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 .

Manufacturing Technician

J.M. Smucker · Memphis, TN

TITLE

Manufacturing Technician

LOCATION

Memphis, TN

REPORTS TO

Area Leader

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Operate high speed making, packing and other production related equipment
  • Troubleshoot and perform routine maintenance on basic equipment components
  • Must have the ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Develop and analyze data using basic skills in math and statistics
  • Ability to make data driven decisions, act upon them, and accept accountability
  • Follow all company Safety Rules and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s)
  • Produce high quality products in a safe manner
  • Must be available to work any shift, including weekends and overtime, as needed while maintaining a good attendance record
  • Flow to the work in all areas of processing and packaging and willingness to rotate shifts
  • Operate a computer to input and review data for the purpose of maintaining accurate records
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in a team oriented environment and good communication skills within team and cross functionally

SELECTION CRITERIA

Education

  • High-school degree or equivalent is required
  • A two-year degree or technical degree is preferred

Other

  • Minimum age of 18
  • At least two years of previous manufacturing / technical experience OR a technical degree is required
  • Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, GMP’s and general instructions as well as carry out both oral and written instruction
  • Work consistently with a team and demonstrate conflict resolution, problem solving, time management, goal setting, priority setting and process improvement

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions and duties of this job.

  • Employee is regularly required to stand and lift
  • Employee is required to use hands and arms for reaching/handling purposes
  • Employee is required to stand and walk at minimum 70% of the time
  • Employee must be able to work any shift (day or night) including weekends and holidays if a business need arises
  • Employee must occasionally lift/push/pull or carry up to fifty (50) pounds, and should be able to lift 30-35 pounds on a frequent basis
  • Employee must be able to squat or kneel and to bend on a frequent basis
  • Employee must be able to tolerate exposure to food allergens
  • Employee must be able to climb steps on a frequent basis as well as stand on or move around on platforms, equipment and concrete floors

Candidates must be willing to complete each stage of the selection process, including the on-line application, testing, interview process, drug screen, background investigation, and pre-employment physical examination.

The Right Place for You 

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. 

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn® 

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. 

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