Workday
Workday is used by 37.1% of Fortune 500 companies, making it the most prevalent enterprise ATS in the world.
Key Facts
Section titled “Key Facts”| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Vendor | Workday Inc. |
| Market Share | 37.1% Fortune 500 |
| Parser | Proprietary + HiredScore AI (acquired 2024) |
| Keyword Strategy | Exact match + semantic (HiredScore) |
| Strictness | High |
| Auto-Reject | Via knockout questions |
Parsing Behavior
Section titled “Parsing Behavior”Workday’s parser is notoriously strict:
- Headers and footers are skipped. Don’t put important info (name, contact) only in the header.
- Tables and columns break parsing. Stick to single-column, linear layouts.
- Standard section headings required. Use “Experience,” “Education,” “Skills” exactly.
- DOCX slightly preferred over PDF for parsing reliability.
- Graphics, charts, and images are completely ignored.
Scoring Weights
Section titled “Scoring Weights”Workday’s scoring emphasizes keyword matching and formatting compliance:
| Dimension | Weight | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Formatting | 20% | Strict parser means formatting issues are costly |
| Keyword Match | 30% | Primary ranking factor |
| Section Completeness | 15% | Expects standard sections |
| Experience Relevance | 25% | Quantified achievements valued |
| Education | 10% | Degree verification |
Tips for Workday
Section titled “Tips for Workday”- Use a single-column layout with no tables, text boxes, or columns
- Put your name and contact info in the body, not the header/footer
- Use standard section headings (“Professional Experience,” not “Where I’ve Worked”)
- Mirror exact keywords from the job posting
- Quantify achievements (“Increased revenue by 23%” not “Improved revenue”)
- Avoid creative formatting like icons, progress bars, or skill charts