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 .

Equipment Validation Engineer

Valspec · Non-Headquarters

Valspec—a global provider of system validation and lifecycle services—provides commissioning and qualification of computerized systems for clients in the Life Sciences industry. Established in 1999, Valspec’s mission is to provide a wide spectrum of services that help its clients meet their capital project and lifecycle maintenance goals.

Valspec’s projects are critical to the industry, and to the people who rely on its products. Many projects ensure that life-changing drugs are available to those who need them; others streamline production to meet demand at a lower cost, allowing for the discovery of new and innovative therapies.


Job Title: GMP Equipment Validation Engineer – CQV

Location: Indianapolis, IN

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented GMP Equipment Validation Engineer to support Commissioning, Qualification, and Validation (CQV) activities for a range of manufacturing and utility equipment at a client site. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, can work independently, and is confident interfacing directly with client teams.

Our CQV team collaborates closely with the client across multiple facets of controls and automation, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with regulatory standards. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical expertise, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The ideal candidate has experience leading the equipment CQV efforts of a team that also includes computer system validation engineers and specialists. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and execute CQV activities for GMP equipment including:

    • Autoclaves
    • CIP/SIP systems
    • Bioreactors
    • Incubators
    • Freezers
    • Refrigerators
    • Centrifuges
    • Washers
    • Controlled temperature units
    • Environmental chambers
    • HVAC systems
    • Clean steam generators
    • WFI systems
    • Process tanks
    • Utility systems (compressed air, nitrogen, etc.)
  • Develop and review validation documentation including URS, DQ, IQ, OQ, and PQ protocols and reports.

  • Perform risk assessments and impact analyses to support validation strategy.

  • Coordinate with client engineering, automation, and quality teams to ensure alignment on project goals and timelines.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve equipment and process issues during commissioning and qualification phases.

  • Maintain compliance with cGMP, FDA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.

  • Provide timely updates and communicate effectively with client stakeholders.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Life Sciences, or related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in CQV within a GMP-regulated environment.
  • Strong understanding of validation lifecycle and regulatory expectations.
  • Experience with automated systems and controls integration is a plus.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.

This is an excellent opportunity for anyone who can be onsite in NEPA and lead equipment CQV efforts, along with another team that is performing computer system validation. We will need others to be staff validation engineers in the future as well, but this is for someone who can work independently and provide some leadership on the technical side. Apply if interested.

Why Join Valspec?

At Valspec, we offer more than just a job — we provide a career experience rooted in a standout culture, collaborative environment, and a strong sense of ownership. As an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, every team member has a stake in our success, fostering a shared commitment to excellence and innovation.  We also offer a highly competitive benefits package, including:

  • Premium medical coverage
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Unique performance incentives
  • And more — all designed to support your growth, well-being, and future.

Join a team where your contributions matter, your development is prioritized, and your success is shared.

When receiving e-mails from a Proconex or Valspec recruiter, you will only receive e-mails from addresses ending in @proconexdirect.com, @proconex.net or @valspec.net.  Any other domains are impersonations and should be ignored.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States without company sponsorship.  Also, we are not interested in working on a corp-to-corp basis with other companies at this time.

Any third-party unsolicited resume submission(s) will immediately become the property of Valspec. Valspec will not pay any fee to a submitting employment agency, person, or entity unless a signed agreement is established.

Valspec is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected class. We are committed to providing a professional environment free of any discrimination or harassment, and we are proud to be a Drug-Free Workplace.