Grammarly does not have a dedicated ATS resume checker, but its grammar, spelling, and clarity suggestions can help you avoid common resume mistakes that might trip up an applicant tracking system (ATS). While Grammarly won’t tell you whether your resume will parse correctly in a specific ATS, you can use it alongside other tools to improve your resume’s chances of getting past automated filters.
What Is an ATS and How Does It Scan Resumes?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that employers use to collect, sort, and rank job applications. Most large companies and many smaller ones rely on an ATS to manage the high volume of resumes they receive. When you submit a resume online, the ATS parses the text, extracts information like your name, contact details, work history, and skills, and then stores it in a database. Recruiters can search that database for keywords, or the ATS may automatically rank resumes based on how well they match the job description.
ATS software typically struggles with complex formatting, images, tables, and unusual fonts. If the system cannot parse your resume correctly, your information may be stored incorrectly or not at all, and a recruiter may never see it. This is why many career advisors recommend using a simple, single-column layout with standard section headings like “Work Experience” and “Education.”
What Grammarly Actually Checks
Grammarly is a writing assistant that checks for grammar, spelling, punctuation, clarity, engagement, and tone. It can be used as a browser extension, a desktop app, or a web editor. When you paste your resume into Grammarly, it will highlight errors and suggest improvements in real time. The free version covers basic grammar and spelling, while the premium version offers advanced suggestions such as word choice, sentence structure, and tone adjustments.
For a resume, Grammarly can help you:
- Catch typos and grammatical errors that could make you look careless.
- Improve sentence clarity so your achievements are easy to read.
- Adjust the tone to sound more professional or confident.
- Suggest more concise phrasing, which is helpful because recruiters often skim resumes.
However, Grammarly does not analyze your resume for ATS compatibility. It does not check whether your resume uses the right keywords, whether your dates are formatted consistently, or whether your file will parse correctly. Those are separate concerns that require a different kind of tool.
Key Differences: Grammarly vs. ATS Resume Checkers
There are online tools specifically designed to test your resume against ATS criteria. These tools typically simulate how an ATS parses your document and give you a score based on factors like formatting, keyword usage, and section headings. Some popular examples include Jobscan, Resume Worded, and SkillSyncer. These tools often require you to paste the job description as well, so they can compare your resume against the specific keywords and skills employers are looking for.
The main difference is that Grammarly focuses on language quality, while ATS checkers focus on technical compatibility and keyword optimization. You can use both: run your resume through Grammarly first to clean up the writing, then use an ATS checker to see how well it matches the job posting. Keep in mind that free versions of ATS checkers often have limited scans per month, and premium features can be pricey.
How to Use Grammarly for Your Resume
To get the most out of Grammarly for your resume, follow these steps:
- Copy your resume text and paste it into the Grammarly web editor, or use the browser extension while editing in Google Docs or Word.
- Review each suggestion carefully. Grammarly is not always right, especially with industry-specific terms or acronyms. Use your judgment.
- Pay attention to clarity and conciseness. Grammarly Premium may suggest cutting unnecessary words, which can make your bullet points stronger.
- Check the tone. The tone detector can tell you if your resume sounds too casual or too formal. Aim for confident and professional.
- Run a final check after you make changes. Then, save your resume as a PDF or Word document, depending on what the job posting asks for.
Remember that Grammarly does not replace human proofreading. It may not catch every error, especially if a word is spelled correctly but used incorrectly (like “their” vs. “there”). Always read your resume out loud or have someone else review it.
Common Problems and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that an ATS “reads” your resume like a human recruiter. In reality, the ATS simply extracts text and matches keywords. This means that even a perfectly written resume with excellent grammar can fail if it lacks the right keywords or uses a format the ATS cannot parse. For example, if you list your skills in a two-column table, the ATS may read the columns in the wrong order, making your resume look jumbled.
