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 .

General Inspector

Scalian · Boston, MA, us

  • Perform visual and NDT inspections on FRP and other components as per defined standards, applying skills gained through technical/vocational training in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
  • Record inspection results in control plans and ERP systems, assessing compliance and acceptability
  • Collaborate with Alstom representatives to conclude inspection status and meet daily targets, drawing on your understanding of rail components and industry safety expectations
  • Provide immediate feedback on critical defects and alert stakeholders to new defect typologies, leveraging your experience in visual inspection and crack detection techniques
  • Ensure inspection activities are aligned with train availability schedules and operational priorities
  • Conduct routine and non-routine Quality Control inspections across various production stages—including in-process materials, raw materials, environmental samples, and finished products—utilizing knowledge from hands-on FRP inspection work
  • Analyze test results against established specifications and control limits, providing recommendations on data suitability for release using analytical skills strengthened through prior NDT, UT, or thermography exposure
  • Maintain accurate documentation essential for inspection and testing procedures, including data capture forms, equipment logbooks, and inventory records
  • Participate in investigations and reporting of out-of-specification results, proposing effective corrective measures grounded in your understanding of rail safety standards (EN 12663, EN 45545) or similar industry frameworks
  • Perform administrative, dimensional, visual, and condition checks to ensure compliance with technical guidelines and customer specifications, aided by training in mechanical or materials-related disciplines
  • Handle quality notifications promptly, reporting nonconformities and verifying equipment compliance
  • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Composite Materials, Quality Assurance, Railway Technology, or a related field and (or) Technical or vocational training in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
  • Minimum of 2–3 years of hands-on experience performing NDT or structural inspections, preferably on composite (FRP) materials
  • Certifications in NDT such as ASNT Level II/III or ISO 9712 (highly desirable for composite inspection roles)
  • Experience working with railway components, aerospace structures, or heavy-transportation equipment
  • Exposure to advanced NDT methods such as Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Acoustic Emission Testing, or Thermography (desirable)
  • Familiarity with rail safety or comparable industry standards (EN 12663, EN 45545, etc.)
  • Knowledge of repair procedures for FRP components (desirable)
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to interpret technical instructions
  • Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word
  • Proficiency with inspection tools such as gauges, micrometers, torque testers, and hand tools
  • Solid arithmetic skills for dimensional and tolerance evaluations
  • To acquire experience in different critical industries and projects while working for the same company; 
  • To have a competitive salary and a great benefits package 
  • To access trainings that focus on expanding your knowledge while staying up to date with cutting edge technologies and best practices; 
  • To have a clear career development plan that suits your goals; 
  • To have the possibility of working abroad through our mobility program thanks to our international presence; 
  • To join a dynamic, specialized and fast-growing group where communication is key and where every team member is valued. 
  • To be part of a team where having fun is essential. 
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