Free ATS CV checker for UK job hunters
Most medium and large UK employers — and almost all recruitment agencies — use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to scan, parse and rank CVs before a person reads them. If your CV is missing the keywords from the advert, or uses formatting the software can't parse, you can be rejected automatically for a job you're qualified to do.
Nailedit.cv's checker is free, needs no account, and takes about 60 seconds.
What the checker looks at
- Keyword match — your CV against the actual job advert you paste in, not a generic list. Which required skills, tools and phrases are present, and which are missing.
- Parseability — tables, columns, text boxes, headers/footers and graphics that break ATS parsing.
- Structure — standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills) that parsers map correctly.
- Content quality — vague bullets versus quantified, evidence-led ones.
- UK conventions — two-page norms, British English, no photo, sensible date formats.
What's a good ATS score?
Aim for roughly 75% match or higher against the specific job description. Below 60%, you're likely missing keywords the recruiter has told the system to look for. Don't chase 100% — a keyword-stuffed CV reads badly to the human who sees it after the software.
Why a UK-specific checker matters
Most ATS checkers are American: they expect one-page "resumes", US spelling and US section conventions, and they'll flag perfectly normal UK CVs for the wrong things. UK applications also flow through systems common here — Workday, Oleeo, Eploy, TeamTailor — and through agency parsing at scale. A checker built for UK CVs scores against the rules that actually apply to you.
How to use it
- Go to nailedit.cv and upload your CV (PDF or Word).
- Paste the job description from the advert.
- Read your score and the itemised issues — each one shows exactly what's missing.
- Let the AI rewrite your CV; approve or reject each change.
- Download the ATS-safe .docx and apply.
Frequently asked questions
Is it actually free?
Yes — scan, score and rewrite, free, no account, no card. Pro (£9.99/month) adds unlimited daily use and extras like cover letters.
Do UK employers really use ATS software?
Yes — the large majority of sizeable UK employers and virtually all recruitment agencies parse CVs through software before a human shortlist.
Will my CV data be kept private?
Your CV is processed securely to generate your results, handled in line with UK GDPR, and never used to train AI models.
What ATS score should I aim for?
Around 75%+ against the specific advert. Under 60% usually means missing keywords; over ~90% risks reading as stuffed to a human.
Scan your CV free — no signup
Upload your CV, paste the job advert, get your ATS score and a rewritten CV in about 60 seconds.
Scan my CV free →