Resume Readability Score
Check your resume's readability and simulate a 6-second recruiter scan. See what recruiters actually notice -- and what they miss. No sign-up, 100% private.
Paste Your Resume Text
Paste your full resume below. We analyze readability, structure, and scannability -- then simulate what a recruiter sees in their first 6-second glance.
How It Works
Paste Your Resume
Copy your resume text and paste it into the text area above. We analyze plain text -- no file uploads needed.
Readability Analysis
We calculate Flesch-Kincaid grade level, sentence and word complexity, bullet point density, white space balance, and section organization.
Recruiter Scan Simulation
Our simulator highlights only what a recruiter sees in their first 6-second glance -- so you can optimize those critical elements.
Actionable Improvements
Get specific tips to boost your readability score and make every second of a recruiter's attention count.
What We Measure
Our readability analyzer evaluates seven dimensions that determine how quickly and easily a recruiter can process your resume:
Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level
The standard readability formula. Ideal resumes score grade 8-12 -- professional but not overly academic.
Sentence Length
Average words per sentence. Bullet points should be 10-20 words for optimal scannability.
Word Complexity
Average word length. A mix of concise and technical vocabulary signals competence without being hard to read.
Complex Words
Percentage of words with 3+ syllables. Too many makes your resume dense; too few may seem simplistic.
Bullet Point Usage
Ratio of bullet points to total lines. Bullets are the backbone of a scannable resume (aim for 30-65%).
White Space & Density
Spacing between sections, paragraph length, and visual density. Dense text discourages reading.
Section Headers
Clear labels like Experience, Education, and Skills act as navigation for the recruiter's eye.
Why 6 Seconds?
Eye-tracking research shows that recruiters spend an average of just 6-7 seconds on their initial scan of a resume. In that brief window, they look at:
- Your name and contact information
- Current (or most recent) job title and company
- Section headers to understand the resume layout
- The first bullet point under each role
- Education institution names
Everything else gets skimmed or skipped entirely. Our simulator shows you exactly which parts of your resume pass this critical first filter.
Sources & Further Reading: Indeed: Best Resume Formats and When to Use Them · Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook · CareerOneStop Resume Guide (U.S. DOL)
Readability Best Practices
Keep Sentences Under 20 Words
Short, punchy bullet points are easier to scan than long, complex sentences. If a bullet exceeds 20 words, split it.
Use Bullet Points, Not Paragraphs
Recruiters skip paragraphs. Format your experience as concise bullet points starting with strong action verbs.
Add Section Headers
Clear section labels (Experience, Education, Skills) act as signposts that guide the recruiter's eye through your resume.
Balance White Space
A visually dense resume signals "hard to read." Leave space between sections and keep bullet lists to 3-6 items per role.
Lead with Your Strongest Bullet
The first bullet under each job gets the most attention. Make it your most impressive, quantified achievement.
Aim for Grade Level 8-12
Professional but not overly academic. If your grade level is too high, replace jargon with simpler alternatives where possible.
Go beyond readability -- build a perfect resume
Our AI resume builder creates scannable, recruiter-optimized resumes in minutes. Get ideal readability without the guesswork.
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