Resume & Cover Letter Writing Help
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Let's start at the top of your resume and work our way down to examine the various elements that make a resume scannable. What is the first thing you see on a resume? 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 resume 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 resume:
- 14 POINT NAME
- 18 POINT NAME
- 20 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 resume! Here is a sample of a reverse boxed name:
| David Cook |
Lastly, make certain your name is at the top of each page of your resume. The clerks who scan resumes are often dealing with hundreds of pieces of paper a week - if not every day. It is very easy for the pages of your resume to become separated from each other, especially since it is not a good idea to staple a scannable resume.
From Designing the Perfect Resume, by Pat Criscito.
Copyright 2000. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.
