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 .

Lead Workday Developer, Technology

finra · Rockville, MD (Job Posting)

We are seeking an experienced Lead Developer with expertise in Workday Financials to join our team. The ideal candidate will lead the design, development, and implementation of Workday Financial solutions while providing technical leadership and mentorship to the development team. Experience with custom application development using Java and Python is preferred.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Review and analyze complex process, system and / or data requirements and specifications across a major program or project or several small projects or programs.
  • Serve as the technical subject matter expert for one or more areas (subsystems) for a larger system or multiple areas (subsystems) for smaller systems.
  • Serve as the primary designer for complex component designs for one or more areas (subsystems) for a larger system or multiple areas (subsystems) for smaller systems.
  • Build, test, deploy, and document complex software components for one or more areas (subsystems) for a larger system or multiple areas (subsystems) for smaller systems as well as, help others with theirs.
  • Create software engineering strategies that help identify and mitigate risks.
  • Lead other team members in peer review of code and identify re-usable frameworks.
  • Interface with other team members and other teams in peer review of requirements, specifications and software.
  • Document and communicate development status in a timely manner including metric reporting.
  • Champion the collaborative resolution of defects.
  • Direct internal process improvement initiatives. Provide feedback on processes by offering suggestions.
  • Mentor and supervise junior staff in project-level tasks.
  • Participate in external process improvement committees as a Development representative.
  • Provide backup coverage for Delivery Lead.
  • Assist with adherence to technology policies and comply with all security controls.
  • Ensure all work products meets /exceeds FINRA standards.
  • Demonstration of FINRA’s values.
  • Collaboration, both in-person and virtually, in furtherance of FINRA’s mission of investor protection and market integrity.

Key Responsibilities 

Technical Leadership 

  • Lead the design, development, and implementation of Workday Financials modules including General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Asset Management, Cash Management, and Payroll 

  • Architect and implement custom solutions using Workday Studio, EIBs, Core Connectors, and Cloud Connect integrations 

  • Develop and maintain integration solutions between Workday Financials and other enterprise systems 

  • Create and optimize custom reports using Workday Report Writer and Calculated Fields 

  • Design and implement business process configurations and workflows 

 

Development & Configuration 

  • Configure and customize Workday Financial Management modules to meet business requirements 

  • Develop integrations using web services (SOAP/REST APIs), Workday Studio, and other integration tools 

  • Build custom applications and extensions using Workday Extend to enhance Workday Financials functionality 

  • Create and maintain technical documentation including design specifications, data mapping, and integration guides 

  • Perform unit testing, integration testing, and support user acceptance testing 

  • Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues related to Workday Financials 

  • Proven track record leading Workday Financial implementations or major enhancement projects 

 

Team Leadership & Collaboration 

  • Mentor and guide junior developers and technical team members 

  • Collaborate with functional consultants, business analysts, and stakeholders to translate business requirements into technical solutions 

  • Participate in code reviews and ensure adherence to development best practices 

  • Lead technical design sessions and provide expertise during project planning 

  • Stay current with Workday releases and evaluate new features for potential adoption 

  • Participate in full lifecycle implementations and support ongoing maintenance 

  • Background in Agile/Scrum development methodologies 

 

Technical Skills 

  • Hands-on experience with Workday Financials configuration and development 

  • Strong proficiency in Workday Studio, EIBs, Core Connectors, and integration technologies 

  • Experience with Workday Report Writer, Calculated Fields, and custom reporting 

  • Knowledge of XSLT, XML, web services (SOAP/REST), and integration patterns 

  • Understanding of financial business processes and accounting principles 

  • Experience with Workday Security model and role-based permissions 

 

Soft Skills 

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities 

  • Excellent communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences 

  • Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capabilities 

  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

  • Workday Pro Certification in Financial Management or Integration 

  • Experience with development for Workday Adaptive Planning module 

  • Knowledge of additional financial systems and ERP platforms 

  • Experience with business intelligence tools and data analytics 

  • Proficiency in Java and/or Python for custom development and scripting in AWS ecosystem. 

