Willie Brihow

I have been looking for a job, and found that I really needed to push most of my job applications via the internets. So I wrote this up as a way to help others in the same boat: enjoy!

Many organizations track applicants by electronically scanning resumes into computer databases. Resumes are then retrieved through key word searches when job openings become available. You can call the company’s you plan to send your resume to and find out whether they use computer scanners. Better yet, play it safe and always send both the traditional visually attractive resume and a scan-able computer friendly version.

Tips for creating the scan-able resume:

• Use industry jargon. A computer will target keywords (usually nouns) that are specific to your profession. Repeat these keywords or jargon throughout your resume.

• Use plain, common fonts such as times new roman or arial.

• Use a font size that is large enough to be read accurately by a scanner- recommended sizes: 12 for times new roman (11 minimum) and 11 for arial (10 minimum).

• A small font not only scans poorly, but it does not fax well and is also difficult for people to read.

• Multiple page resumes are OK for scanning purposes.

• Use black ink on white or off – white paper to maximize scan-ability.

• Avoid blue or gray paper – the colors minimize the contrast between the letters in the background.

• Use standard 8 1/2′ x 11″ paper.

• Do not use:

Italics, underlining, graphics, columns, tables, unusual or Ornate fonts, open non solid bullets, four lines of any kind- these all scan poorly.

• Avoid photocopying or faxing your resume -such copies may not scan well. Instead, send original documents by U.S. mail, or e-mail your documents

• Avoid folding your resume since the words in the creases are not likely to be read by a scanner. When sending your resume by U.S. mail, put it unfolded in a large 8 1/2 x 11 envelope.

How can you convert a traditional resume into a scan-able version? Here’s one way

• First create your resume as a Microsoft Word document and save it. Your final name will have the extension .doc

(for example, “Resume.doc”)

• Next, convert your original word file into a plain text version by using the “save as” command and then selecting: “text only” -file extension “.txt” (for example,”resume.txt”)

• You can e-mail both files as attachments and/or copy and paste the files into the body of your e-mail.

• For a polished, professional image, treat both resumes (traditional and scan-able versions) and your cover letter on matching high quality (bond) stationary and send them by U.S. Mail – either as a follow – up to, or instead of, e-mailed

documents.