By using the latest in document imaging technology, your resume can be scanned into a computer system and kept "active" for years. The computer can search for just about anything in your resume. You could be qualified and considered for jobs you never thought of. The computer can make it easier for you to be considered for more jobs, and it keeps your resume on file so it's quicker to update your information.

Here's how it works. Your resume is "imported" into the computer when it is received via email (either as text or an attachment). This is the most efficient manner to send your information. Or, if you mail a printed copy, your resume is scanned into the computer as an image. Then OCR (optical character recognition) software looks at the image to distinguish every letter and number (character) and creates a text file (ASCII). Then software intelligence reads the text and extracts important information about you such as your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, work history, education, and skills.

Why is it important for you to know this? When you prepare a resume for the computer to read, you want it to be "scannable". A scannable resume is "clean" so that the scanner can get a crisp image. A scannable resume should use standard fonts so the OCR can recognize every letter. And a scannable resume has plenty of facts for the software intelligence to extract - the more skills and facts you provide, the more opportunities you'll have for your skills to match available positions.

Style

The computer can extract skills from many styles of resumes such as chronological (list and describe up to 6 jobs in order by date), achievement (describe achievements rather than job titles), functional (organize by skills vs. job titles), and combinations of resume types.

The most difficult resume for the computer to read is poor quality copy or that has an unusual layout such as a newsletter layout, adjusted spacing, large font, italics, graphics, lines, bullet points, type that is too light or paper that is too dark.

Tips for Maximizing "Scannability"

• Use a font size of 12 to 14 points.
  
• Don't condense spacing between letters.
• Use boldface and/or all capital letters for section headings as long as the letters don't touch
  
• Avoid fancy treatments: italics, underline, shadows, and white letters on black background.
  
• Avoid vertical and horizontal lines, graphics, and boxes.
  
• Avoid two-column format or resumes that looks like newspapers or newsletters.
  
• Place your name at the top of the page on its own line (and the first text on pages 2 and 3).
  
• Use standard address format below your name.
  
• List each phone number on it's own line.
  
• List e-mail address as the last line in the contact information.
  

Content

You can use your current resume; however, once you understand what the computer searches for, you may decide to add a few key words to increase your opportunities for matching requirements or getting "hits".

Recruiters access the resume database in many ways, search for your resume specifically or search for applicants with specific experience. When searching for specific experience, they'll search for key words, such as: transportation, warehousing, software engineer, industrial engineer, etc. So, make sure you describe your experience with concrete words rather than vague descriptions.

Tips for Maximizing Content "Hits"

• Use key words to define your skills, experience, education, and professional affiliations.
  
• Describe your experience with concrete words rather than vague descriptions. For example, it's better to use "managed a team of software engineers" rather than "responsible for managing, training..." Be concise and truthful.
• Use more than one page if necessary. The computer can easily handle multiple-page resumes, and it uses all of the information it extracts from your resume to determine if your skills match available positions. It allows you to provide more information than you would for a human reader.
  
• Use jargon and acronyms specific to your industry (spell out the acronyms for human readers).
  
• Increase your list of key words by including specifics; for example, list the names of software you use such as Microsoft Word and Lotus 1-2-3.
  
• Use common headings such as: Objective, Experience, Employment, Work History, Positions Held, Skills, Summary, Summary of Qualifications, Accomplishments, Strengths, Education, Affiliations, Professional Affiliations, Licenses, Certifications, Honors, Personal, Additional, Miscellaneous, References, etc.
  
• State your accomplishments using dollar or percent improvements whenever possible. For instance: " Increased sales 27% in the first year " or " reduced expenses by $120,000 ".