Create a "Scannable" Resume

Many companies now use software designed to search for keywords to match job seekers' resumes to job descriptions in their organizations. here are some tips to create a resume that will scan well.

• Use white, pale ivory or pale gray 8 ½ x 11 paper, printed on one side only.
   
• Do not use paper that is textured, flecked or pastel colors. The contrast between the type and background must be clear.
   
• Use standard typefaces such as Arial, Times, Times Roman, and Helvetica. Numbers and letters must not touch or run into each other. If this information runs together, the scanner cannot read the character accurately.
   
• The scanner reads documents accurately that are crisp and have a high contrast. Please use a laser printer and black ink. An inkjet printer is also acceptable.
   
• Use fonts 10-12 for text and 11-14 for headings.
   
• Do not use horizontal or vertical lines, graphics, columns, or boxes.
   
• Include both keywords and descriptive statements. The keywords are for the computer and the descriptive statements are for the human reader.
   
• No more than 2 pages (this is for the human viewer), the computer can scan multiple pages.
   
• Use industry specific jargon and acronyms. It is okay to spell out acronyms if you feel you need to clarify for the human reader.
   
• Use all capital letters and/or boldface for section headings. Do not use the following:
   
  • Underlining
  • Italics
  • Reverse type
  • Shadows

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