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 .

Colleague Consultant - HR/Payroll

Stratainformationgroup · Remote

Strata Information Group (SIG) is a trusted leader in higher‑education technology consulting, supporting colleges and universities with ERP/SIS modernization, digital transformation, CRM, cybersecurity, and strategic advisory services. As a long‑standing and deeply embedded partner within the higher‑education sector, SIG brings together technical depth, operational insight, and a culture rooted in integrity, collaboration, and exceptional client service. Our heritage is built on hands‑on expertise, genuine relationships, and a commitment to delivering value with humility and excellence—values that continue to define us as we scale. 

 

Position Summary & Responsibilities

SIG is accepting applications for an experienced Ellucian Colleague® Human Resource and Payroll Consultant. As a consultant, you will work with colleges and universities to improve their HR and payroll processes using the Ellucian Colleague software. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the higher education sector, specifically in HR and payroll management utilizing Colleague. This is a remote position, and travel is required.

  • Provide implementation services, including training, functional consulting, and technical support for Colleague® at client sites.
  • Analyze current HR and payroll processes and suggest ways to utilize technological tools to improve efficiency.
  • Review HR and payroll data for accuracy and maximize the functionality of the HRIS and payroll system.
  • Address HR and payroll-related questions and issues in a timely manner.
  • Maintain understanding of and proficiency in the following:
    • Accounting and budgeting.
    • Legal environment (federal, state, local) around employment, human resources, taxation, and related areas.
    • Reporting and year-end processes.
    • Colleague Self-Service implementation and use.
    • Working knowledge of key third party systems related to time entry, HR onboarding systems, and payroll vendors (such as Kronos, ADP, Workday, Lawson)
  • Collaborate with college and university stakeholders in a professional manner.

 

Required Qualifications

  • 5 or more years working within the Higher Education Industry.
  • 5 or more years of experience working with Ellucian Colleague®, demonstrating advanced user proficiency.
  • Proficiency in running payroll using the Colleague Human Resources module.
  • Expertise in navigating complex HR and payroll processes and resolving technical issues with Colleague.
  • In-depth knowledge of HR regulations in the higher education environment.
  • Proven experience troubleshooting complex payroll issues and developing innovative solutions.
  • Demonstrated experience in planning and executing the implementation of the Colleague Human Resources module.
  • Experience in a consulting capacity, focusing on enhancing business process and creating efficiency.
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical and functional issues within Colleague®.
  • Exceptional oral and written communication skills and a proven customer service approach.
  • The ability to travel up to 25%

Pay and Benefits

  • The salary range is $90,000 -$125,000
  • Health, Vision, Dental & Life Insurance
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • 3 Weeks Vacation, Sick Leave & Paid Holidays
  • 401(K) with a 5% Employer Contribution
  • Pet Insurance

 

 

The listed salary range for this position is indicative and subject to adjustment based on the candidate's unique skills and location. Final compensation will be determined through mutual agreement between the successful candidate and SIG.

SIG is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer

California Consumer Privacy Act Notice

 

View full listing