ATS PDF Checker: Validate Text-Based PDFs & Fonts

Honest ATS Resume Checker (No Sugarcoating)

Reality first: a clean, text-based PDF matters—but it’s not the whole story. We’ll help you pass parsing and show proof of impact, so your resume reads like evidence, not buzzwords.

Five moves that work

1. Use a simple layout: exported PDF or DOCX, standard headings, no multi-column body text.
2. Write impact bullets: action verb + what you did + measurable result.
3. Tailor lightly: mirror 1–2 target roles; reflect key terms naturally (no stuffing).
4. Run the Honest ATS scan and fix the top 3 issues first.
5. Add a 2-line Wins section highlighting outcomes (%, $, time saved).

Try this today: Rewrite one bullet to end with a number (e.g., "reduced churn by 12%").

We’re practical, honest, and on your side—clarity over noise, progress over perfection.

How to Tell if Your PDF Is Text-Based

1. Selectable text test: open your PDF and try to highlight/copy text. If it won’t select, it’s likely an image.
2. Copy–paste test: paste a paragraph into a plain-text editor. If characters show correctly (not boxes/symbols), you’re good.
3. Search test: use Ctrl/Cmd+F to find a unique word from your resume. No results usually means the text isn’t real text.
4. Fallback: if any test fails, upload the DOCX export to the scanner and re-export a clean PDF.

ATS-Safe Fonts & PDF Settings

• Recommended fonts: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Georgia, Cambria.
• Avoid: complex/variable or decorative fonts that can break extraction.
• Size & spacing: 10–12 pt body, clear section headings, consistent line spacing.
• Bullets: Use standard • or –; avoid icon fonts and graphics.
• Export, don’t scan: never upload a photo or scanned image of your resume.

How the WisGrowth ATS Score Works

• Parsing quality: We check name, contact details, section labels, titles, and dates for clean extraction.
• Keyword match to a JD: Paste a job description; we surface gaps and skills density.
• Readability & clarity: Flags for filler phrases, passive voice, and run-on bullets.
• Format & structure: Warnings for tables/columns, icons, images, and text hidden from parsers.
• Role alignment: Signals for the top roles you already fit—so you apply with confidence.

Try It in 60 Seconds

1. Open the WisGrowth Resume Scanner.
2. Upload a PDF or DOCX (simple layouts parse best).
3. (Optional) Paste the target job description.
4. Review your honest ATS score and prioritized fixes.
5. Re-scan after edits, aim for 70%+, and apply.

Top ATS Problems We Fix

• Missing or mismatched keywords: Your term vs the JD’s term; we highlight the gaps clearly.
• Hidden text: Tables, columns, or images hide content from parsers.
• Vague bullets: Duties without outcomes; we suggest quantified, impact-first rewrites.
• Over-styling: Icons/graphics/skill bars that reduce parsability—and your score.

PDF Do’s & Don’ts

• Do: Export a PDF from your editor (not a scan); keep a DOCX handy for tricky portals.
• Do: Keep filenames simple (Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf).
• Do: Use full URLs or clean link text; avoid embedded icons.
• Don’t: Use multi-column body text, text boxes for core content, or image-only headers.
• Don’t: Rely on uncommon fonts or custom glyphs for bullets.
• Tip: If parsing fails, upload DOCX and cross-verify with the ATS score calculator.

Human Review Still Matters

Getting to the top of the ATS queue is step one. A recruiter then skims for clarity, credibility, and outcomes. Replace fluffy bullets with measurable results (e.g., “Reduced cloud spend by 22% via rightsizing and auto-scaling” rather than “Worked on cost optimization”). If you want examples tailored to your profile, our deep analysis add-on and coaching can speed this up.

Next Steps

Start with a free scan, then pick a guide that fits your market and seniority. If you’re mid-career and pivoting, read mid-career resume mistakes. New to the job market? Try the fresher ATS resume checker. Compare improvements with the ATS resume score calculator.

FAQs

Is this ATS checker free?

Yes—run a free scan and see your honest score. Upgrade if you want deep examples and keyword expansions.

Will a PDF work?

Yes, if it’s text-based. If parsing fails, upload the DOCX export and try again.

Do I need a different resume for every job?

No. Keep one strong core resume and lightly tailor the headline, skills, and 2–3 bullets to the JD.

What score should I target?

70%+ is a solid benchmark. Most people reach it after 1–2 rounds of prioritized edits.

Which fonts are ATS-safe?

Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, Times New Roman, Georgia, and Cambria are reliable choices.

Can I check my resume against a job description?

Yes. Paste the JD—we’ll flag gaps and suggest measurable, ATS-safe edits.

How do I avoid keyword stuffing?

Choose a lane first. Tie keywords to outcomes. Keep the format parser-safe.

Related guides for your next step

• Scan Your Resume (Free)
• ATS Resume Score Calculator
• Two-Page Resume & ATS
• ATS PDF Checker (this page)
• CV Checker UK
• Resume Checker Canada
• Resume Checker Australia
• Software Engineer Resume

Scan your resume free →

Quick Checklist Before You Apply

• Headline aligned: Your title mirrors the role (e.g., “Senior Product Manager”).
• Keywords present: Core skills from the JD appear naturally in bullets and the skills list.
• Impact bullets: End with numbers (%, $, time saved) tied to outcomes.
• Simple formatting: No tables/columns/icons that hide text from ATS.
• Readable layout: 10–12 pt font, clear section headings, adequate spacing.

Common Mistakes That Lower Your ATS Score

1. Keyword stuffing: Repeating terms without context hurts readability and credibility.
2. Creative titles: “Growth Wizard” won’t match recruiter searches. Use standard titles.
3. Graphics-over-text: Skill bars and icons look nice but block parsers.
4. PDF scans: Image-only resumes are unreadable—always export a text-based PDF.

Suggested Structure

Use a sequence that parses cleanly: Header (name, email, phone, city/region, LinkedIn) → Professional Summary (2–3 lines, role-aligned keywords) → Skills (grouped) → Experience (impact bullets) → Education → Certifications or Projects.

What recruiters actually scan for

Evidence tied to responsibilities—not just phrases. That’s why we combine a realistic ATS baseline with measurable bullets.

Traps to avoid

• Optimizing the resume before choosing a role family
• Inflating a score without adding outcomes
• Ignoring formatting constraints that break parsing

Action steps

1. Take the Clarity Quiz
2. Run the Honest ATS scan
3. Rewrite three bullets with outcomes
4. Apply to three aligned roles and save one proof artifact

Keep exploring

Read WisGrowth vs Others or visit the comparison hub.

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