Scannable Resume

What Does Scannable Resume Mean?

A scannable resume is a resume which allows a computer reader to search it optically in hard copy, for the purposes of compiling resume information in a database. These types of resumes were popular when companies took paper documents and scanned them for employment information, for the purposes of recruiting.

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Techopedia Explains Scannable Resume

A scannable resume has various attributes, and there are definite principles behind creating one of these resume documents. Experts might urge job searchers to include a keyword section or to stuff a resume with specific keywords. Another tip is to avoid changing formats and to limit complex text modules that could confuse a computer scanner. For example, it is suggested that writers avoid using a lot of bullet points and other visual cues that might make it more difficult for the computer to read the resume. It is interesting to note that the rules for a scannable resume often go against the rules for a resume that would be read by a human being.

Many job experts now contend that scannable resumes are somewhat obsolete, partially because of the popularity of the submitting employment information digitally or online.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…