Machine readable CV

When employers issue a job vacancy they get hundreds of CVs in return. Processing each one of them manually is a very expensive task. Most employers scan the CVs to insert them into a database. This database is then scanned for the most suitable candidates. This is called the "short listing phase". If your CV is machine readable there is a better chance that your CV is inserted and reviewed correctly.

Some CV tips to make your CV more scanable:

• Use common fonts such as Times, Helvicta etc.
• Font size should be between 10 and 14 points.
• Line spacing should be set at 1.5.
• Use capital letters for section headers.
• Avoid fancy styles such as any word art or italics.
• Graphics and other non standard text should be avoided.
• Write your CV in one column format (not in newspaper style).
• List phone numbers on different lines.
• Use A4 paper.
• Use white paper.
• Print on only one side of the paper.
• Avoid dot matrix printouts.
• Avoid low quality photocopies.
• Use laser printed originals where possible.
• Avoid staples and folding.