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 .

HVAC Mechanic/Controls Technician

ffd · Fairfield, CT

Job Description:

DIVISION: Facilities Management

DEPARTMENT: Facilities Management – Energy Services

BASIC FUNCTION: Performs routine repairs and provides preventative maintenance on all heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment; possesses familiarity with and ability to read electrical and mechanical drawings and is familiar with low voltage controls, motor controls and DDC controls; responsible for the cleanliness and safety of equipment in designated buildings; completes documentation; provides backup support and interacts with various supervisors. 

UNUSUAL WORK CONDITIONS: Work on roofs and climb ladders.  Must be available for emergency call-ins.  Must operate a motor vehicle.  Capable of working alone and able to lift reasonable amounts of weight with no physical restrictions; must cover any shift due to vacation and/or illness. 

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL NEEDED: 

EDUCATION: High School diploma, some trade school preferred.  Connecticut State HVAC license required D2.   

EXPERIENCE: Experience in a systems-oriented environment with some limited

exposure to servicing; familiarity with tools and instruments related to HVAC industry.  Demonstrates knowledge of electrical techniques and ability to read floor plans etc. Possession of EPA, OSHA or state licenses or certifications is desirable.  Must have a valid State of Connecticut driver’s license in good standing and be in good physical condition.

SCHEDULE: This is a 3rd shift position.  The Energy Department workweek is on a rotating two (2) week schedule that provides employees work every other weekend as follows:

Schedule days of work – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday / scheduled days off Thursday, Friday; followed by scheduled days of work Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday / scheduled days off Saturday, Sunday.

       

REPORTS TO:  Supervisor, HVAC

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.  To perform routine repairs and provide preventative maintenance on all heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment located in campus buildings, dormitories, townhouses, apartment complex and the Central Utilities Facilities complex.  This involves:

  • Maintaining air handling units with filter replacements, pneumatic controls, exhaust fans, etc.

  • Familiarity with and ability to read electrical and mechanical Drawings.

  • Familiarity with low voltage controls and motor controls; familiarity with DDC controls (e.g., Alterton and Carrier Comfortworks),

  • Ensuring the adequate operation, temperature, pressure and safety of equipment,

  • Notifying supervisor of any abnormal pressures and temperatures before adjusting.

  • Interacting with contractors as needed.

2. Assist on installations of new or repaired equipment utilizing knowledge of electrical and mechanical techniques.

3. To be responsible for the cleanliness and safety of equipment rooms in designated buildings.

           

4. To complete appropriate documentation. This involves:

  • Assessing and completing requisitions on supplies needed for servicing,

  • Maintaining and logging accurate records on malfunctions and repairs.

5. To provide backup support if the Associate Director of Energy Services and the Supervisor, HVAC are absent.

6. To interact with the Associate Director of Energy Services and the Supervisor HVAC on major equipment problems and recommending corrective action.

                                               

7. To participate in the growth and development of the department. This involves:

  • Participating in regularly scheduled staff meetings and attending seminars as needed,

  • Promoting an image of efficiency and courtesy throughout the university community and consistent with the department’s mission.

  • Providing recommendations on system modifications, upgrades,  policies and procedures.

8. To promote safe and secure working conditions. This involves:

  • Promoting the proper utilization of equipment and materials.

  • Reporting immediately to supervisor any unsafe working conditions.

9.  To perform other related duties as dictated or directed by responsibilities.

Duties may be changed and/or be added at any time.

*Disclaimer*

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Category:

Facilities - Union

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate. 
 

*Disclaimer

The above information indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain and should not be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, activities, and/or qualifications required or expected of employees assigned to this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change and new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Load a resume or CV first, then upload supporting documents including a cover letter at the bottom of the third page under the "My Experience" section where it says to upload a Resume/CV. You will be able to upload up to 5 other documents in this section. You will be unable to edit your application, so please have all documents available before applying.

Faculty Positions: If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email the additional documents to the applicable contact in the job description.

Staff positions: If you need to upload more than 5 documents, please either combine them to upload or email them to [email protected]