When it comes to automated resume analysis in a university setting, two of the most popular web applications out there are VMock and Jobscan. Both systems analyze your resume then offer a score out of 100 with tips to help you improve.

Of course we’re biased, but as researchers who strive to provide the best tools for job seekers, we want to see how we stack up.

We like how we stack up.

VMock is great for the basics

VMock’s resume suggestions are centered around basic presentation and best practices. This includes checks for:

  • Page Margin Width (0.5 – 1 inch)
  • Number of Pages (1 page is ideal)
  • Resume Sections (contact info, experience, education)
  • Spelling

VMock also does a good job of verifying that your resume includes measurable results and features strong language by suggesting action-oriented verbs and pointing out passive language, particularly with their premium “bullet-level suggestions” feature.

These checks are a great starting point for job seekers writing a resume for the first time. Unfortunately, simply following resume standards isn’t enough to land a job interview anymore.

VMock doesn’t account for ATS

VMock doesn't analyze your resume for ATS.

Most hiring companies, including over 99 percent of Fortune 500, utilize an applicant tracking system (ATS) to rank, filter, and search job applicants.

Applicants who don’t optimize their resume for ATS risk having their resume rejected outright or slip through the cracks without ever being seen by a recruiter.

VMock does not provide guidance on how to craft an ATS-friendly resume. Jobscan, on the other hand, was originally built by a frustrated job seeker who learned that these portals use algorithms and search queries to determine the fate of every resume and application. Jobscan continually conducts first-hand ATS research and testing to learn exactly how they work.

The job description is the key to unlocking these systems. Some ATS automatically analyze the resume against the job description to generate a score and ranking against other applicants. More commonly, recruiters search for key skills and job titles within their ATS instead of reading each resume.

Jobscan analyzes the job description against its highly curated database of skills and job titles to highlight the search terms a recruiter is likely to use when filling a particular job.

Learn more about ATS:

VMock doesn’t tailor your resume to the job

As part of their premium package, VMock shows soft skills and core competencies related to your industry, such as:

  • Analytical Skills (competitive analysis, strategic thinking)
  • Communication Skills (negotiation, client management)
  • Leadership Skills (deal management, strategy execution)
  • Teamwork Skills (team collaboration, staff supervision)
  • Initiative Skills (growth planning, segmentation)

These soft skills and competencies will strengthen any resume. Jobscan also checks for high-level industry compatibility by leveraging its database of resumes and smart skill classification to identify skills that prove you’re a well-rounded candidate.

Jobscan industry insights.
A portion of the “Recruiter Highlights” section in the Jobscan Resume Match Report.

More importantly, Jobscan is focused on helping tailor your resume to the exact job specifications.

“Get over the generalist’s point of view,” a veteran Silicon Valley recruiter told Jobscan. “This is a time where specifics matter. There’s specific talent being requested. Pay attention and respond to that.”

Jobscan helps you pay attention and respond to that while also optimizing for ATS.

When you upload a resume to Jobscan, you also paste in the job description. Jobscan is then able to highlight critical skills from the job description that are missing from your resume.

hard skills section is unique to Jobscan
The “Hard Skills” section of the Jobscan Resume Match Report.

Premium Feature Comparison

VMock offers just 10 resume uploads as part of their premium package, suggesting that there is a finite amount that can be learned from their service. In their first month using Jobscan Premium, users analyze an average of 42 resumes, learning additional recruiter insights and customized keyword optimization techniques from one job application to the next.

Jobscan also believes in a holistic job search approach, with premium features that include cover letter analysis and LinkedIn Optimization.

What do you get with VMock Premium?

With LinkedIn Optimization, job seekers learn how to attract recruiters to their LinkedIn profile in order to uncover hidden job opportunities and, in some cases, sidestep the resume application process entirely.

The LinkedIn Optimization process is simple:

  1. Connect your LinkedIn Profile to Jobscan
  2. Add 3 or more jobs you’re interested in (or types of jobs you’re interested in)
  3. Receive tailored tips and skills for optimizing your entire profile for recruiter search

Conclusion: VMock vs. Jobscan

VMock is very helpful when it comes to resume writing basics. It visualizes the importance of basic formatting standards and the way a student’s experience is presented. For tailoring an application to a specific job in today’s competitive job market, Jobscan delivers more while diving deeper into what it takes to create an impactful application that will drive real results.

Bring Jobscan to your school

Interested in Jobscan for your university career center? Check out our Higher Education solutions page.

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