Many corporations and job banks store resumes in large databases. To do this, they use scanners to scan resumes into their computers. Later on, when they need to fill job openings, they simply go through their electronic database and find candidates to fill these posts. Scannable resumes require specific page designs because computer scanners cannot read certain items. Here is a short list of no-no's that might keep your resume from being scanned properly:

• Colored paper
• Font sizes or typeface that is too small (anything below 10 pt.)
• Italics
• Underlining
• Hollow bullets (as opposed to the solid, black bullets that are used in this list)
• Using # for bullets.
• Boxes
• Column designs
• Vertical lines
• Vertical dates (always use horizontal dates: 1957-1959)
  

If you are applying to a job bank or a medium to large-sized corporation or company, you must have a scannable copy of your resume. A scannable resume is an invaluable part of your job searching arsenal because you never know when you'll need one. When applying for work, it's a good idea to phone ahead of time and find out if the company you are applying to scans their resume submissions. 

Professional Resume | Executive Resume | E-Resume

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