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 .

Estimator

Iovino · Great Neck, Long Island

Final compensation will be based on a combination of:
·         Relevant work experience
·         Education
·         Project size 
·         Project location
·         Required working hours
·         Candidate subject matter expertise and/or specialty 
·         Ability to be approved by agencies/owners as required
·         *Final salary determination is negotiable*

Come bridge the gap between you and your career goals! Recently ranked as a best U.S. construction workplace by Fortune Magazine, MLJ Contracting is driven by passion and built on trust. When you work at MLJ, you work for a company that values your well-being, your talent, and your career aspirations. If you are looking for a fulfilling career, come join our family and turn big ideas into even bigger realities.

As a premier general contractor in the heavy construction market, MLJ Contracting successfully performs major public works projects for client agencies across the New York city area and is now bringing its expertise to the New England region as part of its continued growth. Proud of our quality workmanship and engaging projects, we always maintain the highest standards of safety and professionalism. Want to build a career that stands the test of time? Join MLJ and lay the foundation for a better future

The Estimator works both independently and collaboratively with executive management and project teams to estimate project costs for firm fixed-price bids, proposals, and change orders. The Estimator leverages field experience, industry knowledge, and solid analytical skills to prepare accurate scope of work and quantity take-offs. Fundamental to this role is the ability to understand scope of work, make sound assumptions and identify gaps in construction documents.                                                        

II.  EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

  • College degree in Engineering, Construction Management or other related field (or equivalent years’ experience).                                       

III.  KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Responsible for all aspects of Estimating process
  • Conduct thorough analysis of drawings, specifications and any other document from the agency, ensuring required information is provided. 
  • Perform detailed project cost estimates by analyzing plans, specifications and performing quantity take-offs for select trades
  • Research selected products from a cost and constructability perspective. 
  • Solicit sub-contractor pricing and bids for different trades in preparation of cost estimate and manage the subcontractor RFP process.
  • Qualify and level subcontractors’ proposals according to project specifications.
  • Itemize trade specific scopes and prepare bid packages.
  • Review progress and construction documents for constructability. Lead and participate in discussion regarding alternate detail and materials for specific areas or trades. 
  • Provide and present value engineering options and costs.
  • Maintain discretion and confidentiality at all times.
  • Provide and present estimating productions and scheduling.
  • Coordinate administrative staff in sending documents to vendors.
  • Interact with clients, architects, engineers and Local Jurisdictions to understand and incorporate project objectives, schedules, permits, costs, etc. 
  • Perform any other ad-hoc duties assigned.

IV.  QUALIFICATIONS OF THE POSITION
  • Minimum of 3 years of construction estimating experience. Preferred with government agencies as MTA, DDC, PANYNJ, DOT, DEP, etc.
  • Strong verbal, written communication and organization skills
  • Highly proficient in selected software (Excel, Word, Outlook) HCSS Heavy Bid estimating software and P6 a plus.
  • Ability to make decisions, work independently and coordinate estimating colleagues. 
  • Ability to meet critical project deadlines, willingness to coordinate and work as a team member.

#ZR

Salary Range:
$100,000—$155,000 USD
View full listing