RankMyCV vs Enhancv: Resume Checker vs Builder Comparison
Choosing between a resume checker like RankMyCV and a resume builder like Enhancv depends entirely on where you are in your job search journey. This comprehensive comparison breaks down exactly when each tool makes sense—and when you might want to use both.
If you're comparing RankMyCV vs Enhancv, you're probably asking yourself: "Do I need to build a new resume from scratch, or should I optimize the one I already have?"
Here's the thing: these tools solve completely different problems. RankMyCV is an ATS resume checker that analyzes your existing resume for keyword optimization, ATS compatibility, and content quality. Enhancv is a resume builder that helps you create visually appealing resumes with professional templates.
The best resume optimization strategy often involves using both: build your resume with Enhancv's templates, then check it with RankMyCV's ATS analyzer to ensure it'll actually pass applicant tracking systems. But let's dive deeper into when each tool shines.
Quick Comparison
See how these tools stack up side by side
RankMyCV
Purpose:
Check & Score Resumes
Price:
Paid Plans Available • Free Basic Analysis
Use When:
You have a resume to optimize
Enhancv
Purpose:
Build & Design Resumes
Price:
Premium Focused
Use When:
You need to build from scratch
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | RankMyCV | Enhancv |
|---|---|---|
| Resume Checking | Advanced | Basic |
| ATS Compatibility Check | Yes | Limited |
| Resume Builder | No | Yes |
| Templates | Guide Only | 50+ Templates |
| Paid Plans | Generous | Limited |
| AI Feedback | Yes | Limited |
When Should You Use Each Tool?
Understanding the right tool for your situation can save you time and help you land more interviews
Use RankMyCV When...
- You already have a resume and want to optimize it for ATS systems
- You're applying to multiple jobs and need to tailor your resume for each position
- You want AI-powered feedback on content quality and keyword optimization
- You need to check if your resume will pass applicant tracking systems before submitting
- You're getting rejected despite having relevant experience (likely an ATS issue)
Use Enhancv When...
- You're starting from scratch and need a professional resume template
- Visual design and aesthetics are your top priority
- You want access to 50+ professionally designed resume templates
- You're applying to creative industries where design matters more than ATS
- You need help structuring your content but already know what to write
Pros and Cons
An honest look at what each tool does well—and where they fall short
RM RankMyCV
Pros
- •Advanced ATS compatibility checking that actually works
- •AI-powered content quality feedback
- •Keyword optimization suggestions based on job descriptions
- •Works with any resume format you already have
- •Fast results—get feedback in seconds, not hours
Cons
- •Doesn't include resume builder functionality
- •Requires you to already have a resume to check
- •Focuses on optimization, not visual design
EN Enhancv
Pros
- •Beautiful, professional resume templates (50+)
- •Easy-to-use drag-and-drop builder
- •Great for creating visually impressive resumes
- •Helpful for structuring content if you're starting fresh
Cons
- •Limited ATS compatibility checking
- •Premium pricing model—less accessible for budget-conscious job seekers
- •Focuses on design over ATS optimization
- •No AI-powered content feedback or keyword suggestions
How People Actually Use These Tools
The Career Changer
Sarah is transitioning from marketing to data science. She has 8 years of experience but her resume uses marketing terminology. She uses Enhancv to create a clean, professional resume template, then runs it through RankMyCV's ATS checker to ensure she's using the right data science keywords that will pass applicant tracking systems.
Result: Combined approach gives her both professional design and ATS optimization.
The Active Job Seeker
Marcus has been applying to 20+ jobs per week but getting zero responses. His resume looks good visually, but he suspects it's not passing ATS filters. He uses RankMyCV to check his existing resume against specific job descriptions, discovers he's missing critical keywords, and optimizes accordingly without rebuilding from scratch.
Result: RankMyCV's keyword matching helps him tailor his resume for each application, increasing his callback rate.
The Recent Graduate
Emma just graduated and needs her first professional resume. She has limited experience but wants to make a strong impression. She starts with Enhancv to build a visually appealing resume that highlights her education and internships. Once she has a solid draft, she checks it with RankMyCV to ensure it includes the right keywords for entry-level positions in her field.
