Let's
start at the top of your résumé and work our way down to
examine the various elements that make a résumé scannable.
What is the first thing you see on a résumé? The name, of
course. The size and boldness of the type of your name should
be larger than the largest font used in your text, but for a
scannable résumé it should be no larger than 20-point type.
You may use all capital letters, a combination of upper and
lower case, or a combination of capitals with small capitals
(LIKE THIS). Following is an example of a Times Roman Bold
font in a few good point sizes for the name on a scannable résumé:
- 14 POINT NAME
- 18 POINT NAME
- 24 POINT NAME
Avoid
using decorative fonts for either your name or your text.
Using reverse boxes to print white type on a black (or gray
shaded) background is another mistake. Scanners can't read
them and your name will be missing from your résumé! Here is
a sample of a reverse boxed name:
Lastly,
make certain your name is at the top of each page of your résumé.
The clerks who scan résumés are often dealing with hundreds
of pieces of paper a week—if not every day. It is very easy
for the pages of your résumé to become separated from each
other, especially since it is not a good idea to staple a
scannable résumé.
