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 .

Sign Hanger

outfrontmedia · Nashville, TN

OUTFRONT Media is looking for a Sign Hanger to assist with posting and the removal of advertising copy on OUTFRONT Media structures. One of the main functions of this position will be working many feet off the ground, in some cases 50 feet or higher. Qualified candidates must be comfortable working at elevated heights. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Install and remove advertising copy on OUTFRONT Media structures to meet our client expectations.

  • Attend regular safety meetings and follow all company safety rules and regulations.

  • Keep an accurate report of all issues encountered while on the job.

  • Ensure all sites are properly maintained in accordance with company standards.

  • Accurately complete all work orders and turn into manager at the end of each shift.

  • Maintain tools, equipment and other company materials.

  • Complete other duties as requested from Management.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS, ENVIRONMENT:

Climbing and working at elevated heights, reading, multiple concurrent tasks, frequent interruptions, verbal and written communication, detailed work. Repeated heavy lifting.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Small hand tools, small power tools, safety goggles, hard hat, safety harness with lanyard, hook ladder, extension ladder, rope, slings, ratchet straps, flex bars, lawn mower, and brush cutting tools.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Ability to climb and work at elevated heights.

  • Ability to lift and carry 60 pounds repeatedly.

  • Read and follow detailed instructions.

  • Required to pass company’s fall protection training before climbing on advertising structures.

  • Communicate professionally with the public as a representative of OUTFRONT Media.

  • A valid driver license.

  • HS Diploma/GED preferred.

To all Recruitment Agencies: OUTFRONT Media LLC does not accept agency and unsolicited resumes. Please do not forward resumes to our OUTFRONT Media employees or any other company location.

OUTFRONT Media is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

OUTFRONT Media Is An Equal Opportunity Employer

All applicants shall receive equal consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status or disability. Please refer to the OUTFRONT Media Affirmative Action policy statement.

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