Scannable Resumes
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1. A scannable resumé maximizes the computer's ability to "read" your resumé and maximizes your ability to get "hits" (a hit is when one of your skills matches the computer search).

2. To maximize the computer's ability to read your resumé, provide a clean original copy and use a standard resumé style.

3. The computer can extract skills from many resumé styles such as chronological (lists jobs in order by date), achievement (describes achievements rather than job titles), functional (organized by skill rather than job title), and combinations of resumé types.

4. The most difficult resumé for the computer to read is a poor-quality copy that has an unusual format such as a newsletter layout, adjusted spacing, large font sizes, graphics or lines, type that is too light, or paper that is too dark.

5. Tips for Maximizing Scannability

Use white or light-colored 8 1/2 x 11 paper, printed on one side only.

Provide a laser-printed original, if possible. A typewritten original or a high-quality photocopy is OK. Avoid dot matrix printouts and low-quality copies.

Do not fold or staple the paper.

Use standard typefaces such as Helvetica, Futura, Optima, Universe, Times, Palatino, New Century Schoolbook, or Courier.

Use a font size of 10 to 14 points. (Avoid Times 10 point).

Don't condense spacing between letters.

Use boldface and/or all capital letters for section headings as long as the letters don't touch each other.

Avoid fancy treatments such as italics, underline, shadows, and reverse (white letters on black background).

Avoid vertical and horizontal lines, graphics, and boxes.

Avoid a two-column format or resumés that looks like newspapers or newsletters.

Place your name at the top of the page on its own line. (Your name can also be the first text on pages two and three).

Use a standard address format below your name.

List each phone number on its own line.

6. Content. The computer extracts information from your resumé. You can use your current resumé however, once you understand what the computer searches for, you may decide to add a few keywords to increase your opportunities for matching requirements or getting "hits."

Use enough keywords to define your skills, experience, education, professional affiliations, etc.

Describe your experience with concrete words rather than vague descriptions. For example, it's better to use "managed a team of software engineers" than "responsible for managing, training..."

Be concise and truthful.

Use more than one page, if necessary. The computer can easily handle multiple-page resumés and it uses all of the information it extracts from your resumé to determine if your skills match available positions. It allows you to provide more information than you would for a human reader.

Use jargon and acronyms specific to your industry (spell out the acronyms for human readers).

Increase your list of key words by including specifics. For example, list the names of software you use such as Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Use common heading such as: Objective, Experience, Employment, Work History, Positions Held, Appointments, Skills, Summary, Summary of Qualifications, Accomplishments, Strengths, Education, Affiliations, Professional Affiliations, Publications, Papers, Licenses, Certifications, Examinations, Honors, Personal, Additional, Miscellaneous, References, etc.

If you have extra space, describe your interpersonal traits and attitude.