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 .

Field Sales Representative

AT&T · Columbus, Georgia

Join an elite group of sales professionals bringing customized, white glove experiences directly in the customer’s home. Field Sales Representatives at AT&T are driven to connect – every interaction is an opportunity to introduce the latest technology and services, thriving on the challenge to make your sales goals happen. With uncapped commission potential, your career and the rewards that come with it are within reach. Enjoy uncapped commission potential as a Field Sales Representative, with top earners having the opportunity to make $100,000.

Our new Field Sales Representatives earn between $60,300 to $100,000, including the hourly rate and our uncapped commission opportunities. Individual starting salary within this range may depend on geography, experience, expertise, and education/training. Salary range is dependent on if all sales goals are met and/or exceeded.

You’ll be the face and voice of AT&T to your customers, working independently to deliver personalized sales interactions at scheduled appointments provided to you. You’ll close the deal by offering hands-on demos, Wi-Fi assessments, tech delivery and issue resolutions - keeping customers connected to what matters most to them.

How you get the job done:

  • We’ll kick things off with paid training –setting you up for success to work independently in the field. Coaching, mentoring and ongoing learning opportunities will keep you on track and tech-savvy
  • You’ll connect with our existing customers daily. AT&T will provide scheduled appointments, giving you the opportunity to engage with warm prospects effectively.
  • You’ll use strong negotiation and communications skills – you know how to make a smooth pivot, and are highly motivated to get it right and make the sale

Key expectations to succeed:

  • 1+ years of commission sales experience required, outside sales experience highly preferred
  • Demonstrated success in commission sales and achieving sales targets
  • Proficient in upselling techniques that enhance customer value and satisfaction
  • Strong verbal communication skills with an ability to build rapport quickly
  • Maintain a valid driver’s license—be ready to drive, as we provide a company vehicle for official business use only
  • Work a varied schedule designed to meet customers on their timeline –this includes evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including drug screening, criminal history, and motor vehicle record

If you are considering jobs like Direct Sales Representative, Residential Sales Representative, Territory Sales Representative or Field Sales Executive – Home Solutions, this career move would be a great fit!

Joining our team comes with amazing perks and benefits:

  • Medical/Dental/Vision coverage
  • 401(k) plan
  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Paid Time off and holidays (With some exceptions, bargained employees qualify for one week of PTO after 6 months of service and 2 weeks after the first year). At least 6 company designated holidays and additional PTO (based on bargaining group to which you are hired.
  • Sick leave
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 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)
  • 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
  • A company paid device and service plan, giving you first-hand expertise with our latest technology.

Ready to take your career on a new route? Apply today.

#ConnectingOurCommunities

Weekly Hours:

40

Time Type:

Regular

Location:

Auburn, Alabama, Columbus, Georgia, Montgomery, Alabama, Opelika, Alabama, Tuskegee, Alabama

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.