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 .

Office Building Cleaner

Clickstop · Urbana, IA

We’re seeking a reliable, detail-oriented Part-Time Office Cleaner who takes pride in creating a clean, safe, and welcoming environment. In this role, you’ll play an important part in maintaining the day-to-day cleanliness of our workspace—helping us ensure our team can do their best work in a space that reflects our values. This is a great opportunity for someone who is self-motivated, consistent, and enjoys working independently. You’ll benefit from flexible weekday hours, a supportive and upbeat team, and the satisfaction of knowing your work directly contributes to a positive and productive atmosphere.

Anticipated Hours Worked: 
10-20 hours per week

Weekly Schedule:
This is a job that can be completed M-F between the hours of 8a-7p. We can customize the schedule based on your availability. 

Compensation: 
$20/hr based on experience

 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Clean assigned areas, including dusting, vacuuming, mopping, spot cleaning, and emptying trash. 
  • Clean and sanitize restrooms. 
  • Provide input on additional cleaning and environmental improvement opportunities.
  • Use appropriate cleaning methods, tools, and chemicals for each task.
  • Follow all safety and sanitation procedures. 
  • Maintain consistent attendance and punctuality. 
  • Perform other cleaning duties as assigned. 

Qualifications and What We Value in this Role: 

  • Must be at least 18 years old. 
  • Must have a valid driver’s license. 
  • Must adhere to company safety policies to ensure a safe work environment for all. 
  • Demonstrates a high degree of professionalism. 
  • Strong attention to detail. 
  • Reliable and punctual. 
  • Self-motivated and able to work independently. 

Physical Requirements:
Able to stand, bend, squat, and lift throughout the shift. 

What Clickstop provides: 

  • The opportunity to pursue your best self (as an employee, parent, partner, citizen, etc.) We believe coming to work should not be transactional, but instead should be a purpose-driven experience. 
  • An entrepreneurial environment where opportunities are endless for those who seek them. 
  • Recognition for personal, team, and company accomplishments, because Clickstop’s success is a reflection of your engagement and excellence.  
  • Professional and personal development opportunities. 

 

Employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background check. 

Clickstop  is an Equal Opportunity Employer.