Like it or not, technology is here to stay, especially when it comes to the hiring process. Welcome to the computerized workplace. Is your resume ready?

In order to be competitive in today’s job market, it is essential that your resume be designed in a scannable format. More and more companies are using some type of database technology to streamline the hiring process. You can be certain that your resume will be scanned into a computer database at some point in your job search process. The question is: Will it grab the attention of the hiring manager immediately? Or, will it be put aside to decipher later with the other resumes that didn’t translate so well?

There are a few things you can do to make your resume scannable:

• Use plain serif or san serif fonts of at least 10 point. Avoid decorative fonts as it will confuse the optical character recognition software. Stay away from italics and underlining if possible since many Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software programs can make mistakes converting them.
• Print your resume on light colored, quality resume paper using a laser printer. White, grey, or cream colored paper works best. The crisp type of a laser printer will result in a cleaner scan of your resume. Always send an original, never a copy, and print on one side of the paper only.
• Avoid tables and columns as well as horizontal and vertical lines and graphics. Again, OCR software cannot translate these features.
• Avoid stapling or folding your resume. Creases and other damage will not allow your resume to scan properly.

Finally, your resume needs to be a concise snapshot of who you are professionally by calling attention to your achievements and responsibilities as well as how you will contribute to future company. By highlighting these and designing your resume in a scannable format, you increase the chances of your resume being noticed quickly in the screening process.

As a nationally Credentialed Career Manager, Coach Kevin Tucker has been partnering with individuals like you for the last 25 years. Through the military, as a minister, a human resources executive, and finally as a career and life transition coach; he has continually been able to help motivated individuals find their calling in life! Check out more at www.CCubedCareer.com.

Technorati Tags: career coaching, job search, kevin tucker, resume writing