Frequently Asked Questions

An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is software that companies use to manage job applications. It scans, parses, and ranks resumes based on keywords and qualifications. Studies show up to 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS before a human ever sees them. Optimizing your resume for ATS significantly increases your chances of getting an interview.

Use our AI Resume Checker to analyze your resume against ATS requirements. We check for proper formatting, keyword optimization, section structure, and overall ATS compatibility. You'll get a detailed score and specific recommendations to improve your resume's chances of passing ATS screening.

Mirror the exact keywords and phrases from the job description. Include both hard skills (software, certifications, technical abilities) and soft skills mentioned in the posting. Use both acronyms and full terms (e.g., 'Search Engine Optimization (SEO)'). Our JD Match feature compares your resume against specific job descriptions to identify missing keywords.

Common reasons include: ATS-unfriendly formatting, missing keywords from job descriptions, lack of quantifiable achievements, generic content not tailored to specific roles, or applying to positions you're not qualified for. Use our resume analyzer to identify specific issues and get actionable recommendations.

No - and don't try. Hiding keywords in white text or tiny fonts is easily detected by modern ATS and will get your resume immediately rejected. It's also considered dishonest. Instead, naturally incorporate relevant keywords throughout your resume in context. Quality over quantity always wins.

Our AI analyzes your resume across multiple dimensions: ATS compatibility, keyword optimization, content quality, formatting, and impact of your achievements. We use advanced natural language processing to understand your experience and provide specific, actionable recommendations. You can also match your resume against specific job descriptions for targeted optimization.

Yes! Your first resume analysis is completely free with no credit card required. You'll get a comprehensive report including your resume score, ATS compatibility check, and improvement recommendations. Additional analyses and premium features like JD matching and cover letter generation are available with our affordable credit packages.

We accept PDF and Word documents (.doc, .docx). For best results, upload the same format you plan to submit to employers. Our system will parse your resume and provide feedback on both content and formatting.

We take data security seriously. Your resume is encrypted in transit and at rest. We never share your personal information with third parties or use your resume data for training purposes without explicit consent. You can delete your data at any time from your account settings. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

JD Match compares your resume against a specific job description to identify keyword gaps and alignment issues. Simply paste the job posting text, and our AI will analyze how well your resume matches the requirements, highlighting missing skills and suggesting improvements to increase your match rate.

Yes! Our Cover Letter Generator creates personalized cover letters based on your resume and the job you're applying for. It highlights your relevant experience and skills while maintaining a professional tone. You can customize the generated letter to add your personal touch.

For most professionals, a one-page resume is ideal. However, if you have 10+ years of experience or are in academia/research, a two-page resume is acceptable. Focus on relevant, recent experience and quantifiable achievements rather than listing everything you've ever done.

Use a clean, single-column layout with standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers, and graphics. Use conventional section headings like 'Work Experience' and 'Education'. Save as .docx for best ATS compatibility, though most modern systems also handle PDFs well.

Templates can be helpful as a starting point, but choose simple, ATS-friendly designs. Avoid overly creative templates with columns, graphics, or unusual layouts. The best template is one that's clean, professional, and puts your content first. Our AI analyzer can check if your template is ATS-compatible.

For online applications through ATS systems, .docx (Word) format is generally safest as all ATS can parse it. However, most modern ATS handle PDFs well too. Use PDF when emailing directly to recruiters or when formatting preservation is critical. When in doubt, check if the job posting specifies a format.

In the US, UK, and Canada, do not include a photo - it can lead to unconscious bias and some ATS may reject resumes with images. However, in some European and Asian countries, photos are expected. Research the norms for your target country and industry.