How to Scan Your Resume for ATS Systems
Back to Guides
ATS Guide

How to Scan Your Resume for ATS Systems

October 8, 20257 min read

Wondering how to scan your resume for ATS compatibility? This comprehensive guide shows you how to use a resume scanner to ensure your resume passes applicant tracking systems used by 99% of Fortune 500 companies.

Understanding How ATS Systems Work

Before using a resume scanner, it's important to understand what ATS systems look for:

  • Text parsing - Can the system extract your information?
  • Keyword matching - Does your resume contain relevant keywords?
  • Format compatibility - Is your resume structured properly?
  • Required fields - Are all necessary sections present?

Why You Need an ATS Resume Scanner

Using an ATS scanner before submitting applications is critical because:

  • 75% of resumes never reach human eyes due to ATS rejection
  • Simple formatting errors can make your resume unreadable
  • Missing keywords automatically disqualify qualified candidates
  • ATS systems can't read images, graphics, or complex layouts

Step 1: Access JobShinobi's Resume Scanner

JobShinobi offers the most comprehensive resume scanning software available:

  1. Log in to your JobShinobi account
  2. Navigate to the Resume section
  3. Click "Analyze Resume"
  4. Upload your current resume file

Step 2: Understanding Your ATS Scanner Results

Our ATS resume scanner provides a detailed breakdown:

Overall Score (0-100)

  • 90-100: Excellent - Your resume will pass most ATS systems
  • 75-89: Good - Minor improvements needed
  • 60-74: Fair - Several issues to address
  • Below 60: Poor - Major formatting/content problems

Step 3: Fixing Common ATS Issues

The resume scanner identifies these common problems:

Formatting Issues

  • Tables and columns - Replace with simple bullet points
  • Headers/footers - Move information to main body
  • Text boxes - Convert to regular text
  • Images/logos - Remove all graphics

Content Problems

  • Missing sections - Add Experience, Education, Skills
  • Unclear job titles - Use industry-standard titles
  • Vague descriptions - Add specific achievements with numbers
  • Keyword gaps - Include relevant industry terms

Step 4: Re-scan to Verify Improvements

After making changes based on the ATS scanner feedback:

  1. Save your updated resume
  2. Upload it to JobShinobi again
  3. Compare scores to see improvement
  4. Repeat until you achieve 90+ score

Best Practices for Resume Scanning

To get the best results from our resume scanning software:

  • Scan every version of your resume before sending
  • Create industry-specific versions with tailored keywords
  • Test both PDF and DOCX formats
  • Scan after every major update
  • Compare results to job-specific scans

Advanced Features: Job-Specific Scanning

JobShinobi's resume scanner goes beyond basic ATS checking:

  • Job description matching - See how well your resume matches specific jobs
  • Keyword extraction - Identify missing keywords from job postings
  • Match percentage - Get a compatibility score for each job
  • Optimization suggestions - Receive tailored improvement recommendations

What Makes JobShinobi's ATS Scanner Different?

Unlike other resume scanning software, JobShinobi offers:

  • Real ATS simulation - Uses actual ATS parsing engines
  • Comprehensive feedback - Not just pass/fail, but detailed guidance
  • Job matching - Test against real job descriptions
  • Resume builder integration - Fix issues directly in our editor
  • Unlimited scans - No restrictions or usage limits

Resume Scanner Checklist

Before submitting any application, use this ATS scanner checklist:

  • ✓ Overall ATS score above 85
  • ✓ No formatting warnings
  • ✓ All required sections present
  • ✓ Contact information clearly visible
  • ✓ Job-relevant keywords included
  • ✓ Standard section headings used
  • ✓ Simple, single-column layout
  • ✓ Common fonts throughout

Start Scanning Your Resume Today

Don't send another application without scanning your resume first. Use JobShinobi's resume scanner to ensure every application gets past ATS systems and reaches hiring managers.

Scan Your Resume Now →

Ready to optimize your resume?

Join thousands of job seekers using JobShinobi to land more interviews.

Get Started Free