Another issue is that some job seekers rely solely on Grammarly and ignore formatting. You can have flawless grammar, but if your resume uses headers and footers, text boxes, or graphics, the ATS may miss important information. Always save your resume in a standard format like .docx or .pdf, and avoid using templates with complex layouts. If you are unsure whether your resume is ATS-friendly, use a dedicated ATS checker or consult your career services office.
Grammarly Costs and Free vs. Premium
Grammarly offers a free version that includes basic grammar, spelling, and punctuation checks. The premium version, which costs around $12 per month when billed annually, adds features like advanced clarity suggestions, word choice, tone adjustments, and plagiarism detection. For a resume, the free version may be sufficient, but the premium version can help you refine your language and make your bullet points more impactful. There is also a business plan for teams, but that is not necessary for individual job seekers.
If you are on a budget, you can use the free version and manually review your content for ATS keywords. Many career experts suggest that the most important thing is to tailor your resume to each job description, which you can do without any paid tools.
Alternatives and Complementary Tools
If you want a more comprehensive ATS check, consider using a dedicated tool alongside Grammarly. Jobscan and Resume Worded are popular choices that offer free trials. You can also use free resources like the “resume checker” on some job boards, though these are often less detailed. Another option is to use a plain text editor to check how your resume looks without formatting, which is essentially what an ATS sees.
Remember that no tool can guarantee you will get an interview. The best approach is to combine automated checks with human judgment. Tailor your resume to each job, use clear and simple formatting, and proofread carefully. Grammarly can help with the proofreading, but it is not a substitute for understanding how ATS software works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Grammarly have an ATS checker?
No, Grammarly does not have a feature that checks your resume for ATS compatibility. It only checks grammar, spelling, and style. To test ATS compatibility, you need a separate tool like Jobscan or Resume Worded.
Can Grammarly improve my resume’s ATS score?
Indirectly, yes. Grammarly can help you write clearer, error-free bullet points, which may make it easier for an ATS to extract information. However, it does not add keywords or fix formatting issues, so it won’t directly increase your ATS score.
What is the best free ATS resume checker?
There is no single “best” free checker, but many people use the free trials of Jobscan or Resume Worded. Some job boards also offer basic resume reviews. Keep in mind that free versions often limit the number of scans or the depth of analysis.
Should I use Grammarly Premium for my resume?
It can help, but it is not necessary. The free version catches basic errors. If you want advanced suggestions on word choice and tone, premium might be worth it, but you can often achieve similar results by reading your resume aloud and getting feedback from a friend.
Does Grammarly work with Word and Google Docs?
Yes, Grammarly has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari that work with Google Docs and other web-based editors. There is also a Microsoft Word add-in for Windows and Mac. You can also copy and paste your resume into the Grammarly web editor.
Template for a Clean, ATS-Friendly Resume
Below is a simple template you can use to create a resume that is easy for an ATS to parse. Fill in the blanks with your own information.
| Field | Your Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | _________________________ |
| Phone Number | _________________________ |
| _________________________ | |
| LinkedIn URL | _________________________ |
| City, State | _________________________ |
| Professional Summary | _________________________ |
| Work Experience (Job Title, Company, Dates) | _________________________ |
| Key Achievements (bullet points) | _________________________ |
| Education (Degree, Institution, Year) | _________________________ |
| Skills (comma-separated) | _________________________ |
Sample: John Doe, 555-123-4567, johndoe@email.com, linkedin.com/in/johndoe, Austin, TX. Summary: Results-driven marketing specialist with 5 years of experience in digital campaigns. Work Experience: Marketing Coordinator at XYZ Corp (2020–2023). Achievements: Increased email open rates by 20%. Education: B.A. in Marketing, University of Texas, 2019. Skills: SEO, Google Analytics, Content Strategy.
Remember, when you finish writing, save your resume as a .docx or PDF and test it with an ATS checker if possible. Grammarly can polish your language, but only you can ensure your resume is tailored to the job you want.