Crafting a compelling resume is essential for any job seeker, but not everyone has the resources to invest in a professional resume writing service. Fortunately, there are several free resume review sites available online that can help you identify and rectify any glaring errors or areas of improvement. In this article, we will explore five of the best free resume review service platforms to give your career a boost without breaking the bank.
Resume Worded
Resume Worded is a standout among resume review services as it solely focuses on providing resume critiques. Unlike other companies that use free reviews as a lead generation tool for upselling professional resume writing services, Resume Worded’s main business is its critique software.
The free review from Resume Worded is impressively thorough. It analyzes your resume’s weak points and guides you on how to enhance each section. Resume Worded can also optimize your resume for specific job postings using applicant tracking systems (ATS). By pasting the job description, you can tailor your resume to meet the ATS criteria, increasing your chances of passing initial screening processes.
The suggestions provided by Resume Worded are notably more in-depth than other AI-generated resume scores. After the review, you’ll be directed to a detailed page with suggested bullets, line-by-line analysis, recommended action verbs, and metric-driven insights to refine your resume further.
Key takeaways:
| Pros | Cons |
| Quick results, providing you with a detailed critique in less than a minute. Resume targeting tool to match your resume with specific job requirements. Scores every aspect of your resume, giving you a clear understanding of its strengths and weaknesses. Features a Line Analysis tool that gives feedback for every line of your resume. | Many features and specific advice are behind a paywall, requiring an upgrade to access the full critique. Does not show how the ATS views your resume, which could be crucial for passing initial screenings. |
Jobscan
According to our thorough Jobscan review, Jobscan is one of the best Applicant Tracking System (ATS) free online resume checkers among the various free resume review sites available. ATS is commonly used by employers to filter resumes based on relevant keywords and qualifications, and that’s why Jobscan is a valuable tool for job seekers. It provides an excellent free resume review service that puts your resume side by side with the job ad you’re applying for. Jobscan’s software then analyzes your resume and shows you where you might be lacking relevant keywords and data, which are crucial for getting past ATS.
Using Jobscan is straightforward. All you have to do is visit their website, copy and paste your resume and the job description onto their platform, and hit the “Scan” button. Within seconds, Jobscan will reveal your score and offer personalized recommendations for resume edits to improve your resume ranking for the targeted job.
Our thoughts:
| Pros | Cons |
| Provides instant results (though an account may be required for full access to free results). Helps you tailor your resume to specific job ads, increasing your chances of landing interviews. ATS optimization: Jobscan ensures your resume has the right keywords and formatting to pass ATS screenings. Error identification and suggestions: It points out errors on your resume and offers specific suggestions for improvement. | Paid formatting check: Additional services like resume formatting checks come at a cost. Limited cliché detection: It might not catch some clichés that other review services can identify. Lack of ATS preview: Jobscan doesn’t provide a sample of how the ATS will present your resume to the hiring manager. |
EnhanCV
EnhanCV offers a free online resume checker that scans your resume for high-level errors and provides valuable suggestions for improvement. This includes identifying missing contact information and poorly formatted resume file names, which can have a significant impact on your job application success. The platform’s resume checker is easy to use, and it produces instant results, making it ideal for job seekers looking to quickly enhance their resume.
One of the standout features of EnhanCV is its free resume builder tool. This tool allows users to edit and download a new version of their resume, making it a valuable resource for job seekers on a budget. The instant results feature ensures that you receive prompt feedback, allowing you to make necessary adjustments quickly.
