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 .

Language Strategy Intern

Maslanskycareers · New York

 

Overview

maslansky + partners is a Language Strategy® and research consultancy that helps the world’s most influential and innovative organizations harness the power of language and craft communication strategies to drive behavior change.  Our work is guided by a simple, powerful idea: it’s not what you SAY that matters, it’s what your audience HEARS.

Clients look to us as experts in the art and science of persuasion.  To help products stand out in a crowded space.  To shape company reputations.  To win on issues that matter.  To respond effectively to crisis.  To engage employees.  Every word you use is a choice.  We help companies choose wisely.

Do you have a passion for persuasion, puzzles, and what makes people tick?  Do you love helping clients solve high-stakes challenges?  We’re looking for people with exemplary critical thinking skills, deep empathy, a natural curiosity, and a gift for effectively articulating ideas to join our team for the summer.

Responsibilities

As a Summer 2026 Language Strategy Intern, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in our unique approach to language and communication. Under the guidance of experienced professionals, you will contribute to and support the firm through online research, industry audits, presentation development, client projects, and assist in the development of language strategies aimed at driving engagement and achieving results.

 

What you’ll do:

  • Dig into linguistic trends and audience behaviors by supporting qualitative and quantitative research.
  • Support data analysis that directly shapes our language strategy recommendations.
  • Test-drive AI tools and provide feedback on what’s helpful and what can be improved.
  • Participate in brainstorms and help the team think outside of the box.
  • Get in the trenches with our growth team on client outreach, making sure we’re connecting with the right people to close deals.

Qualifications

Who makes a good fit?

Driven, analytical, independent students interested in gaining real-world experience in a collaborative & fun office in NYC. We look for interns who have a knack for detail, are passionate about language, and are motivated. Relevant skills include:

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Interest in language, psychology, marketing, or related fields.
  • Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data.
  • Meticulous attention to detail—typos don't slip on your watch.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment.
  • Previous experience in language analysis or strategy (preferred but not required).

 

Perks & Benefits:

  • Exposure to industry-leading language strategy methodologies.
  • Mentorship from seasoned professionals in the field.
  • Networking opportunities with clients and industry experts.
  • Potential for future career advancement within the company.

 

Application Process: This position follows a hybrid schedule, requiring three days per week in our NYC office at a maximum of 29 hours per week, with a base hourly rate of $16.50. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with diverse or underrepresented backgrounds. To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter detailing your interest in language strategy and relevant experience. Candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted for interviews.

 

Four reasons to join the maslansky + partners team:

  1. You won’t be bored. You will work with diverse clients and industries on diverse challenges that allow you to learn every step of the way. 
  2. You will be challenged and grow. We’ll make you a stronger strategic thinker, a better writer, and a more confident presenter, as part of a culture focused on feedback and committed to personal growth. If you are good, you will not get lost…your contribution will be recognized and rewarded. 
  3. You can make a big impact. Our team is encouraged to use our passion and expertise to support causes that matter. Through work with PENCIL, Head Start, SBP, and our Project Good Words program, we’ve helped improve access to education, career opportunities, disaster relief, and clean water…to name a few.
  4. You’ll definitely have a good time. We do serious work but never take ourselves too seriously. Lots of work and lots of fun to help you stay energized and engaged.

 

If you’re intrigued, you should have already checked out our website.  If you haven’t done so yet, we won’t hold it against you, but do it right now: www.maslansky.com. 

#LI- hybrid