CV Formatting & ATS Compatibility Check | Will Your CV Parse Correctly?
Tables, columns, and graphics silently break ATS parsing — your CV may be unreadable. Check your CV's formatting, structure, and file type against UK ATS systems in 60 seconds. Free, no sign-up required.
Free ATS Resume Checker
Check if your CV passes the automated screening software used by top UK employers. First scan free, then sign up for 2 more free scans.
Free • Takes 2–3 minutes • No sign-up required
FREE 60-second CV scan against NHS, Civil Service, and FTSE 100 ATS systems. Upload your CV and paste the job description to get your score instantly. No sign-up required!
ATS Compatibility: What UK Employers Actually Check
When a UK employer receives your CV through their online application portal, it goes through two compatibility checks before any human sees it. First, the ATS attempts to parse your CV — extracting your work history, education, and skills into structured data. If your formatting uses tables, columns, or embedded graphics, this step fails and your CV may be unreadable to the system.
Second, the ATS runs a keyword match against the job description. Even if your CV parses correctly, it will score low if it does not contain the specific terminology the employer used. ATS systems do not reliably recognise synonyms — "customer service" and "customer support" are treated as different terms by many platforms.
Our ATS compatibility checker tests both dimensions. It checks whether your CV can be parsed correctly by the ATS platforms used across the UK, and whether your keyword coverage matches the job description you provide. For the most thorough analysis, use our full ATS CV checker, which includes section-by-section feedback and UK-specific calibration for NHS, Civil Service, and FTSE 100 roles. You can also use the ATS CV formatting guide to understand the formatting rules in detail.
Related ATS Tools
- Full ATS CV Checker — complete UK ATS compatibility analysis with scoring and keyword fixes
- ATS CV Formatting Guide — detailed UK formatting rules
- What is ATS? — UK guide to applicant tracking systems
Check ATS Compatibility in 3 Steps
Upload Your CV
Add your CV as a PDF or Word document.
Add the Job Description
Paste the job posting you are applying for.
See Your Compatibility Report
Get your score and a list of formatting and keyword fixes.
ATS Compatibility Checker – FAQs
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