Scanable Resume

We have already gives you clues on how to write a classical CV/Resume in CV Tips. Anyway - nowadays some companies are still asking jobseekers for a scannable Resume. What is it and how does it look like?

If some companies ask for a scannable resume, they want to process and store your information’s in computer.

This method is a bit obsolete, because if companies need your information’s in computer databases, they will generally ask you to fill a form on an Internet. Anyway scannable resume is still in use so, you may need sequential information’s.

Companies that require this kind of Resume are using a computer program for scanning your document as image and then turning this image back to text. It appears from this that your point is to make your CV easy to scan and process.

Formatting

Basic disparity between classical and scannable CV is that the second one have as simple formatting as possible.

If you want to make your Resume effective, use only pure text with no pictures, graphics or shading. Put in there a header with your name and contact information’s (address should be below your name).

In scannable resume should be applied the same heading as in your classical CV (Education, work experience, objectives, skills etc.) but without any special formatting: no bolding, underlining, italizing or ALL CAPS.

For your address and phone number use standard formatting. If you have more than one phone number list each on its own line. Avoid parentheses () and brackets [], columns, boxes and tables. Do not use foreign characters, ampersands or percent signs.

Apply only standard fonts – Arial, Tahoma, Verdana, Helvetica, Courier or other classical sans serif font (Times New Roman is ideal but programs can recognize it). No decorative or unique typefaces - it is use less, because scanner can’t differentiate this.

Pick one font style and size (between 9 and 12 points, maximum 14 points) and use it throughout whole document. Provide white space between words. Avoid bullets and lines – if you have to, use hyphens (-) or asterisk (*) plus space before text.

Align your text to the left. Use the same spacing throughout your resume. Avoid short vertical (|) lines and slash marks (/) because program might try to it as a text (e.g. lowercase l or uppercase I).

Be careful of space between letters or letter and punctuation. Make sure that they don’t touch together.

Remember that special formatting is useful in classical Resumes if you want to accent your qualities, but in scannable one it is undesirable because it makes your document harder to scan and process.

Power Words

Vocabulary is most important for this kind of Resume, because computer Words will make first selection on the basis of Power. If you haven’t used Power Words your CV will probably be impacted.

We have prepared for you a list of most frequently used Power verbs:

Achieved
Coordinated
Developed
Established
Formulated
Initiated
Implemented
Introduced
Managed
Motivated
Obtained
Organised
Performed
Produced
Supervised

In addition you can download list of more than 180 other often used power verbs, so you can pick out most appropriate for your own CV/Resume.

If you want to make your Resume winning, you have to put in there power nouns as well.

Power nouns include titles (BS, BA, MBA, PhD…), Occupation (Project Manager, Interior Designer, Civil Engineer, Landscape Architect…), languages (Spanish, English, Polish…), software (C++, Java, CAD…), skills (technical writing, budget planning…) and many others terms related to your profession.

For identifying right action verbs for your Resume, look for your job description, visit employer web site or web sites associated with your profession, read related magazines and then choose the most suitable for you.

Use professional jargon and phrases or nouns that could be applied as searching key.

Printing and mailing

Print your document with high quality laser printer or inkjet on white or very pale A4 or 8,5 x 11 inches (standard USA letter size) paper (speckles).

Mail your Resume in large envelope so you don’t have to fold it or fax it. Always send your first copy! If you’re Resume is multiple do not staple it and put your name at the top of each page (your Resume shouldn’t be longer than 2 pages).

If you want to send your Resume by e-mail, save it as “text only” or ASCII file and before you send it to employer send it to yourself and make sure it looks the way you want.

For other information’s about writing CV or Resume see our CV Tips.