Long sentences
Review sentences over 25 words for stacked clauses or repeated context.
Private browser-based CV check
Free CV readability checker.
Measure Flesch Reading Ease, average sentence length and possible passive voice. Review the exact sentences making your CV harder to scan.
Explainable scoreSentence-level flagsNothing uploaded
What the score can tell you
Find friction, then read the sentence yourself.
Readability formulas are useful diagnostics, not hiring standards. WorkCV shows the underlying sentence-length and passive-language signals so you can judge whether a rewrite improves the CV.
Possible passive voice
Check whether the sentence hides what you personally did.
Necessary complexity
Keep qualifications, tools and technical terms when they are accurate and relevant.
Method and limits
A transparent language measure.
Flesch Reading Ease returns a 0-to-100 measure based on sentence length and syllables. The NHS describes it as a readability aid; National Careers Service guidance separately recommends clear, concise CV writing and bullet points.
Research reviewed 10 July 2026.
FAQ
CV readability questions.
What is a good readability score for a CV?+
There is no official recruiter pass score. A higher Flesch Reading Ease score generally indicates shorter sentences and simpler words, but necessary job titles, qualifications and technical terms can lower a CV's result.
How is CV readability calculated?+
This checker uses Flesch Reading Ease, which considers average sentence length and average syllables per word. It also separately flags sentences over 25 words and likely passive constructions.
Should I remove every difficult word from my CV?+
No. Keep accurate technical terms, qualifications and role-specific language. Rewrite jargon, long clauses and vague wording only when a clearer alternative preserves the meaning.
Does a readability score predict interviews?+
No. It measures aspects of language complexity, not candidate quality, evidence, relevance, formatting or employer decisions.
Is my CV text uploaded?+
No. The readability calculation runs in your browser and WorkCV does not receive or save the pasted text.