Resumes - Human Or Computer, Who Or What Reads Them?

Why spend the time writing a resume if it isn't goingor a human to read. It will also work for on-line
to get to a Hiring Manager? And it won't if theelectronic posting.
computer doesn't pick you. How can you make sureTactic two is content. Make sure your resume has
it screens you to the next step of the job searchthe words the computer is looking for.
process - an interview with someone who can offerWhen a job opening occurs a job requisition is
you a job?created by a Hiring Manager. The requisition includes
At large companies, government and militarythe job title, key job functions, knowledge, skill and
agencies, and large recruiting firms most unsolicitedability requirements for the job, and required
resumes are never seen by human eyes. They arecertifications. The requisition is then sent to the
received and immediately scanned into a computer.computer.
Now here's the trick; you have to write your resumeThe computer then searches the data base for
to catch the attention of the computer scanningresumes with the same words in the job requisition.
software first. But from there forward it needs to beWhen you can, do research on the job opening
written for a person to understand it. Be sure youbefore you send your resume. Use the job posting or
keep that in mind as you edit for the computer.requisition as your guide to specific keywords that
A Hiring Manager still makes the final review. Theythe computer will be seeking. Use as many keywords
also have the power to make the offer.as you can. Be sure your resume is still accurate
Two key tacticshowever.
Tactic one is visual. Make sure your resume isWhen you can, edit your resume to use the exact
uncluttered and easy to read.a. Use a standard layoutwords in a job posting or requisition. When you can
- Personal contact information at the topaccurately use the vocabulary of the company - do
- Career objective and summary statementsso.
- Professional experience and job historyFor example:a. Team member vs. employeeb. Team
- Educationleader vs. managerc. Human resources vs. personneld.
- Certifications, etc.b. Use a simple font like Arial,Information management vs. computer systemse.
Candara, Tahoma, or Courier Newc. Use at least anProperty vs. hotelf. Store vs. restaurantg. Wage
11 or 12 font size - no smallerd. Justify the documentemployee vs. front line employee
to the lefte. Adjust margins to 1" on the top,The computer system only eliminates humans at the
bottom, and leftf. Adjust right margins to 1 ½"g.first screening. Once a resume is flagged for review,
Use hyphens in your phone numberh. Delete anyan actual person will review it before an interview is
formatting linesi. Use a + and a space instead ofgranted. Once your resume is selected by the
bulletscomputer you are back in human hands.
This will make your resume easy for the computer