The problem we're solving
Most large and mid-size employers now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to collect, parse, and filter resumes before a recruiter ever looks at them. These systems rank candidates by how well their resume matches the job's requirements — based on keywords, formatting, and document structure.
The frustrating part: a qualified candidate with a poorly formatted resume can score lower than a less qualified candidate whose resume is simply structured correctly. A two-column layout, contact information in a document header, or a job description keyword that's missing from your resume can silently filter you out before any human makes a judgment call.
Most job seekers don't know this is happening. They apply, hear nothing, and assume they weren't a good fit. In many cases, their resume was never actually read.
Why we built this tool
The existing tools that address ATS compatibility are mostly built around subscriptions, required accounts, and upsells. The free tiers are often limited to a single scan, a vague score, or a truncated report designed to push you toward a paid plan.
We wanted to build something different: a tool that actually explains what it's checking and why, gives you the full report without requiring a sign-up, and doesn't upload your resume to a server where it can be stored, processed, or sold.
ATS Resume Tracer was built by Dipesh Gyawali, a developer based in Nepal, after seeing first-hand how many qualified people were getting filtered out by systems they didn't know existed. The goal was simple: give everyone free access to the same information that expensive resume services charge for.
How the scoring engine works
When you upload a resume, it's parsed entirely in your browser using open-source libraries: Mozilla's PDF.js for PDF files, and Mammoth.js for DOCX files. No file is ever sent to a server. The extracted text is then run through a set of rule-based checks that mirror what real ATS software looks for.
The checks cover four categories:
- Structure: Are standard section headers present? Is there a recognizable contact block? Are dates present for each role?
- Content: Does the resume use action verbs? Is the length appropriate? Does it include enough detail?
- Formatting: Are standard bullet characters used? Are there signs of multi-column layout that would break ATS parsing? Are special characters likely to cause parsing errors?
- Keyword Match: When a job description is provided, which of the top keywords from the posting appear in the resume — and which are missing?
There's no AI guessing involved. Each check has a specific rule, a clear pass/fail result, and an explanation of why it matters. You can see the reasoning behind every item in your score — not just a number.
Privacy by design
Your resume contains some of your most personal information: employment history, contact details, education, skills. We designed this tool so that information never leaves your device.
The file is parsed in your browser. The scoring runs in your browser. The results are displayed in your browser. When you close the tab, it's gone — we have no record of what you uploaded, what your score was, or anything else about your session.
The only exception is the Pro tier's scan history feature, which saves scan results to your browser's local storage — still on your device, not on our servers. You can read the full details in our privacy policy.
What's free and what isn't
The full ATS checker — all structure, content, formatting, and keyword match checks — is free with no scan limit and no account required. That's not a limited trial. It's the actual product.
A one-time $49 lifetime upgrade (available through AppSumo) adds: PDF report export, saved scan history (up to 20 resumes stored in your browser), an ad-free experience, and priority email support. Pay once, use it for as long as the tool exists — no subscription, no renewal.
See the pricing page for the full feature comparison and FAQ.
Get in touch
Questions, feedback, bug reports, or feature requests — we read every message. If something isn't working as expected, a quick description of your file type and what happened is usually enough for us to reproduce and fix it.
Reach us at quietblack.co@gmail.com or visit the contact page. We typically reply within 1–2 business days.