The purpose of a text-based or scannable resume is the same as that of a traditional
resume -- to help you find a job! But, the design and format
of a text resume is quite different than a traditional resume --
and it's vital for job-seekers to know how to prepare a text resume.
This guide takes you through the steps of developing a text
resume and ends with a comparison of a traditional resume and the
resulting scannable (and email-enabled) version of that same resume.
Remember that a resume summarizes your accomplishments, your
education, and your work experience, and should reflect
your strengths; however, a text resume should not have any
of the formating that is often done in traditional resumes.
Many companies, especially high-tech companies, use databases
to quickly and efficiently match job openings with
qualified job-seekers. Searches are done using keywords and phrases
that describe the skills and education required for the position, thus
when writing a text resume it is extremely important to use
terms and familiar industry acronyms (jargon) that describe your skills and
experience.
Finally, keep in mind that a text resume has the same major headings
as a traditional resume: a header that includes your name, address, and
phone number; qualifications summary or job objective; work experience;
education, including your degree(s), honors, and activities; and any
specialized training and certifications. Use a traditional format;
do not use multiple columns.
With all this background in mind, here are the main guidelines to writing a
text resume.
First, the format:
Use one of the standard serif or sans serif typefaces, such as
Courier, Times, Helvetica, Futura, Arial, Optima, Palatino, Univers.
Avoid using decorative fonts.
Use a normal type size, usually in the range of 11 to 14 points.
Maximum number of characters per line is 65 (partly dependent on type size).
Avoid any kinds of graphics or shading.
Keep formatting simple. Use all caps for major headings, but
avoid bolding, italizing, and underlining.
Do not use bullets or lines.
Left justify text.
If your resume is more than one page, place your name at the top of
each additional page.
Print your resume on a high quality laser printer or inkjet. Do not
use a dot matrix or low quality printer.
Use only white or a very pale color paper -- in standard letter size (8 1/2 x 11).
Always send original copies.
Try to mail or deliver your resume in a flat envelop or by fax. Do
not staple multiple page resumes.
And now to the content:
Include your major and minor, as well as your college degree(s).
Include key skills and certifications, using industry standards to
identify each.
Use industry or job-specific keywords that employers might use to
find candidates for the job you are seeking.
While action verbs are still important, you need to add key phrases
and nouns that could be used as search terms by your potential employer.
Examples of phrases include "under budget,"
"surpassed goals," and "successfully developed." Examples of nouns
include "HTML programming," "results oriented," "professional selling," "account manager,"
"marketing research," "strategic planning," and
"certified public accountant (CPA)."
After your objective, you might consider adding a "summary of
accomplishments" section that focuses on results you achieved in your
field rather than specific duties and responsibilities. A "Key Skills"
section is also an option. The idea behind this section is to allow you to use
more of the words, phrases, and jargon that resumes may be searched with by the
potential employer.
Use common abbreviations (such as BS for a bachelor of science degree)
and maximize use of industry jargon (such as CAD for computer-assisted design),
but when in doubt, it is best to use both abbreviations and write it out.
Ready to see a comparison between a traditional (though Web-based) resume and the
resulting text/scannable resume?
Many companies list the specific guidelines for submitting text-based resumes on
their Websites, so once you've developed your basic scannable resume, you should
check each potential employer's Website. For example, here are the
guidelines from
Johnson & Johnson.
For other Web-based resources on scannable resumes -- and resume-writing in general, visit our large collection of
Resume Resources.
Questions about some of the terminology used in this article? Get more information (definitions and links) on key college, career, and job-search
terms by going to our Job-Seeker's Glossary of Job-Hunting Terms.
Dr. Randall S. Hansen is founder of Quintessential Careers,
one of the oldest and most comprehensive career development sites on the Web, as well CEO of
EmpoweringSites.com. He is also founder of
MyCollegeSuccessStory.com and
EnhanceMyVocabulary.com. He is publisher of
Quintessential Careers Press,
including the Quintessential Careers electronic newsletter,
QuintZine. Dr. Hansen is also a
published author, with several books, chapters in books, and hundreds of articles. He's often
quoted in the media and conducts empowering workshops around the country. Finally, Dr. Hansen is
also an educator, having taught at the college level for more than 15 years. Visit his
personal Website or
reach him by email at randall(at)quintcareers.com.
