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.

• Understanding the Technology
• Keywords
• Your Name
• Address
• Fonts
• Format
• Paper
• Sample Resume