Result: Enhancv helps her structure content, RankMyCV ensures it passes ATS filters.
Why ATS Compatibility Matters
Before diving deeper into the RankMyCV vs Enhancv comparison, it's crucial to understand why ATS (Applicant Tracking System) compatibility has become non-negotiable in modern job searching.
Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies use ATS software to filter resumes before they ever reach human recruiters. These systems scan your resume for specific keywords, skills, and qualifications that match the job description. If your resume doesn't include the right keywords—or if it's formatted in a way that ATS can't parse—it gets automatically rejected, regardless of how qualified you are.
This is where the fundamental difference between RankMyCV and Enhancv becomes critical. RankMyCV is specifically designed to check and optimize your resume for ATS compatibility. It analyzes your resume against job descriptions, identifies missing keywords, and provides actionable feedback on how to improve your ATS score.
Enhancv, on the other hand, focuses primarily on visual design and resume building. While it creates beautiful resumes, it doesn't prioritize ATS optimization. This means you could end up with a stunning resume that looks great to human eyes but fails to pass the initial ATS screening—which defeats the purpose if your resume never reaches a recruiter.
Deep Dive: What Each Tool Actually Does
Let's break down the specific features and how they impact your job search
RM RankMyCV: The ATS Optimization Specialist
RankMyCV positions itself as an ATS resume checker and optimization tool. When you upload your resume to RankMyCV, the platform uses AI to analyze multiple aspects of your resume that directly impact whether it will pass applicant tracking systems.
Keyword Analysis and Matching
One of RankMyCV's strongest features is its ability to compare your resume against specific job descriptions. You can upload a job posting, and the tool will identify which keywords from that posting are missing from your resume. This is incredibly valuable because different companies use different terminology—what one company calls "project management," another might call "program management" or "initiative leadership."
The tool doesn't just tell you which keywords are missing—it also suggests where to add them naturally in your resume. This prevents keyword stuffing, which can actually hurt your ATS score. Instead, RankMyCV helps you integrate keywords contextually, so your resume reads naturally to both ATS systems and human recruiters.
ATS Compatibility Scoring
RankMyCV provides an ATS compatibility score that tells you how likely your resume is to pass applicant tracking systems. This score is based on factors like keyword density, formatting compatibility, section structure, and how well your resume matches the job description.
The scoring system helps you understand not just whether your resume will pass, but why it might fail. For example, if your resume has a low score, RankMyCV will tell you if it's because of missing keywords, formatting issues, or both. This actionable feedback is what sets RankMyCV apart from basic resume checkers.
AI-Powered Content Feedback
Beyond keyword matching, RankMyCV uses artificial intelligence to analyze the quality of your resume content. It evaluates things like action verb usage, quantifiable achievements, and how well your experience descriptions demonstrate impact rather than just listing responsibilities.
This content analysis is particularly valuable because even if your resume passes ATS filters, it still needs to impress human recruiters. RankMyCV helps you write resume content that works for both audiences—the automated systems that screen initially, and the humans who make final decisions.
EN Enhancv: The Visual Resume Builder
Enhancv takes a completely different approach. Instead of optimizing existing resumes, it helps you build new ones from scratch using professionally designed templates. The platform offers over 50 resume templates, each designed to look visually impressive and stand out from traditional resume formats.
Template Library and Design Options
Enhancv's main strength is its extensive library of resume templates. These templates range from minimalist and clean to bold and creative, allowing you to choose a design that matches your industry and personal style. For creative professionals—designers, marketers, writers—having a visually distinctive resume can be a significant advantage.
The templates are professionally designed and include thoughtful layouts for different sections: work experience, education, skills, and achievements. This structure helps you organize your content even if you're not sure how to format a resume yourself.
Drag-and-Drop Builder
Enhancv's resume builder uses a drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to customize templates without needing design skills. You can rearrange sections, adjust spacing, change colors, and modify fonts to create a resume that looks professional and unique.
This user-friendly approach is particularly helpful for people who find resume formatting intimidating. Instead of wrestling with Microsoft Word or Google Docs formatting, you can focus on your content while the builder handles the visual design.
