As employers seek new ways to manage the tremendous number of résumés  submitted to them, they are using new technologies.  With this technology, the résumé you send to an employer is scanned into their computer as an image.  The Optical Character Recognition (OCR) converts the image to a text file that is readable and searchable by a computer.  It is important that you create the best résumé for scanning purposes.  This would be a "clean" résumé that will produce the best possible image for scanning.  A good scannable résumé maximizes the computer's ability to read your résumé and your ability to get hits.  A hit is when one of your skills or experiences matches the computer search.

Format

• Use a standard sans serif font such as Courier or Times New Roman in a 12 to 14 point size.

• Avoid italics, script underlining, boldface and compressing space between letters.

• Also avoid vertical and horizontal lines as they may get confused with letters such as "L" or "I."

• Avoid using graphics, shading, and tables.  The equipment that scans your résumé is set to read text, not graphics.

• Do not use parentheses or brackets.

• Use a traditional chronological résumé format that avoids complex layouts.

• Minimize the use of nonstandard abbreviations, unless it is industry specific.

Content

• Your name should be on its own line above all other text.  The computer will assume that the first text it reads is your name.

• A keyword summary at the top of the page, after your contact information, may identify important skills and experiences.

• Use skill-focused nouns.  Searches typically involve a search for key words, usually in the form of nouns; such as writer, manager, and biologist, as opposed to verbs such as managed, organized, engineered, etc.  It is important to describe your experience with descriptive nouns rather than verbs or vague descriptions.  The more facts and "key words" you include, the more hits your résumé will receive and the better your chance of selection for further review.

• Maximize the use of industry jargon.  It is logical to assume the recruiter's software will search for key words specific to a certain field and position.  Use terms that are the buzzwords of your profession.

Printing and Paper

• Always send a clear, original laser-printed résumé for scanning purposes.
• Photocopies can sometimes add black marks or lighten up the text beyond optical recognition.
• Never use a dot-matrix printer.
• Use a light colored, standard size 8 1/2" x 11" paper, printed on one side only.
• Aim for the highest contrast between paper and ink.
• If you use more than one page, make sure your name appears at the top of each page. 

Packaging and Sending

• Faxes degrade the quality of the text.  If you must fax, set the fax to "fine" mode.
• Avoid stapling the pages of a résumé together; use a paper clip.
• Do not fold your résumé.  This can leave a crease through the text and confuse the scanner.
• Send your résumé in a large 9" x 11" envelope. 

What are Key Words & How Do I Find Them? 

Key words TYPICALLY are those which relate directly to the industry in which you may be working.

Examples:

Law enforcement key words MAY include police, criminal justice, law enforcement, etc.

Computer related key words MIGHT include C++, COBAL, Visual Basic, etc.

 

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Creating an Effective Résumé

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For more information, please contact: 

 

Career Services Network 

Olivet College

Mott 208

Olivet, MI 49076 

Phone: (269)749-7129

Fax:(269)749-7684

web@olivetcollege.edu