV should show the target role, the right evidence and the language from the job description in the first page.

How many keywords should I add?

Add the important keywords you can honestly support with experience. A smaller number of well-evidenced terms is better than a long list that feels forced.

Will an ATS reject my CV because of formatting?

It can happen if core content is hidden in tables, images or unusual layouts. Clear headings, plain text order and readable bullet points are safer.

How does CV Optimiser help?

It compares your CV with a job description, shows missing keywords and highlights the fixes most likely to improve ATS readability and role fit.

Check your CV before you apply

Paste your CV and a job description into CV Optimiser to get a more detailed match report.