ResuAssist
ATS Parsing Guide
ATS Parsing Guide
How the top Applicant Tracking Systems read your resume
Each ATS parses resumes differently. Understanding the specific quirks and preferences of the system your target company uses can mean the difference between your resume being seen by a recruiter or silently rejected by software.
Greenhouse
Used by 7,000+ companies including Airbnb, Coinbase, SlackParsing Engine
Uses Textkernel for resume parsing
Supported Formats
Key Quirks
- Strips headers and footers from uploaded documents
- Ignores text embedded inside images entirely
- Multi-column layouts may get scrambled during parsing
- Prefers PDF format for most reliable parsing results
Tips
- Use a single-column layout for best compatibility
- Stick to standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills)
- Avoid tables, text boxes, and embedded graphics
- Ensure all text is selectable, not rendered as an image
Workday
Used by 40%+ of Fortune 500 companiesParsing Engine
Proprietary parser
Supported Formats
Key Quirks
- Often requires manual re-entry of parsed fields by the applicant
- Keyword matching is strict and literal -- synonyms may be missed
- Uses AI-based screening in addition to keyword filters
- Prefers DOCX; may struggle with complex or image-heavy PDFs
Tips
- Match the exact job title from the posting in your resume
- Use standard date formats (MM/YYYY) throughout
- Avoid creative formatting, graphics, or unusual fonts
- Spell out abbreviations at least once before using the short form
iCIMS
Used by 4,000+ employers including Target, UPSParsing Engine
Proprietary + Daxtra integration
Supported Formats
Key Quirks
- Strong keyword matching algorithm with high precision
- Parses contact information (phone, email, address) reliably
- Struggles with non-standard or heavily designed layouts
- Supports a wide range of file formats including RTF and TXT
Tips
- Include full URLs for your LinkedIn profile and portfolio
- Use keyword-rich professional summaries at the top of your resume
- Avoid abbreviations -- spell out terms in full for better matching
- Keep the layout simple and linear for optimal parsing accuracy
Taleo (Oracle)
Legacy system still used by many large enterprisesParsing Engine
Proprietary Oracle parser
Supported Formats
Key Quirks
- Very strict formatting requirements -- deviations cause parsing errors
- Dates must follow an exact format or they may be misread
- Often loses or strips formatting during the upload process
- One of the oldest and least forgiving ATS parsers in use
Tips
- Use plain, minimal formatting with no design flourishes
- Spell out acronyms at least once (e.g., 'Search Engine Optimization (SEO)')
- Use standard section titles: Experience, Education, Skills, Summary
- Avoid headers, footers, page numbers, and watermarks
Lever
Popular with tech startups and mid-size companiesParsing Engine
Own parser + Sovren
Supported Formats
Key Quirks
- Better at handling modern resume formats than older ATS systems
- Integrates with a Chrome extension for candidate sourcing
- Combines ATS and CRM functionality in a single platform
- More lenient with formatting but still prefers clean layouts
Tips
- A clean, well-structured PDF works best with Lever
- Keep your resume to 1-2 pages for optimal parsing
- Use reverse chronological order for experience sections
- Include your LinkedIn URL in the contact section
BambooHR
Popular with SMBs, 30,000+ companiesParsing Engine
Basic built-in parser
Supported Formats
Key Quirks
- Simpler parsing engine compared to enterprise-grade ATS tools
- Keyword matching is less sophisticated -- relies on exact matches
- Primarily designed for HR management, with ATS as an added feature
- May miss contextual keywords that are not explicit matches
Tips
- Focus on exact keyword matches from the job description
- Use industry-standard terminology rather than creative titles
- Keep formatting straightforward -- simple bullets and headings
- Include a dedicated Skills section with specific tool and technology names
SmartRecruiters
Used by Visa, LinkedIn, BoschParsing Engine
Built-in AI-powered parser
Supported Formats
Key Quirks
- AI-powered scoring considers context, not just exact keyword matches
- Supports synonym matching -- recognizes related terms automatically
- Modern parser that handles varied formatting better than legacy systems
- Candidate profiles are enriched with data from multiple sources
Tips
- Strong keyword coverage across your resume matters more than stuffing
- Include your LinkedIn profile URL in the contact information
- Use natural language -- the AI parser understands context and synonyms
- Quantify achievements with specific numbers, percentages, and metrics
Universal ATS Tips
These rules apply to every ATS system
- 1Use standard section headings (Experience, Education, Skills, Summary)
- 2Avoid tables, text boxes, headers/footers, and multi-column layouts
- 3Use standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
- 4Save as PDF unless the ATS specifically prefers DOCX
- 5Include keywords from the job description naturally in context
- 6Use standard date formats (Month YYYY or MM/YYYY)
- 7Do not use images, logos, or charts anywhere in the resume
- 8Keep file size under 5MB
- 9Spell out acronyms at least once before abbreviating
- 10Use simple bullet points, not custom symbols or decorative markers
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