In the high technology society that we are living in today, using state-of-the-art computer systems and scanners to store and access resume information is becoming more and more common in the workplace. Nearly all of the Fortune 500 companies are using this technology to find qualified candidates. -Darwin Kysor, director of career services, explains further:

What is a scannable resume?
Basically, resumes are scanned as an image into a computer system. The computer then reads the resume and creates databases of skills, achievements and degrees in the form of key words. Employers may then access candidate’s resumes by searching for key words.

Is it fair when employers only search for key words to access candidates?
I don’t think so. People don’t read resumes; they skim them. A resume is more a piece of advertising than a comprehensive data sheet. So, no matter what kind of resume you send to employers, what they get is key words.
Moreover, databases created by computers often contain so many different kinds of key words about skills, experiences, achievements, degrees, etc. If you possess characteristics that employers require, you do not have less of a chance.
Most importantly, resumes only help you to get an interview, not a job. If you don’t perform well during the interview process, they won’t hire you.

What is the importance of scannable resumes in job searches?
In our modern life today, as the number of career websites increase, many allow candidates to post their resume. In addition, large companies often receive a huge number of resumes from their applicants; they tend to use computers to create databases. So, it’s really important to know about scannable resumes.

How does a person develop an effective scannable resume?
There are some points you have to keep in mind when creating any kind of resume. You should be realistic, concise, focused but not restrictive. A person should select a resume format that suits you best, then have someone edit and review your draft. You should always avoid wordiness by using phrases instead of complete sentences and use perfect grammar, as well as spelling. Remember to keep your resume in basic format, style and language.
With scannable resumes, you should also consider the following guidelines for content and format: Use standard fonts with sizes between 10 and 14, use boldface or capital letters for emphasis (not italics or underlining), avoid graphics, shading and shadowing, do not double-space within sections or expand the space between letters and lines, notice that nouns are more distinguishable to a computer then action verbs and remember to describe your skills and accomplishments by using key-word phrases.

Where can Juniata students get further information about scannable resumes?
First, you can drop in our office in basement floor of Ellis to take “A guide for writing resumes and other job search correspondence”, in which we discuss various kinds of resumes, including scannable resumes. I’m also available to talk with you about scannable resume as well as other job search problems. Finally, you can go to the Internet to get more information.
-Thanh Nguyen’ 14, Juniata online journalist