Résumés and Modern Technology
Resume Samples (PDF)
Computers frequently replace people in the first round of the résumé review process. Many large corporations now scan résumés (particularly unsolicited résumés) into a centralized database, and categorize the résumé and application according to keywords. Online job boards such as Monster are also likely to use scanning technology to manage the high volume of résumés they receive. Additionally, companies often ask applicants to e-mail their résumés to a designated address, which can create formatting and compatibility issues. Computers read résumés differently than people do, and certain rules need to be heeded if your résumé is to make it past these first stages of review.
Scannable Résumés
The guidelines for résumés that will be scanned into a computer system differ from typical résumé-writing guidelines. Since it is often impossible to know if your résumé will be scanned, you may want to try to incorporate the following guidelines into your standard résumé. If this is impossible, consider contacting the organization to which you are applying and inquire if it scans résumés. Another alternative is to submit two, clearly labeled versions of your résumé (one to be read and one to be scanned).
Keep it Simple
- Use white or light-colored 8.5" x 11" paper, printed on one side only.
- Provide a high quality copy.
- Do not fold or staple your résumé.
- Use standard, non-decorative typefaces.
- Use 10 to 14 point font sizes only.
- Use boldface or all capital letters for section headings only if the letters do not touch each other.
- Avoid decorative treatments such as italics, underline, or shadows.
- Avoid vertical and horizontal lines, graphics, and boxes.
- Avoid two-column format.
- Your name should appear at the top of each page on its own line.
Use Keywords to Facilitate Scanning
- Use nouns and phrases that succinctly detail your skills and competencies.
- Use buzzwords or jargon that pertain to the position or industry (but be sure to use them correctly!)
- Use different forms of your keywords (such as coordination and coordinate) to increase your chances of the computer picking up your keywords and forwarding your résumé to a hiring manager.
- If possible, try to use both complete-word keywords and acronyms (such as both Master of Business Administration and MBA).
- Many recruiters search for résumés using the terms listed in their ads. Look at the ad, as well as major job boards and corporate Web sites to search for keywords associated with the jobs that interest you.
Include a "Skills" Section
- List all skills that you have, separated by commas and periods.
- Nouns should dominate this section.
- List all programs and software you know well, and highlight specific capabilities you have, such as communication skills, organizational skills, or management abilities.
E-mail Résumés
Many companies request that résumés be forwarded electronically rather than by traditional mail service. Although it is generally helpful to follow up an e-mailed résumé with a hard copy, some companies specifically instruct applicants only to e-mail their résumés. Often, however, an e-mailed résumé cannot even be read by an employer due to technical difficulties. If possible, transfer your résumé to a PDF format since most anyone can download Adobe Acrobat Reader free of charge. If you are not able to do this, consider sending an additional version of your résumé in a text-based format:
- Compose your résumé in Word or WordPerfect, using one-inch margins and 12-point Courier font.
- Remove special characters like bullets and graphics.
- Save your résumé as a "text only" file with line breaks.
- Cut and paste this résumé into a text editor, such as SimpleText or Notepad and review it. Remove or replace characters that do not show up properly.
- Cut and paste this résumé into your e-mail program. You may want to send it to yourself first to proofread it.
- If your résumé looks good at this point, cut and paste it into the body of a message to send to your prospective employer.
PDF files require Adobe Reader.