IT job hunt Scannable Resumes

Many large IT employers now scan resumes into databases using scanning technology. Resumes that match selected keywords can be automatically sorted, ranked, and retrieved from the database. Resumes that do not fit the scan search criteria may "never" be viewed by the prospective employer.

A scannable resume must be compatible with the computer eye and contain the keyword components employers have selected. Relevant keywords can be utilized in many areas on your resume: job title, skills, IT experience, training and higher education. Employers may scan based on the particular skills, experience or education they are searching for. More companies are using this technology to streamline resume reviews, especially high tech companies.

• Visit employer websites to see if the employer prefers, or requires, a scannable resume. If the information is not posted, email or call before preparing and sending in your resume.
• Unless you are applying to a small organization, you can assume most high tech companies will need two resumes, a plain text scannable and one designed for "human" viewing. Your cover letter should indicate that you are providing both formats.

Scanned databases efficiently match the best qualified resumes with job openings. Some systems also rank and score the selected resumes based on their number of desirable key words and phrases. It is critical to use IT terms and technology industry acronyms when submitting resumes to high tech companies, but do not include a section entitled "keywords." The scan search will locate words in all parts of the resume.

• Be very specific. For example, list the names of all programming expertise such as Cobol programmer, Java programmer, ASP programmer, instead of just saying Cobol, Java, ASP.
• When using acronyms also spell them out, for instance use ASP and Active Server Pages.
• Spell check is critical. Misspelled words won't be found in a computer scan keyword search.

Formatting

Convert your resume into an ASCII file, or plain text format with line breaks. This will remove all formatting such as bold, center, and bullets, not very attractive, but this is why you are sending two resume formats.

• Maximum number of characters per line: 65.
• Do not have letters touching. Scan systems have problems reading characters that run together.
• Do not use columns, the system reads text from left to right.
• Round, hollow bullets may be interpreted as the letter O.
• Use space between any slashes. The slash should not touch the letters (Ex: programmer / engineer)
• Print with a laser printer, not a dot matrix or lower quality printer, on white or very light papers. Heavy textured paper may interfere with print clarity.

If given the option of submitting a scannable resume by mail or by email, choose a "plain text" email. Email resumes are an electronic, plain text format that the scannable database systems can easily read with no errors. If you must mail a scannable resume, remember to also include an attractive formatted resume.

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