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 .

Electrical Estimator

Shimizunorthamerica · Atlanta, GA

The Electrical Estimator will take responsibility for end-to-end Electrical take-off and cost estimating and coordinate with the rest of the estimation team. This position will support the detailed production, evaluation, and verification of estimates for projects of varying size and scale. The person in this position must exhibit decisiveness in recognizing key factors and provide input to make timely and accurate estimates.

Essential Functions:
•    Coordinate the engineering quantity take-off (e.g. power distribution, lighting, low-voltage, etc.) for projects with the Estimating department highlighting important details, including phasing, individual pricing quantities, etc.
•    Contact subcontractors and suppliers requesting quotes to successfully bid a project.
•    Utilize estimating system to comprise an accurate budget or bid; Confer with field operations on project requirements, productions, job restrictions, staffing, competitive advantages, subcontractor experience, etc., when possible.
•    Prepare accurate bidding documents with complete scopes of work.
•    Produce professional proposal level estimates ensuring scope of work, pricing, with clarifications and exclusions.
•    Work with other design and engineering departments ensuring bid package is submitted in accordance with company bidding process.
•    Incorporate company safety policies and procedures in the building of estimates with the goal of providing a safe, healthy work environment.
•    Occasionally perform a site visit.
•    Ability to read and interpret construction specifications and drawings.
•    Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
•    Strong communication skills with Architects, Engineers, Subcontractors, and Construction Managers.
•    Thorough understanding of commercial construction systems, means and methods.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
•    Proficiency in estimating and quantity take-offs
•    Proficiency in MS Office Suite of software and Procore. Proficiency in Accubid is a plus.  
•    Proven track record of design, build, bid estimating success.
•    Strong knowledge of construction paving, underground, concrete and grading practices.
•    Ability to perform digital or conventional “take-offs”.
•    Strong, energetic work ethic to efficiently execute all duties and responsibilities.
•    Must be able to perform conceptual estimates based on limited drawings and specifications.
•    Must be proficient at reading and interpreting drawings and specifications accurately.
•    Must be able to coordinate estimate with other building disciplines.
•    Expertise in construction methods and materials, as it relates to both new construction and tenant improvements/fit outs.
•    Understanding of trade responsibilities within the overall construction contract. 
•    Knowledge of Divisions in CSI master formats. Thorough knowledge of construction costs as it relates to the CSI MasterFormat with the ability to breakout lump sum pricing into detailed scopes of work with definite quantities and units of measure.

Work Experience Requirements
•   Experience estimating commercial and/or manufacturing facilities is required. 
•    Minimum 5 years estimating experience within an industrial construction company.
•    Knowledge of construction practices and procedures for manufacturing plant construction
•    Must have a record successful project completion history.
•    Must be able to coordinate estimate with other building disciplines.
•    Must be a team player and must possess a valid driver's license.
•    WinEst, Trimble, Sage, or other estimating programs, Revit, BIM experience preferred.

Education Experience Requirements
•    Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering or another technical field.
•    Those with additional certifications will be strongly considered. 

 

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