Free ATS Check: Why You Should Review Your CV
An ATS check automatically reviews your CV for compatibility with applicant tracking systems. The free ATS check from myjobhub analyses structure, keywords, format and readability — and shows you in seconds where your CV has issues.
Over 95% of DAX-listed companies and a large proportion of mid-sized German businesses now use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to pre-filter applications. This means: before a human reads your CV, software needs to be able to understand it. If your CV is not ATS-compatible, it will be filtered out — no matter how strong your qualifications are.
An ATS check shows you exactly where your CV has problems: incorrect formatting, missing keywords, unfavourable structure or technical errors. The best part: you can have your CV checked for free — and fix most issues yourself.
75% of all CVs are filtered out by the ATS before a recruiter ever sees them.
Industry estimate, HR tech studies 2025What Does an ATS Check Examine?
A thorough ATS check analyses your CV for all factors that determine whether an applicant tracking system can correctly read and categorise it. Here are the most important checkpoints:
- Formatting & file format — PDF vs. DOCX: which format is parsed correctly?
- Document structure — Are sections like work experience, education and skills clearly identifiable?
- Keywords & key terms — Does your CV contain the relevant technical terms for your target position?
- File size — Is the file under the typical upload limit of 5 MB?
- Fonts — Are standard fonts used that every system can render?
- Columns & tables — Multi-column layouts confuse many ATS systems
- Images & graphics — Text within images cannot be read by any ATS
- Headers & footers — Contact details in headers/footers are often ignored
How the myjobhub ATS Check Works
The free ATS check from myjobhub gives you a detailed analysis in under 30 seconds. Here is how it works:
Upload your CV
Upload your CV as a PDF or DOCX. Your file is transferred encrypted and automatically deleted after the analysis — fully GDPR-compliant.
AI analyses your CV
Our AI checks structure, keywords, formatting and ATS compatibility. Over 30 individual criteria are evaluated — from the font to the section order.
Results with specific improvement suggestions
You receive an ATS score and a list of specific improvements — prioritised by impact. Each point explains what the problem is and how to fix it.
Multiple checks are worthwhile
Upload your CV again after each change. This way you can immediately see whether your optimisation has worked. The check is free with no limits.
The 8 Most Common ATS Mistakes
These are the mistakes we see over and over again when analysing thousands of CVs. Each one can cause your CV to get stuck in the ATS:
1. Two-column layout
Many modern templates use two columns for a sleek design. The problem: most ATS systems read from top to bottom, not column by column. Your work experience then gets mixed up with your hobbies — and the entire content no longer makes sense.
2. Contact details in the header or footer
Headers and footers are completely skipped by many ATS systems. If your name, email address or phone number are placed there, they will be missing from the ATS database. Solution: all contact details belong in the main body of the document.
3. Graphic skill bars
Skill bars or percentage ratings as graphics look appealing but are invisible to an ATS. Instead: list your skills as text with experience level (e.g. "Python — 4 years, advanced").
4. Missing standard sections
An ATS looks for recognised headings: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills". Creative alternatives like "My Journey" or "What I Can Do" are not recognised. Stick to standard section headings.
5. Wrong file format
PDF is safe in most cases — but only if it is text-based. Scanned documents (image PDFs) cannot be parsed. DOCX is supported by almost all ATS systems. Avoid JPEG, PNG or exotic formats. More on this in our article about file formats for application submissions.
6. Tables for work experience
Table layouts are incorrectly interpreted by many ATS systems. Cells are read in the wrong order, columns merge together. Use simple paragraphs with clear date information instead.
7. Missing keywords
If the job posting says "project management" and your CV only says "coordinated projects", the ATS may not recognise the match. Use the exact terms from the job posting — but only if they genuinely apply to you.
8. Unusual fonts
Decorative or rare fonts can cause character errors during parsing. Stick with proven fonts like Arial, Calibri, Helvetica or Times New Roman.
Before/After: What an ATS Check Reveals
Here is a typical real-world example — this is what the difference looks like before and after an ATS check:
Marketing Manager, 8 years of experience
Before (ATS score: 35/100):
- Two-column Canva design with photo and skill bars
- Contact details in the header — not recognised by the ATS
- Section titled "My Strengths" instead of "Skills"
- No keywords adopted from the target position
- File exported as an image PDF (not text-based)
After (ATS score: 92/100):
- Single-column layout with clear hierarchy
- Name, email and phone number in the document body
- Standard headings: "Work Experience", "Education", "Skills"
- Keywords from the job posting adopted (SEA, performance marketing, Google Ads)
- Text-based PDF, 187 KB file size
Result: interview invitation within 5 days.
This example shows: the content was strong from the start — but the format prevented it from ever getting through. This is exactly what an ATS check reveals. Find more on the optimal structure in our guide on CV structure.
When Is a Professional ATS Check Worthwhile?
The free check shows you the most important issues. But sometimes an automated analysis is not enough. Here is some guidance:
- You have a clearly structured CV and just want to verify it
- You are applying for standard positions (not C-level, not niche)
- You can implement the suggested changes yourself
- You want a quick check whether your format is ATS-compatible
- You are applying for leadership positions with high competition
- You are switching industries and need a new keyword profile
- Your CV still scores below 70 points after the check
- You are not getting interviews despite strong qualifications
If the free check reveals problems you cannot solve on your own, take a look at our professional application packages. Our experts optimise your CV specifically for ATS and recruiters — including keyword strategy, format optimisation and personal feedback.
An ATS check is the fastest way to make sure your CV actually gets through. It costs nothing, takes seconds and can make the difference between a rejection and an interview invitation. Check your CV before you send it — every time.
Your CV Deserves the Check
Find out in 30 seconds whether your CV fails at applicant tracking systems — free, anonymous, GDPR-compliant.
Check for free now Professional OptimisationOliver develops data-driven application strategies and helps professionals position themselves effectively with the right employers.
Last checked: 13 Mar 2026