A Scannable Resumé
Maximizes the computers' ability to "read" your resumé
Maximizes your ability to get "hits" (when one of your skills
matches the computer search)
The most difficult resumés for the computer to read have poor quality
copy and unusual formats, e.g.
- newsletter layout
- adjusted spacing
- large font sizes
- graphics or lines
- type that is too light
- that is too dark
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.
Use standard typefaces such as Helvetica, Futura, Optima, Universe, Times,
Palatino, New Century Schoolbook, and 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 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 2 and 3).
Use standard address format below your name.
List each phone number on its own line.
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