  • Experience with automation testing frameworks and tools (e.g., Playwright, Selenium, JUnit, TestNG, PyTest) 

  • Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and automated deployment processes 

Education/Experience Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems or related discipline with at least seven (7) years of related experience, or equivalent training and/or work experience; Master’s degree and past Financial Services industry experience preferred.

  • Demonstrated technical expertise in Object Oriented and database technologies/concepts which resulted in deployment of enterprise quality solutions.

  • Past experience with developing enterprise quality solutions in an iterative or Agile environment.

  • Extensive knowledge of industry leading software engineering approaches including Test Automation, Build Automation and Configuration Management frameworks.

  • Strong written and verbal technical communication skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships that improved the quality of work products.

  • Should be well organized, thorough, and able to handle competing priorities.

  • Ability to maintain focus and develop proficiency in new skills rapidly.

  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment.

  • Experience with object oriented programming languages such as Java, Scala or Python.

Work Conditions:

  • Hybrid work environment, with defined in-person presence requirements.

  • Occasional travel and extended hours may be required.

For work that is performed in CO, FL, TX, IL, PA, MA, MD, VA, Washington, DC, NY and NJ, please refer to the chart below for the salary range for the corresponding location. FINRA complies with all state and local pay transparency laws and regulations requiring the disclosure of salary ranges for the position. In addition to location, actual compensation is based on various factors, including but not limited to, the candidate’s skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations. 

CO/FL/TX: Minimum Salary $114,200, Maximum Salary $207,200

IL/PA: Minimum Salary $125,900, Maximum Salary $228,000
MA/MD/VA/Washington, DC: Minimum Salary $131,200, Maximum Salary $238,300

NY/NJ: Minimum Salary $131,200, Maximum Salary $248,700

#LI-Hybrid

To be considered for this position, please submit an application. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The information provided above has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work of the position. It is not a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required.

Please note: If the “Apply Now” button on a job board posting does not take you directly to the FINRA Careers site, enter www.finra.org/careers into your browser to reach our site directly.

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Non-exempt employees are also eligible for overtime pay in accordance with federal, state, or local law. As part of its dedication to employee wellness, FINRA provides comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance. Additional insurance includes basic life, accidental death and dismemberment, supplemental life, spouse/domestic partner and dependent life, and spouse/domestic partner and dependent accidental death and dismemberment, short- and long-term disability, long-term care, business travel accident, disability and legal. FINRA offers immediate participation and vesting in a 401(k) plan with company match and eligibility for participation in an additional FINRA-funded retirement contribution, tuition reimbursement, commuter benefits, and other benefits that support employee wellness, such as adoption assistance, backup family care, surrogacy benefits, employee assistance, and wellness programs.

Time Off and Paid Leave*

FINRA encourages its employees to focus on their health and wellness in many ways, including through a generous time-off program of 15 days of paid time off, 5 personal days and 9 sick days, unless otherwise required by law (all pro-rated in the first year). Additionally, we are proud to support our communities by providing two volunteer service days (based on full-time schedule). Other paid leave includes military leave, jury duty leave, bereavement leave, voting and election official leave for federal, state or local primary and general elections, care of a family member leave (available after 90 days of employment); and childbirth and parental leave (available after 90 days of employment). Full-time employees receive nine paid holidays.

*Based on full-time schedule

Important Information

FINRA’s Code of Conduct imposes restrictions on employees’ investments and requires financial disclosures that are uniquely related to our role as a securities regulator. FINRA employees are required to disclose to FINRA all brokerage accounts that they maintain, and those in which they control trading or have a financial interest (including any trust account of which they are a trustee or beneficiary and all accounts of a spouse, domestic partner or minor child who lives with the employee) and to authorize their broker-dealers to provide FINRA with du