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Students Preparing A Scannable Resume: tips for writing and formatting a scannable resume that computers can read
Why should you prepare a scannable resume?
A scannable resume maximizes the computer's ability to "read" your resume. A scannable resume also maximizes your ability to get "hits" (a hit is when one of your skills matches the computer search). Preparing a scannable resume is easy; like the traditional style resume, you focus on the format and content.
Tips for maximizing scannability
- Use white 8 1/2 x 11" paper, printed on one side only
- Do not fold or staple
- Use standard type faces such as Helvetica, Futura, Optima, Univers, Times, Palatino, New Century Schoolbook, and Courier
- Use a font size of 10 to 12 point (Avoid Times 10 point)
- Do not condense spacing between letters
- Avoid fancy treatments such as italics, bullets, underline, shadows and reverses (white letters on black background)
- Avoid vertical and Horizontal lines, graphics, and boxes
- Place your name at the top of the page on its own line
- Use standard address format below your name
- List each phone number on its own line
Content
The computer extracts information from your resume. You can use current your current resume; however, make sure your describe your experience with concrete words rather than vague descriptions. The computer system will extract the words and information from your sentences.
Tips for maximizing "HITS"
- Use enough key words to define your skills
- Describe your experience with concrete words rather than vague descriptions. For example, it is better to use "managed a team of software engineers" than "responsible for managing, training...."
- Use jargon and acronyms specific to your industry (an acronym is a word formed from the initial letters of a name, ie., CSUS). Spell out the acronyms for human readers.
- Increase your list of key words by including specifics; for example, list the names of software you use such as Microsoft office and Lotus1-2-3
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