Format Resumes for SuccessFactors ATS Clients

When you submit candidate resumes to clients using SuccessFactors, the system automatically parses and extracts key information to populate candidate profiles. The parsing technology analyzes document structure, identifies standard resume sections, and attempts to categorize skills, experience, and education data. However, current documentation doesn't specify the exact parsing technology used, so it's important to follow general ATS best practices. Clean formatting with clear section headers, standard fonts, and logical information hierarchy helps ensure your candidates' qualifications are accurately captured and displayed to your clients.

SuccessFactors supports multiple file formats for resume uploads, giving staffing agencies flexibility in their submission process. The platform accepts .doc, .docx, .pdf, .txt, .gif, .jpeg, and .jpg files. While this broad compatibility seems convenient, different formats can produce varying parsing results. Text-based formats like .docx typically provide the most reliable parsing, while image formats may require optical character recognition that can introduce errors. Understanding these nuances helps you choose the optimal format for each client submission.

While specific rejection reasons for SuccessFactors aren't detailed in current documentation, common ATS issues apply to most enterprise recruiting platforms. Complex layouts with multiple columns, tables, or graphics can confuse parsing algorithms. Headers and footers may be ignored or misinterpreted. Unusual fonts, excessive formatting, or embedded images can cause text extraction problems. For staffing agencies, these technical issues translate to candidate profiles that appear incomplete or unprofessional to clients, potentially costing you placements and damaging relationships with hiring managers who rely on accurate candidate data.