Key Takeaways

  • 75% of U.S. employers use automated applicant tracking systems to screen resumes before a human reviews them (Harvard Business School & Accenture, 2021)
  • The most common ATS failures are missing keywords, incompatible formatting, and incorrect file types
  • ResumeGeni scores your resume across 8 parsing layers — modeled on the same steps enterprise ATS platforms like Workday, Greenhouse, and Taleo use to evaluate candidates

How ATS Resume Scoring Works

Applicant tracking systems parse your resume into structured data — extracting your name, contact info, work history, skills, and education — then score how well that data matches the job requirements. Many ATS rejections happen because the parser couldn't extract critical fields, not because the candidate wasn't qualified.

LayerWhat It ChecksWhy It Matters
Document extractionFile format, encoding, readabilityCorrupted or image-only PDFs fail immediately
Layout analysisTables, columns, headers, footersMulti-column layouts break field extraction
Section detectionExperience, education, skills headingsNon-standard headings cause sections to be missed
Field mappingName, email, phone, dates, titlesMissing contact info is a common cause of immediate rejection
Keyword matchingJob-specific terms, skills, certificationsKeyword overlap affects recruiter search visibility and ATS scoring
Chronology checkDate ordering, gap detectionReverse-chronological order is expected by most ATS
QuantificationMetrics, numbers, measurable outcomesQuantified achievements help human reviewers and some scoring models
Confidence scoringOverall parse quality and completenessLow-confidence parses get deprioritized in results

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ResumeGeni free?
Yes. ResumeGeni is currently in beta — ATS analysis, scoring, and initial improvement suggestions are free with no signup required. Full guidance and saved reports may require a free account.
What file formats are supported?
PDF, DOCX, DOC, TXT, RTF, ODT, and Apple Pages. PDF and DOCX are recommended for best ATS compatibility.
How is the ATS score calculated?
Your resume is processed through an 8-layer parsing pipeline that extracts structured data the same way enterprise ATS platforms do. The score reflects how completely and accurately your resume can be parsed, plus how well your content matches common ATS ranking criteria.
Can ATS read PDF resumes?
Yes, but not all PDFs are equal. Text-based PDFs parse well. Image-only PDFs (scanned documents) and PDFs with complex tables or multi-column layouts often fail ATS parsing. Our analyzer will flag these issues.
How do I improve my ATS score?
Focus on three areas: use a clean single-column format, include keywords from the job description naturally in your experience bullets, and ensure all sections (contact, experience, education, skills) use standard headings.

ATS Guides & Resources

Built by engineers with 12 years of experience building enterprise hiring technology at ZipRecruiter. Last updated .

Bilingual Mandarin Outside Sales Representative

AT&T · Austin, Texas

Office Worker (NOT Remote)

Job Description:

Build a more connected world by transforming the sales experience by helping customers and products unite. Our AT&T Business Sales teams are the foundation of our company – they offer millions of customers access to integrated solutions that drive connectivity. Leverage your best sales techniques, uncover leads and spark innovation while helping grow market share – and your earnings. With each deal closed, you’ll support our vision to lead the industry in connectivity, technology, and community.

Join our expanding AT&T Business Connectivity sales team and unlock exceptional earning potential! Our compensation package features a competitive base salary plus a performance-based commission structure. At 100% of your sales target, annual earnings typically range from $74,400 to $91,600. Commission earnings are capped at 500% of target, allowing for an annual earning potential of $200,000 or more for high achievers. Don’t wait—review the job description and apply today to be part of this exciting growth!

In the Outside Sales Representative role, you’ll accelerate customer growth, concentrating on acquiring new business customers and cross-selling to eligible customers with Fiber and 5G connections. The position is performance-based, prioritizing new customer acquisition and market growth.

What You'll Do:

  • Accelerate customer growth by acquiring new business customers and cross-selling to eligible customers with Fiber and 5G connections.

  • Sell a simplified AT&T product set inclusive of Fiber and Mobile connections,

  • Achieve sales objectives by securing new high-speed data service agreements with customers in designated low fiber penetrated buildings.

  • Be knowledgeable about AT&T products and be able to emphasize offerings that solve customer problems (paid training provided).

  • Conduct sales duties away from the office on a regular basis to prospect and meet customers out in the field.   

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Prospect in person

  • Meet with customers in person to engage in sales activities at their locations.

  • Communicate in a timely manner with customers through phone calls, conference calls, emails, and other channels. 

What You Need:

  • Current and valid driver’s license and auto insurance.

  • Reliable vehicle for transportation needs of the market.

  • Strong networking and negotiation skills.

What You'll Bring:

  • A winning attitude and growth mindset.

  • Willingness to try new things and step outside your comfort zone.

  • A passion for helping people and building strong relationships.

  • Prior sales experience is a plus but not required.

  • No college degree required.

Becoming part of our team comes with amazing perks and benefits:

  • Competitive Base Pay

  • Performance Based Commission

  • Paid Training

  • Medical/Dental/Vision coverage

  • 401(k) plan

  • Tuition reimbursement program

  • Paid Time Off and Holidays (based on date of hire, at least 23 days of vacation each year and 9 company-designated holidays)

  • Paid Parental Leave

  • Paid Caregiver Leave

  • Additional sick leave beyond what state and local law require may be available but is unprotected.

  • Adoption Reimbursement

  • Disability Benefits (short term and long term)

  • Life and Accidental Death Insurance

  • Supplemental benefit programs: critical illness/accident hospital indemnity/group legal

  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)

  • Extensive employee wellness programs

  • Employee discounts up to 50% off on eligible AT&T mobility plans and accessories, AT&T internet (and fiber where available) and AT&T phone

Ready to close the deal on a career with AT&T?

Apply today.

#MidMarketSales

Weekly Hours:

40

Time Type:

Regular

Location:

Austin, Texas

It is the policy of AT&T to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, AT&T will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. AT&T is a fair chance employer and does not initiate a background check until an offer is made.

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