Limited ATS Optimization
Where Enhancv falls short is in ATS optimization. While the platform does offer some basic ATS compatibility features, it's not the tool's primary focus. Some of Enhancv's more creative templates use complex layouts, graphics, and formatting that can confuse ATS systems.
This is a critical consideration: if you're applying to jobs through online application systems (which most people are), your beautifully designed Enhancv resume might look great when printed or viewed as a PDF, but it could fail ATS parsing. This is why many job seekers use Enhancv to create their resume, then check it with RankMyCV to ensure ATS compatibility.
Pricing and Value: What You Actually Get
Understanding the cost and value proposition of each tool
RankMyCV Pricing
RankMyCV operates on a paid plan model that gives you access to resume checking and optimization features. Free basic analysis is available (without automated AI power), so you can test the core functionality before committing. The pricing is structured to provide value for job seekers who need to check multiple resumes or apply to multiple positions.
What makes RankMyCV's pricing model appealing is that you're paying for functionality that directly impacts your job search success. Each resume check provides actionable feedback that can help you land more interviews. If you're actively job searching and applying to multiple positions, the ability to optimize your resume for each job posting can significantly increase your callback rate. With free basic analysis, you can experience the core features without any upfront cost, then upgrade for AI-powered insights.
The value proposition is clear: you're investing in tools that help your resume pass ATS filters and get noticed by recruiters. For many job seekers, landing even one additional interview can justify the cost of the tool. Try free analysis first to verify this value before making any financial commitment, then upgrade for advanced AI-powered features.
Enhancv Pricing
Enhancv uses a premium-focused pricing model, with most of its advanced features locked behind paid plans. The platform offers a free tier with limited functionality, but to access the full range of templates and features, you'll need a paid subscription.
The pricing reflects Enhancv's positioning as a premium resume builder. You're paying for access to professional templates and design tools. However, it's worth noting that creating a resume is typically a one-time or occasional need, whereas resume checking and optimization is something you might need to do multiple times as you apply to different positions.
For job seekers on a budget, the question becomes: do you need premium templates, or do you need ATS optimization? If you're applying to traditional corporate roles where ATS compatibility matters more than visual design, RankMyCV might provide better value. If you're in a creative field where design matters, Enhancv's templates could be worth the investment.
Industry Considerations: Which Tool Fits Your Field?
Different industries have different priorities when it comes to resumes
Technology and Software Development
In tech roles, ATS compatibility is absolutely critical. Most tech companies use sophisticated applicant tracking systems, and job postings are filled with specific technical keywords (programming languages, frameworks, tools). A resume that doesn't include these exact keywords often gets filtered out before a human ever sees it.
RankMyCV is typically the better choice for tech professionals because it helps you identify and include the right technical keywords. While Enhancv's templates look nice, they won't help you pass ATS filters if you're missing critical technical terms. Many tech recruiters search for specific skills like "React," "Python," "AWS," or "Kubernetes"—if these aren't in your resume in the right format, you won't get past the initial screening.
Creative Industries (Design, Marketing, Writing)
For creative professionals, visual design can be just as important as content. A well-designed resume can demonstrate your design skills and attention to detail. In these fields, portfolios often matter more than resumes, but your resume still needs to make a strong visual impression.
Enhancv can be valuable here because it helps you create visually distinctive resumes. However, even in creative fields, many companies still use ATS systems for initial screening. The smart approach: use Enhancv to create a beautiful resume, then check it with RankMyCV to ensure it still passes ATS filters. This gives you both visual appeal and functionality.
Corporate and Finance Roles
Traditional corporate roles—finance, consulting, operations—typically prioritize ATS compatibility over visual design. These industries use ATS systems extensively, and job postings include specific keywords related to certifications, methodologies, and industry-specific skills.
RankMyCV is usually the better investment for corporate professionals. These roles require specific keywords (like "Six Sigma," "GAAP," "SAP," or "Agile") that must appear in your resume. A visually impressive resume that's missing these keywords won't help you get interviews. RankMyCV helps you identify and include the right industry-specific terminology.
