CV Keywords Checker – Find Missing ATS Keywords Instantly
Missing keywords are the #1 reason CVs fail ATS screening. Upload your CV, paste the job description, and see exactly which keywords are missing — and where to add them. Free, no sign-up for your first check.
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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!
Why Missing Keywords Cause CV Rejection
When you apply for a job online, your CV is processed by an Applicant Tracking System before any human reads it. The ATS compares your CV against the job description and calculates a keyword match score. CVs below the threshold (typically 65–75%) are filtered out automatically.
The critical issue: ATS systems do not recognise synonyms. If the job description says "stakeholder management" and your CV says "managing relationships with key stakeholders", the ATS may score zero for that keyword. You need to mirror the exact terminology from the job posting.
Our keyword checker compares your CV and job description word-for-word, showing you exactly which terms are present, which are missing, and how significant each gap is for your overall ATS score.
Types of CV Keywords ATS Systems Score
Hard Skills & Technical
Specific tools, technologies, methodologies, and qualifications
Highest weight in ATS scoring — match these exactly from the job description
Job Title Variants
Variations of your target role that the employer uses
High — ATS systems score CVs that reflect the job title terminology
Industry Terminology
Sector-specific language the employer uses in the posting
High — signals you understand the sector context
Soft Skills in Context
Behavioural keywords embedded in achievement statements
Medium — only score when used in context, not listed alone under Skills
Qualifications & Certifications
Exact credential names the employer requires
High for roles requiring specific credentials — missing these causes automatic sift-out
Where to Add Missing Keywords in Your CV
Work Experience Bullets
Highest impact
Embed keywords in achievement statements with quantified results. "Delivered [keyword skill] across [scope], achieving [result]."
Personal Statement
High impact
Include 2–3 of the most important keywords from the job description in your opening paragraph. This section is read first by both ATS and recruiters.
Skills Section
Medium impact
List technical skills, tools, and qualifications here. Use the exact terminology from the job description. Soft skills score higher in Work Experience.
Related CV Tools
- Free ATS CV Checker — full ATS score including keyword match, formatting, and section analysis
- AI CV Improver — automatically rewrite bullet points to include missing keywords
- How to Pass ATS Screening UK — 8 proven tips including keyword optimisation strategy
- ATS CV Formatting Guide — fix the formatting issues that prevent keywords from being read
- What is ATS? — how ATS keyword scoring works in UK hiring
Check Your CV Keywords in 3 Steps
Upload Your CV
Add your CV as PDF or DOCX. No account needed.
Paste the Job Description
Copy the full job posting — including the requirements section where key keywords appear.
See Your Keyword Gaps
Get a list of missing keywords, their importance weighting, and where to add them in your CV.
CV Keywords Checker – Common Questions
Find out which keywords are missing from your CV
Instant keyword gap analysis. Free, no sign-up needed.
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