In this guide
Using Luceria
Free CV / resume check or ATS check: which do you need?
One check reviews the document alone in your browser; the other compares a resume with a specific job. How they differ and when to use each.
Two checks, two different questions
The free CV / resume check answers: is this document well built? It cannot tell you whether you suit a role, because it has no role to compare against. That is why it deliberately gives no overall or job-match score.
The ATS check answers: how clearly does this resume cover this particular job? It needs the job description, and it reviews hard requirements, evidence, keyword match, parseability and formatting with reasons for each result.
Side by side
| Free CV / resume check | ATS check | |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Not needed | Free account |
| Job description | Not used | Required |
| Generative AI | None | None for the free check; an AI-assessed version on paid plans adds recency and seniority |
| Where your file goes | Read in your browser; not uploaded or stored by Luceria | Your resume text and the job are sent to Luceria's servers to run the check; you can re-run it after each edit |
| What it reviews | Structure, sections, contact details, dates, parseability, formatting | Hard requirements, evidence quality, keyword match, parseability, formatting |
| Score | No overall or job-match score | A compatibility estimate with reasons |
When to use each
- Use the free check when you have a new or heavily edited resume and want to know whether it is readable and complete, or when you do not want to create an account yet.
- Use the ATS check when you have a specific job in mind and want to see which requirements your resume evidences clearly and where the gaps are.
- Use both when you are starting a search: fix the document once, then check it against each role.
Using them in order
- Run the free check on your base resume and fix structural issues such as missing headings or unclear dates.
- Save the improved file as your master version.
- For each job, tailor a version and run the ATS check against that job's description.
- Read the reasons, make truthful edits and recheck.
Common questions
Where do I find the free CV / resume check?
It is on the Luceria homepage and on the free checker page, where it has its own CV / resume tab next to the company check.
Why does the free check not give me a score?
A score only means something against a specific job. Without one, a number would suggest a precision the check does not have.
Put it into practice
See how Luceria helps with thisDrafted with AI assistance and checked against Luceria’s editorial standards. Examples are illustrative, not real people’s results. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.