Our general evaluation:
| Pros | Cons |
| Produces instant results: EnhanCV’s resume checker provides rapid feedback, allowing you to address any critical issues promptly. Useful general information: EnhanCV offers valuable tips on resume formatting and content, helping you optimize your resume for better results. Free resume builder: With the free version of their resume builder, you can edit and download an updated resume without any cost. | Upselling of paid services: While EnhanCV provides useful feedback for free, some of the recommended changes may be geared towards promoting their premium services. Users should be cautious while considering these suggestions. Payment required for detailed changes: While the resume review is free, accessing more in-depth suggestions and changes through the resume builder may require payment. EnhanCV branding: The free version of the resume download includes an EnhanCV branding footer on all pages. |
ZipJob Free Resume Review Service
ZipJob is a standout among free resume review service sites for several reasons. Its website is not only user-friendly but also equipped with advanced technology that ensures a seamless process. With just a few simple steps, you can get your resume reviewed by a real human expert. All you need to do is upload your resume in PDF, Doc, or Docx format and provide your email address, and you will receive your review within 48 hours.
What sets ZipJob apart from other free resume review tools is that their reviews are conducted by real human experts. This means you get personalized feedback tailored to your resume. The review usually includes general information about your resume’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as specific areas that need improvement. Additionally, the expert provides valuable suggestions on how to enhance your resume’s overall appeal.
What we think about ZipJob:
| Pros | Cons |
| Review by Human Expert: The fact that ZipJob’s reviews are conducted by human experts sets it apart from many other services. This ensures more personalized and insightful feedback. Insight into ATS Compatibility: This gives a good picture of how your resume is perceived by applicant tracking systems (ATS), crucial in increasing your chances of passing initial screening processes. File Name Optimization: ZipJob also helps users optimize their resume file names, which can have a positive impact on visibility during the application process. | Long wait times: One downside we noticed during our review of ZipJob was that it took 21 hours to receive feedback. While not overly long, some users might prefer faster results. Lack of Specific Examples: ZipJob’s feedback may not always include specific examples from your resume. This could make it harder for some users to understand precisely how to implement the suggested changes. Questionable Advice: Some of the advice offered, such as removing the resume summary, might not align with standard resume practices, potentially hindering the resume’s impact. |
Ladders
Ladders is a renowned executive job search site designed exclusively for six-figure earners. Although resume writing is not their primary focus, Ladders handles a substantial number of resumes from ambitious professionals. By uploading your resume for a free analysis on Ladders, you can receive prompt feedback on what you’re doing right and what needs improvement.
One of the standout features of Ladders’ resume review tool is its user-friendly interface. The review process is straightforward, providing you with immediate results, and sparing you the typical 24-48 hours waiting period. The feedback covers various essential aspects, including punctuation, capitalization, suggestions for improving accomplishments, and more.
Notably, Ladders goes beyond offering generic advice by specifically pointing out sections of your resume that require improvement. This feature eliminates much of the guesswork, allowing you to focus your efforts on enhancing the areas that truly matter.
Our Ladders review summary:
| Pros | Cons |
| Instant Results: Unlike other services that may take 24-48 hours to provide feedback, Ladders offers immediate insights into your resume. User-Friendly Interface: Ladders’ review interface is user-friendly, making it easy to understand the feedback provided. This allows job seekers to quickly grasp areas that need improvement. ATS Compatibility Check: Ladders also highlights how the applicant tracking system (ATS) reads your resume. Furthermore, you can upload multiple versions of your resume to compare their ATS compatibility. Free Resume Rewrite: Ladders goes the extra mile by linking users to a free resume rewrite service, providing an opportunity to enhance their resume even further. | High-Level Overview: While Ladders offers useful insights, the review remains relatively high-level, lacking in-depth analysis. Templated Changes: The suggestions provided by Ladders can sometimes be generic and templated, leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that may not suit every job seeker’s unique situation. Questionable Advice: Occasionally, Ladders’ feedback may offer questionable advice, such as recommending unnecessary additions that could elongate the resume needlessly. |
Try These Free Resume Review Service Platforms Today!
A well-crafted resume is the key to landing your dream job. By leveraging the free resume review service platforms above, you can boost your career on a budget and increase your chances of securing that coveted job opportunity. However, while free resume reviews are helpful, investing in a professional resume service is still a worthwhile option for those seeking more comprehensive assistance in their job search journey. Therefore, remember to consider your specific needs and preferences in order to select the best service.
