Creating an effective scannable resume
The key to creating an effective scannable resume that it is readable by both employers and software systems. As the resumes are scanned into a company’s human resources database, some rules apply. 1. Print your resume on scannable high-quality laser-resolution paper. 2. Do not use colored paper or ink. 3. Send an original document rather than a photocopy. 4. Your name should appear on the first line of your resume with your address, phone number, e-mail address, beneath your name. 5. Your resume should include text only. Eliminate all bullets, underlining, and graphics. 6. Keep the formatting simple and consistent. Use standard paragraphs, traditional fonts (Arial, Times, or Helvetica), and 10- to 14-point font size. 7. Make sure that you include references phones number. 8. Don’t use headers or footers. 9. Distinguish section headings by using capital letters. 10. Use an outline format (rather than bullet points) for your job responsibilities and accomplishments. 11. Use job-specific keywords. Industry terms, jargon, buzzwords, and skills that will return a result with a computer scanning software. 12. Be sure to include job titles, departments, key functions, technical skills, degrees, and other relevant information. 13. To adapt your current resume into a scanner-friendly resume, eliminate all the formatting and add a keywords section.
