Free vs Paid ATS Tools
Free tools are great for basic formatting checks. Paid tools are worth it when you need job-specific keyword matching and fast resume tailoring across multiple applications.
What free tools usually do
Basic formatting flags
Generic tips
Simple keyword counts
What Paid Tools Should Do
Match to a specific job description
Show missing required skills/tools
Rewrite bullets with impact
Make improvements repeatable
How To Decide
Applying to 1–2 jobs: free may be enough
Applying to 10+ jobs or switching roles: paid saves time
FAQ
Are free ATS tools accurate?
What’s the biggest limitation of free tools?
What should I pay for?
Can paid tools hurt my resume?
Do paid tools guarantee interviews?