ATS resume checker for Word (.docx) resumes
Word files are the most widely accepted resume format — Taleo and SuccessFactors even prefer them. Upload your .docx and we'll inspect the document structure itself for tables, text boxes and columns that trip up parsers.
Create a free Connecting Odds account to score your resume against any job, get fixes and download a tailored copy.
Every category shows its points and checks.
Keywords and requirements come from the posting.
Risky edits require your confirmation.
What we look for inside a Word resume
- Tables used for layout — many systems read cells out of order.
- Text boxes and shapes — often skipped completely.
- Section columns — Word's column layout can merge unrelated lines.
- Header and footer text — contact details placed there may be lost.
- Images and icons — ignored by the ATS, so key facts must also be in plain text.
Older .doc files can't be read reliably by modern systems; save as .docx first. After tailoring, you can download a clean single-column .docx built for ATS parsing.
How your ATS score is calculated
Transparent rules decide the number — the same resume and job always get the same score, and every check shows the points it's worth. AI is used only to read the posting's keywords and suggest wording.
Must-have and nice-to-have skills from the posting, weighted by importance and repetition, with synonyms and context.
Whether your resume uses the title recruiters will search for.
Years of experience, degree level, certifications and clearance vs the posting.
Bullets with numbers, percentages, money or scale, and strong action verbs.
File type, readable text, tables, columns, text boxes, images, header/footer text.
Experience, Education, Skills and Summary with standard headings.
Email, phone, location and LinkedIn link.
Weak phrases, clichés, repeated openings, first-person pronouns.
Word count suited to the role.
Check while you apply
Every job on Connecting Odds has a "Check my ATS score first" link next to Apply — it loads the job and your profile resume for you. Browse jobs.
Tuned to the employer's system
When a job applies through Workday, Greenhouse, Lever, iCIMS, Taleo or SmartRecruiters you get tips for that system.
Honest by design
We never add employers, dates, degrees, skills or numbers you don't have. Risky suggestions are flagged "only apply if true".