Healthcare and Medical Fields
Healthcare resumes need to include specific certifications, licenses, and medical terminology. ATS systems in healthcare are particularly strict about these requirements—missing a required certification keyword can immediately disqualify your application.
RankMyCV's keyword matching is essential for healthcare professionals. You need to ensure your resume includes all relevant certifications (like "RN," "BLS," "ACLS," or specialty certifications) and medical terminology. While Enhancv can help you create a clean, professional resume, RankMyCV ensures you're including all the critical keywords that healthcare ATS systems look for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about RankMyCV vs Enhancv
Can I use both RankMyCV and Enhancv together?
Absolutely, and many job seekers do exactly this. The best approach is to use Enhancv to build your resume with a professional template, then check it with RankMyCV to ensure ATS compatibility. This gives you both visual design and optimization. Some people even create multiple versions: a visually impressive Enhancv resume for networking and in-person interviews, and an ATS-optimized RankMyCV version for online applications.
Which tool is better for someone with no resume experience?
If you're starting completely from scratch, Enhancv's resume builder can be helpful because it provides structure and templates. However, you'll still want to check your finished resume with RankMyCV to ensure it includes the right keywords. Alternatively, you could start with a basic resume template (even from Word or Google Docs), then use RankMyCV to optimize it—this approach often works better for ATS compatibility.
Do I really need ATS optimization if my resume looks good?
Yes, absolutely. Research shows that over 75% of resumes are rejected by ATS systems before they ever reach human recruiters. Even if your resume looks perfect to human eyes, if it doesn't pass ATS filters, it won't get seen. This is why RankMyCV's ATS checking is so valuable—it ensures your resume actually reaches recruiters, not just that it looks good.
Can Enhancv resumes pass ATS systems?
Some Enhancv templates are ATS-friendly, but many of the more creative designs use complex layouts, graphics, and formatting that can confuse ATS systems. Even if you use an ATS-friendly template, Enhancv doesn't help you optimize your content with the right keywords. This is why checking your Enhancv resume with RankMyCV is recommended—you get the visual design from Enhancv and the ATS optimization from RankMyCV.
How often should I check my resume with RankMyCV?
Ideally, you should check your resume with RankMyCV for each job application. Different job postings use different keywords, and tailoring your resume to match each posting significantly increases your chances of passing ATS filters. Even if you're applying to similar roles, companies use different terminology—what one company calls "project management," another might call "program management." RankMyCV helps you identify these differences and optimize accordingly.
Is RankMyCV better than Enhancv for ATS optimization?
Yes, RankMyCV is specifically designed for ATS optimization, while Enhancv focuses on visual design. RankMyCV analyzes your resume against job descriptions, identifies missing keywords, provides ATS compatibility scores, and gives actionable feedback on how to improve. Enhancv's primary value is in resume building and design, not ATS optimization. If ATS compatibility is your priority (which it should be for most job seekers), RankMyCV is the better choice.
Which Is Better?
RankMyCV: Better for checking and optimizing your existing resume
If you already have a resume—even if it's outdated or not getting results—RankMyCV's ATS resume checker can help you optimize it without starting over. The tool analyzes your content, suggests keyword improvements, and tells you exactly what's missing for specific job postings.
Enhancv: Better for building a resume from scratch with templates
If you're starting from zero or your current resume is a complete mess, Enhancv's resume builder gives you professional templates and a structured way to organize your experience. It's particularly useful if you're in creative fields where visual design matters.
Best approach: Use Enhancv to build, then RankMyCV to check and optimize
Here's the winning combination: Start with Enhancv to create a visually appealing resume with a professional template. Once you have your content structured, run it through RankMyCV's ATS checker to ensure it includes the right keywords and will actually pass applicant tracking systems. This two-step process gives you both design and functionality.
The Bottom Line
When comparing RankMyCV vs Enhancv, remember: they're not competitors—they solve different problems. RankMyCV is an ATS resume checker that optimizes existing resumes for applicant tracking systems. Enhancv is a resume builder that helps you create beautiful resumes from scratch. The smartest job seekers use both: build with Enhancv, optimize with RankMyCV. This combination ensures your resume looks professional AND passes ATS filters—which is exactly what you need to land interviews in today's competitive job market.