Scannable Resumes
Large, medium and small organizations today are utilizing state of the art computer systems and scanners to store and access resume information (nearly all, if not all of the Fortune 500 companies are using such technology). Using this "artificial intelligence," resumes are optically 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 resumes by searching for key words.
To maximize interview and thus employment opportunities, it is important to develop an effective "scannable" resume. Consider the following guidelines for content and format:
- Keep it simple
- Standard fonts work best. Avoid ornate fonts and fonts where the characters touch. Use font sizes between 10 and 14 point type sizes.
- Italics and underlining cause problems, especially if combined. Use boldface or ALL CAPITAL LETTERS for emphasis.
- Vertical and horizontal lines should be used sparingly. When used, leave at least a quarter of an inch space around the line.
- Avoid graphics...and shading or shadowing.
- Do not compress or expand the space between letters and lines.
- Do not double space within sections.
- The resume should be an original printed with a laser printer on white or light colored 8 1/2 X 11 inch paper.
- Folded, stapled or mutilated paper will not scan well.
- It is imperative that you describe your skills and accomplishments using key word phrases.
- Use the language of your profession.
- Nouns are more distinguishable to a computer than action verbs. Label yourself with phrases and describe experiences. For example: Use "managed training and development" versus "trained and developed" or use, "Assisted with salary survey" versus "surveyed salaries of..."
- You may also want to consider a summary of accomplishments that focus on results not duties and responsibilities. Keep your resume basic in format, style and language.
(JobTrak Corporation - http://www.jobtrak.com)
