This document discusses how to write a resume that can be effectively parsed by applicant tracking systems. It recommends using simple fonts, consistent formatting, and explicitly including keywords that match the job description. The keywords section should be at the top of the resume to earn a higher ranking. Formatting tips include using ample spacing, listing contact information and headings in a structured manner, and focusing experience descriptions on accomplishments and results rather than just responsibilities. Tools like RezScore and Resunate can be used to check if a resume is scannable and matches a specific job description.

1. THE SCANNABLE RESUME
How to Beat a Resume Parsing System

2. RÉSUMÉS

3. CHANGES TO THE JOB
APPLICATION PROCESS
 Internet boom inspires HR to use internet
attachments for résumés
 Software was created to help HR and Recruiters
sort through the résumés

4. INTRODUCING THE PARSER
Parser:
 A résumé computer program that removes
styling (bullets, lines, shading, borders, ect.) in
order to break down text on submitted résumés
for relevant information.
 AKA Applicant Tracking System

5. HOW DOES THE PARSER READ MY
RÉSUMÉ?
 The parser assigns values to the contents
of your résumé
 Examples of Categories
 Education-Where you went to school.
 Contact Info.-Are you local?
 Skills- What skills on your résumé are
relevant to the position?
 Work Experience- Does the résumé have the
work experience needed for the job?

6. HOW DOES HR USE THIS INFO.?
 HR personnel uses the information from the
parser to scan candidates with relevant skills
and work experience
 They do a “Google Search” with the parser to
“keyword search” your résumé

7. WHAT’S A “RÉSUMÉ KEYWORD?”
 Keywords are specific words or phrases that job
seekers use to search for jobs and employers use
to find the right candidates.
 Every industry and job posting has phrases,
technology, or certifications specifications.
 Ex. Project Manager, PMP Certificate

8. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
 Your résumé will be scored on its relevancy to
the position
 Relevancy is defined as:
Matching of employer search terms and your
résumé
 If you don’t have the relevant keywords, your
résumé won’t be read by HR

9. HOW TO WRITE A SCANNABLE
RESUME
 Know Your Fonts
 Spacing, Spacing, Spacing
 Contact Information
 Summary of Qualifications/Keywords
 Education & Experience

10. FONTS AND CHARACTERS
Just Say No To:
 Bold, Italicizing, Script, Shading, Graphics,
Shading
Borders & Underlining
 Replace bullets with *(asterisks) or –(hyphens)
 Avoid Slashes
Ex. Design/develop

11. FONTS AND CHARACTERS
 Use 10 – 14 point font
Use Helvetica, Times New Roman, Arial, or
Palatino
Don’t compress lines between characters
Don’tput lines around area codes, use
periods
Ex. 555.555.555

12. LINES AND SETTINGS
 Put a line of space between job descriptions
 Don’t use horizontal or vertical lines.
 Don’t use tables, complex layouts, or columns

13. PERSONAL INFO &
SECTION HEADINGS
 Your name should be the first line of your
résumé on top of the page.
 Ifyour resume has two pages, put your
name and Page Two on the second page.
 Each line of your address should be on a
separate line.
 Category Headings should be listed with
capital letters
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE

14. KEYWORDS AND PLACEMENT
 The keyword section should be on page one to
earn a higher ranking
 Place keywords in the Summary section of your
résumé
 This is a noun-intensive description of your
experience and skills.
Example keywords: manager, managing,
management, BS Computer Science, mainframes,
programming, programmer.
 Use them to describe actions from your job.
Ex. Instructor for Java Script course

15. WHERE TO FIND KEYWORDS
Keyword Sources:
Resume Specific Keywords
http://resumekeywords.org/industry-specific-
resume-keywords/
ONET : http://www.onetonline.org/
Google: www.google.com

16. SAMPLE KEYWORD SUMMARY

17. EXPERIENCE
 Focus on accomplishments that relate to your
goal.
 Don’t list job responsibilities.
 Quantify your results.
Example:
Increased revenues from $300,000 in 2008 to $3.5
million in 2012.

18. EDUCATION-DON’T FORGET TO
LIST…
 Institution type
 Education/degree
 % Marks (GPA Above 3.7)
 Year of passing
 Certifications
 College Name
 College Address
 Highest education
 Languages
 Software Skills (Oracle, Windows)
 Certifications

19. HOW TO CHECK YOUR SCORE
 RezScore is a free parsing site Upload your
resume to find your score.
http://rezscore.com/
*HR likes to see a score of 80% or higher or a “B”
on this rating system

20. COMPARE TO JOB DESCRIPTION
 Compare your resume to a job description here:
Resunate: The Only Smart Online Resume Builder

21. FINAL NOTES
 Smallercompanies don’t use parsers, so
send them a formatted résumé
 Not sure an employer wants a scannable
or formatted résumé?
*Send both and add words “Scannable
Résumé at the bottom
 Useformatted résumés for interviews and
Job Fairs

22. QUESTIONS

23. RESOURCES
 Boston College Career Center
 Carnegie Library Career Center
 Resume Keywords
 ONET
 Resunate
 RezScore