Free UK ATS CV scanner
Find the keywords your CV is missing.
Upload your CV, add the job advert, and get an actionable ATS score with the gaps and fixes that matter for this application.
No sign-up · NHS · Civil Service · private-sector roles
What is an ATS CV Scanner?
An ATS CV scanner (also called an ATS resume checker) is a free online tool that analyses your CV like an Applicant Tracking System would. It checks for keyword optimization, formatting compatibility, and structural issues that could cause your CV to be automatically rejected.
With 93% of recruiters now using ATS technology and only 15% of resumes typically passing initial screening, using a CV scanner is essential for UK job seekers in 2026. Major employers including the NHS, Civil Service, Amazon UK, Tesco, and HSBC all rely on these systems to manage overwhelming application volumes. Check how your CV performs against a job description →
Scan Your CV for Keywords
Keywords are how an ATS decides whether your CV matches a role. Our CV keywords scanner compares your CV against a specific job advert and shows you three things: the keywords you already match, the ones you are missing, and where to add them.
Generic scanners grade your CV in isolation, which cannot tell you anything about a particular job. Scanning against the actual job description is what turns a score into something you can act on — and it is why the same CV can score well for one role and badly for another. Scan your CV for missing keywords →
How to Use Our Free CV Scanner (Step-by-Step Guide)
Upload your CV
Visit our free ATS CV scanner and upload your CV in PDF or DOCX format.
Add job description
Copy and paste the job advert you’re applying for to check keyword matching.
Get instant results
Review your ATS compatibility score, keyword matches, and formatting recommendations.
Apply the fixes
Use our AI-powered suggestions to optimise your CV for better ATS performance.
Download and apply
Save your improved CV and increase your chances of getting past ATS filters.
Need help applying the fixes? Our AI CV Enhancer rewrites weak bullet points, adds missing keywords, and strengthens your impact statements automatically.
Example ATS scan report showing keyword matches and formatting issues
UK ATS Usage Statistics 2026
Market Adoption
Success Rates
Sources: SSR Study 2025, Ernst & Young Research, Recruitment & Employment Confederation
ATS-Friendly CV Formatting Best Practices
✅ Do This
- Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- Include keywords from job descriptions naturally
- Use standard section headings
- Save as PDF or DOCX format
- Include a dedicated skills section
- Use bullet points for easy scanning
❌ Avoid This
- Tables, text boxes, or complex layouts
- Images, graphics, or charts
- Unusual fonts or decorative elements
- Headers and footers for important info
- Keyword stuffing or white text tricks
- Inconsistent formatting or spacing
Free CV Scanner Alternatives (Comparison)
| Tool | Free Scans | UK Focus | AI Suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|
| JobSpaceAI Scanner | ✅ Unlimited | ✅ UK-optimised | ✅ AI-powered |
| Jobscan | ❌ Limited free | ❌ US-focused | ✅ Yes |
| Resume Worded | ❌ Limited free | ❌ US-focused | ✅ Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About CV Scanners
Complete Your UK Job Application Success
AI CV Enhancer
Rewrite and improve your CV wording with AI — fix weak bullets, add missing keywords, and strengthen your impact statements.
Learn More →Ready to Scan Your CV for UK ATS Systems?
Don’t let your perfect CV get lost in the ATS black hole. Our free UK ATS scanner simulates the exact systems used by the NHS, FTSE 100 companies and major UK employers.
No credit card required • Instant results • Used by 10,000+ UK job seekers