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 .

Sales Development Representative

Mastercontrol · Salt Lake City

About MasterControl:

MasterControl Inc. is a leading provider of cloud-based quality and compliance software for life sciences and other regulated industries. Our mission is the same as that of our customers to bring life-changing products to more people sooner. The MasterControl Platform helps organizations digitize, automate and connect quality and compliance processes across the regulated product development life cycle. Over 1,000 companies worldwide rely on MasterControl solutions to achieve new levels of operational excellence across product development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, quality management, supply chain, manufacturing and postmarket surveillance. For more information, visit www.mastercontrol.com.

SUMMARY:

As a Sales Development Representative (SDR) at MasterControl, you will work closely with our sales and marketing teams to drive lead generation and qualification. In this role, you will be responsible for proactive outbound prospecting, lead activity management, and nurture leads from inception through qualification before transitioning them to the appropriate Regional Account Executive. The ideal candidate will be a highly self-motivated, goal-oriented, and team-oriented individual with excellent communication and problem-solving skills. This position offers advancement potential within the organization and includes an uncapped commission structure.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Nurture the sales pipeline by identifying and qualifying high-quality opportunities.
  • Conduct thorough account research to identify key decision-makers and generate interest in MasterControl solutions.
  • Perform outbound calling and prospecting to drive lead generation.
  • Manage and monitor inbound lead activities, providing timely follow-up to marketing campaigns.
  • Effectively address prospect objections and articulate MasterControl's value proposition.
  • Tailor conversations to promote software solutions across various management levels and business disciplines.
  • Qualify sales leads based on established lead qualification criteria.
  • Ensure a smooth hand-off of qualified opportunities to the sales team by providing accurate and comprehensive lead information.
  • Develop strong relationships with prospects, delivering exceptional customer service throughout the lead nurturing process.
  • Acquire and maintain an in-depth understanding of MasterControl's technology, effectively communicating its capabilities and advantages to potential customers.
  • Collaborate on industry-specific scripts and email templates.
  • Continuously enhance knowledge of MasterControl's products and market landscape through online webinars, training, and marketing materials.
  • Monitor social media platforms, create keyword alerts, and share relevant information with content creators and social media responders.
  • Accurately record all activities in the CRM system and update records as needed.
  • Utilize Pardot Marketing Automation tool to support lead generation efforts.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

  • Exceptional written, verbal, and listening communication skills.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Strong problem-solving and adaptation skills.
  • Positive attitude and high energy.
  • 1-3 years of sales or sales support experience (technology industry preferred).
  • Experience working in a team environment while maintaining independence.
  • Demonstrated success in account penetration through email outreach (candidates must provide samples).
  • Proven ability to overcome objections.
  • Prior experience with Salesforce CRM and Pardot marketing automation tool.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience.
  • Solid work ethic and a mature, professional demeanor.
  • Comfort with cold calling and a self-disciplined, organized approach.
  • Good understanding of business and technical concepts.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to navigate organizations from top down.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Ability to work at a computer and desk for extended periods.
  • Extended hours on the phone may be required.

The Sales Development Representative role at MasterControl offers an exciting opportunity for driven, goal-oriented professionals to excel in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. By joining our team, you will contribute to our ongoing success by driving lead generation, nurturing prospects, and fostering valuable relationships with potential customers. If you possess the skills, experience, and passion for sales, we encourage you to apply and become an integral part of our world-class Sales Operations group.

Why Work Here?

#WhyWorkAnywhereElse?

MasterControl is a place where Exceptional Teams come together to do their best work. In fact, hiring Exceptional Teams is a core value of ours. MasterControl employees are surrounded by intelligent, motivated, and collaborative individuals. We like to call it #TheBestTeamOnThePlanet.

We work hard to develop and challenge our employees' skillsets, recognize their