|
| |
Scannable Resumes
Technology for Reading Resumes
A scannable resume is one that an optical
scanner can read easily and accurately. This is important because, when an employer
conducts a search of all the resumes that have been scanned and stored in the computer,
only those applicants whose resumes demonstrate the right skills will be retrieved for
further review. Scannable resumes are quite similar to other resumes; however, there are
differences that allow the scanner to distinguish certain key areas.
[Make sure to pay attention to the employers own instructions]
The three basic differences include:
- scannable resumes are very plain and simple, meaning
limited boldface, no italic or script text, limited use of horizontal and vertical lines,
no underlining, no special graphics or pictures, and no highlighting or shading.
Avoiding
these features helps eliminate confusion for the optical scanner.
Changes in standard resume procedures
- certain fonts are now better than others [Courier,
Times, Helvetica, Futura, Ariel, non-decorative fonts],
the use of jargon and abbreviations should now be emphasized rather than
avoided, resumes should not be folded or stapled, telephone area codes should
not be placed in brackets or parentheses.
Use of keywords - one of the most important differences is that
nouns in the form of "keywords" deserve far more attention than the action
verbs, which, in the past, were so significant. Now, computers search or scan resumes for
keywords, not verbs, in an effort to identify which candidate has the background and
experience that fits best with the job requirements.
Keywords (what the computer is scanning for) can be utilized in three
ways:
- develop a section with the heading
"Keyword Summary" immediately following your contact data.
Include 15-20
keywords that are related to your background and experience.
Adding keywords to the body of your resume - you can include
additional keywords in the descriptions or bodies of your resume. Use a synonym of the
keyword if you have used it previously.
Including keywords in your cover letter - most cover letters will
be scanned along with the resume so take advantage of this opportunity to place additional
keywords that your resume may not contain.
Are you in need of ideas for additional keywords?
Try the following
resources:
Classified Ads/Job Postings/On-Line Job Ads
Trade Journals and Technical Publications
Professional Associations
Job Descriptions
Professionals in the Field
Human Resources Representatives
Employer Databases
Some job seekers will benefit from the changes brought about by scannable
resumes. Those who will benefit will be the job seekers who already have solid backgrounds
and significant amounts of work experience. They will be able to list a large number of
keywords on their resumes. If you are not one of these job seekers, do not despair, there
are several strategies you can apply which will increase your chances for success:
- this will help you
locate job leads before they are publicly announced.
|
|
Scannable
Sample
Resume Handout
Job Search Topics |
All information excerpted
from: Scannable Resumes by ECLECON Corporation
P.O. Box 347, Bountiful, UT 84010, 1994
|
|
For additional
help contact:
|
|