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 .

Mission Operations Engineer

Allencontrolsystems · Austin, TX

Company Overview:

 Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup, founded by two ex-Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing a small, autonomous gun turret that employs advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely target and neutralize small drones and loitering munitions. Our innovative approach requires overcoming significant technical challenges, making this an exciting and dynamic environment for experienced engineers.

With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders' successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop will have a real-world impact.

Position Overview:

 As a Mission Operations Engineer, you will be at the center of how ACS technologies are applied across real-world missions. You’ll plan and execute domestic and international events, provide critical support to program managers, and bridge the gap between engineers, operators, and clients. This role combines technical understanding with operational execution, ensuring ACS systems are effectively integrated into a wide range of mission environments.

What You’ll Do:

  • Plan and execute CONUS and OCONUS events, coordinating mission readiness and operational support.
  • Support program managers in meeting client requirements and mission objectives.
  • Educate engineers on tactical implementation of ACS assets across the spectrum of warfare.
  • Develop and maintain a deep understanding of defense-in-depth technical characteristics and operational challenges.
  • Assess and articulate capabilities and limitations of UAS platforms and their real-world employment.
  • Leverage baseline knowledge of ML/CV/AI and its applications across optical, radar, and electronic warfare systems.

What You’ll Need:

  • 3+ years of relevant military, defense, or mission operations experience.
  • Strong understanding of UAS systems, employment methods, and operational considerations.
  • Familiarity with defense acquisition and funding processes.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Baseline knowledge of ML, computer vision, and AI applications in defense contexts.
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical or defense-focused field (advanced degree a plus).
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally to support mission events.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive salary
  • ACS Equity Package
  • Health, Dental, Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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