Understand from the beginning that only a few resumes are snail mailed and reviewed by the employer for only a few seconds. A major disadvantage of scannable resumes is they are generally sorted, distributed and managed by computers. When you send a scannable resume to an employer via a fax machine or email, you can assume that it is going to be scanned. After scanning, it is stored in a database whereby your resume can be easily accessible via keyword searches. This is a disadvantage of not having your resume handled by an employer. Scannable resumes eliminate the employer "feeling" your resume. They cannot sense the resume in its tangible form. Some of the feeling can be lost in your meanings and intentions.

One of the major advantages of the scannable resume is that it is electronically stored. It can then be accessed by human resources personnel via keyword searches. Before you shake your head and are little bit confused, let me clarify this issue of advantage/disadvantage. Didn't I just say that the major disadvantage and advantage is the same? Yes you are correct. In stating a disadvantage it can be construed that your resume has now become very impersonal. At the same time it can be a great "magnet" for all searches performed by your future employer. So please understand that the sword cuts both ways. Yes it can be very impersonal, but at the same time a major marketing tool attaining the most "hits".

One of the main focal points of your scannable resume is the new format in which it is to be constructed. Research plays an invaluable part in the construction of any resume. You must research and ascertain company goals that your position can achieve. You want to insure that you have researched the prospective company, understand their industry and their competitors.

The key is to design the format in such a way that it leads the employer's eye to words that speak to his/her needs. Obviously then, effective resumes are developed by individuals who have thoroughly researched the organizations they want to work for, have identified the specific job they want, and have figured out what they have to offer.

Understand from the beginning the reason for scannable resumes is that most employers received quite a few resumes. To handle this onslaught of resumes and to insure they do not lose any quality candidates, the need for the scannable resume was born. Employers started to use fax machines initially that would send the scanned resume to the input file. Your resume is entered into an electronic database via an optical scanner. This file was added the master resume file. When the need arose for new position, the employer would perform a search via various keywords. This keyword search would bring up all the resumes that included these words with a "hit". This was an accurate and easy way to sort the quality resumes from the quantity of resumes.

Each year more and more employers incorporate this technique in selecting quality interview candidates. Make sure that you understand the terminology, skills and qualifications needed for your desired position. Revise all titles and action terms to reflect the terms of the job description. You must be able to show that you know the jargon of the company. Review the job description carefully to make sure that these terms are entered into your cover letter and your resume. Once again they act as magnets to grab the attention of the employer.

Guidelines for scannable resumes:

Fonts and typesets: Keep with the simple fonts first. Serif and then Arial work best. Stay away from the fancy fonts that can be misinterpreted by the scanner. Keep the size of your font within the 10-12 point range.

"Special effects" such as Italics and underlining should be avoided. Horizontal and vertical lines can also produce a speed bump whereby the scanner can literally jump a few lines. Graphics should be avoided. Be aware of your spacing and try to eliminate double spacing.

The quality of your paper is very important. Most think that only the quality of paper should be considered if your are snail mailing. The scanner is very fickle. Make sure are that your original is plain and clear of any blemishes. Those blemishes can be considered as part of your text. One of the best techniques that we can suggest to make sure that you use a fax software programs that will eliminate this need for paper. This will insure you fax will be received in a cleaner version that utilizing a fax machine. If you're using a fax machine make sure your paper is white, 8.5" x 11" format, flat without wrinkles and tears.

You can use your original resume as the basic template for your scannable version. For more details about constructing your resume, please review our article on "Constructing your Resume". The best results for any type of resume is to version your resume each time you fax or mail. Resumes, no matter what the format, should be focused on what the job is and why you are the best candidate. Focus on the benefits for the company and not necessary only your features. Employers want to know how can you best help them versus how wonderful you are.

Hebrews 3:5
Moses was certainly faithful in God's house, but only as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later.

Philemon 1:6
You are generous because of your faith. And I am praying that you will really put your generosity to work, for in so doing you will come to an understanding of all the good things we can do for Christ.

2 Timothy 4:3
But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at bringing others to Christ. Complete the ministry God has given you.

Insights:

God is looking for people today to follow him. We are to proclaim God's truth and love to all nations, not just our own. We must be faithful to carry out the mission God has given us. Jesus is Messiah, the promised "great deliverer" of Israel. Unlike Zechariah's listeners, we can look back at Christ's ministry and mission. How will others look back at your "mission"?

Paul and Timothy were active in preaching and teaching the Good News about Jesus Christ. Paul encouraged Timothy not only to carry the torch of truth but also to train others, passing on to them sound doctrine and enthusiasm for Christ's mission. Be sure to train others to continue on with your mission that Christ has blessed you whereby that blessing can be passed on to others.

May God bless you in your job search.

By: Jeff Farmer, CCC
©Christian Employment Resource, 2000