What is Parsing?
Parsing is the process of extracting structured data, such as name, contact information, skills, work history, and education, from an unstructured resume file like a PDF or Word document.
Why does Parsing matter?
Parsing is what makes a resume searchable and matchable inside an ATS; without it, a database of resumes is just a pile of files with no way to filter or score candidates at scale.
How does Parsing work?
A parsing engine reads the resume, identifies sections and patterns (dates, job titles, skill keywords), and maps them into standardized database fields the ATS can search, filter, and use for candidate matching.
Frequently asked questions
Why does parsing sometimes get information wrong?
Non-standard resume formats, tables, graphics, or unusual formatting can confuse parsing engines, which is why most ATS platforms let recruiters manually correct parsed fields.
Does parsing work on any file format?
Most modern parsers handle PDF, Word, and plain text reliably; heavily designed resumes with columns or graphics parse less reliably.
How BrightMove helps
BrightMove parses resumes automatically on intake, turning unstructured files into searchable, matchable candidate data the moment they hit your database. See BrightMove’s People Parser.