“Scannable” CV

Preparing a scannable CV is easy. You can use your current cv and include the cv writing tips. However, once you understand what the computer searches for, you may decide to add a few key words to increase your opportunities for matching job requirements or getting hits.

A keyword cv or an electronic cv are two names used for CVs specially designed for this purpose.

Recruiters and managers access the resume database in many ways, searching for your CV specifically or searching for applicants with specific experience. When searching for specific experience, they will search for key words or phrases, usually nouns such as engineer, BA, marketing, Society of ..., Spanish (language fluency), Los Angeles, etc.

So, make sure you describe your experience with concrete words rather then vague descriptions. The computer system will extract the key words from your sentences.

The most difficult cv for the computer to read is a poor quality copy that has an unusual format such as a newsletter layout, adjusted spacing, large font sizes, graphics, lines, type that is too light or paper that is too dark.

Maximizing “Scannability”

Place your name at the top of the page on its own line. Your name should also be the first text on pages two and others.
Use standard address format below your name.
In addition to your e-mail address, include your regular phone number (and fax number, which you should try to arrange to have)
List each phone number on its own line.
Left justify the entire document.
Use black standard typeface such as Serif, SansSerif, Aria, Helvetica, Futura, Optima, Universe, Times, Palatino, New Century, Verdana, Geneva or Courier.
Use a font size of 10 to 14 points. The best size would be 12 points because a human can easily read it too.
Avoid fancy treatments such as bullet points, tables, tabs and hard returns.
Italics, underline, especially if combined, shading, outline and reverses (white letters on black background) cause problems for the scanner.
Avoid fonts where characters touch.
Avoid vertical and horizontal lines. When used, leave at least a quarter of an inch of space around the line.
Avoid two-column format or resumes that look like newspapers or newsletters.
Do not use images or graphics and boxes.
Do not condense or expand the spacing between letters.
Do not double space within sections.
Use boldface and/or ALL CAPITAL LETTERS for emphasis and section headings as long as the letters do not touch each other.
Replace bullets with asterisks (*).
Use plus signs (+) at the beginning of lines or paragraphs.
Use dashes (-) instead of horizontal lines.

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Other “Scannable” CV Info

Now to finalize your job search, if your cover letter and CV are ready, you may email them through our international job search engine to job recruiters and executive headhunters.

In addition, on international job search, international cover letter, international CV and international job interview pages, you will find very useful tips for many different countries.

Good luck with your scannable cv!