The Brave New World of Electronic Resumes

The key to creating a scannable resume is to make sure that it is readable by both
employers and computers. Because these resumes are usually scanned into a company’s
human resources database, some special rules apply.

1. Print your resume on scannable high-quality laser-resolution paper.
2. Do not use colored paper or ink.
3. Send an original document rather than a photocopy.
4. Your name should appear on the first line of your resume with your address, phone
number, e-mail address, and fax number beneath your name.
5. Your resume should include text only. Eliminate all bullets, underlining, graphics,
italics, and boldface.
6. Keep the formatting simple. Use standard paragraphs, traditional fonts (Arial,
Times, or Helvetica), and 10- to 14-point font size.
7. Make sure that you number the pages and put your name at the top of every page.
8. Don’t use headers or footers.
9. Distinguish section headings by using capital letters.
10. Use an outline format (rather than bullet points) for your job responsibilities and
accomplishments.
11. Use job-specific keywords. Industry terms, jargon, buzzwords, and hard skills will
also pass the computer scan test for relevance. You can also include job titles,
departments, key functions, technical skills, degrees, and other relevant information.
12. To adapt your current resume into a scanner-friendly resume, eliminate all the formatting
and add a keywords section at the bottom of your resume.