Is this really all free?

Yes. Every tool on TopApplicant is free: the AI review, the AI rewrite, the resume builder and its PDF download, job tailoring, cover letters and the LinkedIn grader. No account, no email, no card.

What's the catch? How do you make money?

There isn't one on this site. TopApplicant is made by NovionOne, and it's how people find our paid product, CV2Folio, which turns your resume into a hosted portfolio site. Your first portfolio there is free too; we only charge if you want more.

Will my resume pass ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems)?

TopApplicant scores your resume on ATS compatibility, flags formatting and keyword gaps that block parsers, and shows the exact keywords recruiters search for in your target role.

Is my resume stored or shared?

Your file is processed for the review and is not shared. We do not require an account, email, or login to use any of the tools.

How long does the AI review take?

Under 60 seconds. Most reviews finish in 20–40 seconds depending on resume length.

What file formats do you accept?

PDF uploads and plain text paste are supported. The AI editor and the builder both return a downloadable, ATS-friendly PDF.

Information Technology & Software ATS keywords

IT and software hiring is one of the most ATS-filtered industries - resumes are ranked on exact keyword matches for languages, frameworks, and methodologies before a human ever sees them.

Keywords to include

Cloud computing (AWS/Azure/GCP)Nearly every IT role now requires cloud platform experience; ATS systems weight this heavily for infra and backend roles.

Agile/ScrumSignals the candidate can work in modern sprint-based development environments.

CI/CDShows familiarity with automated deployment pipelines, a baseline expectation for engineering roles.

API developmentA core skill for backend and full-stack roles; ATS scans for this across job levels.

CybersecurityIncreasingly required even in non-security roles as companies screen for security awareness.

DevOpsBridges development and operations; a high-frequency keyword in infra and platform job descriptions.

Full-stack developmentSignals versatility across front-end and back-end, valued by smaller and mid-size companies.

Data structures & algorithmsStandard technical screening term for software engineering roles at any level.

Version control (Git)A baseline expectation; its absence is a red flag to ATS keyword filters.

System designA key differentiator for mid-to-senior engineering roles, frequently scanned for in job descriptions.

MicroservicesCommon architecture pattern that recruiters filter for in backend and platform roles.

SQL/NoSQL databasesData persistence is core to almost every software role; ATS systems match on specific database names too.

Containerization (Docker/Kubernetes)Standard for modern deployment; frequently listed as a required skill.

Machine learningIncreasingly appears even in general software roles as companies add AI features.

Software testing/QAQuality assurance keywords are scanned separately from development skills.

IT infrastructureRelevant for systems and network administration roles.

Technical documentationSignals communication skill, often a differentiator in senior technical roles.

Object-oriented programmingA fundamental concept keyword scanned across most engineering job descriptions.

ScalabilitySignals the candidate has worked on systems that grew, a proxy for real production experience.

Cross-functional collaborationIncreasingly scanned for as IT roles integrate more with product and business teams.

Tips for this industry

Mirror the exact tech stack listed in the job description - if it says 'React' don't just write 'JavaScript frameworks'
List specific cloud provider names (AWS, Azure, GCP) rather than just 'cloud experience'
Include both the tool and the underlying concept (e.g., 'Kubernetes' and 'container orchestration')
Avoid keyword-stuffing in a skills block with no context - pair each keyword with a bullet point that proves it
Update your keyword list every 6-12 months; this industry's in-demand terms shift fast

See how many of these information technology & software keywords your resume already has.

Get your free AI resume review →

Turn your resume into a portfolio site. Free for your first one, no card.

Try CV2Folio