**Crafting a Winning Resume Submission**

By Jobtransparency Blog
Published on September 30, 2024
Navigating the Digital Job Market: A Guide to Crafting Scannable Resumes
In today's digital age, having a well-crafted resume is crucial for standing out in a crowded job market. But did you know that your resume needs to be optimized for electronic scanning and storage? To increase your chances of getting noticed, it's essential to create a scannable resume that can be accurately read and stored in various systems.
Here are some expert tips to help you create a scannable resume:
- Print your resume on white or light-colored paper to ensure optimal scanning quality.
- Stick to standard 8 1/2 x 11 paper and avoid using folder-style or 11 x 17 paper.
- Send your resume flat in a large envelope, unfolded and unstapled.
- Choose a standard sans-serif font like Helvetica or Arial, and use a font size between 10 and 14 points.
- Place your name at the top of the page, followed by your contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, each on a separate line.
- Use boldface and capital letters to highlight important sections, but avoid touching letters.
- Refrain from using underlines, vertical lines, boxes, or graphics, as they can interfere with scanning software.
- Bullets are acceptable, but use them sparingly to avoid clutter.
- Always send crisp, original copies of your resume, as photocopies and faxes may not scan well.
- If an employer provides specific formatting instructions, be sure to follow them.
When sending your resume electronically, remember to name the attached file with your name, such as "johndoe.doc". Developing a system to organize and track your resumes will save you time and hassle in the long run.
In today's digital landscape, it's more important than ever to have a guide to help you navigate the job market. By following these expert tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a scannable resume that gets noticed.