For the best results, resumes used for such scanning need to be set up differently than the traditional resume. To make your resume scannable, you should be aware of the following format and content factors:

Use a standard format, avoiding decorations and horizontal and vertical lines. Type your resume in a large font size, 11-14 points. Emphasize different sections with boldface and/or capital letters. Print your resume on 81/2 x 11-inch plain white bond paper. Don't fold or staple the resume.

Use certain key words that define the requisites of a certain job. For instance, key word for an English major might be "Editor" or "Technical Writer," etc.

For an economics major, it might be "Statistical Analyst" or "Financial Analyst." For an accounting major, it might be "Accounts Receivable" or "Accounts Payable," etc.

Use words that describe experiences which are more likely to be recognized and scanned by the computer, and avoid action verbs. Use key words that precisely describe your experience, and avoid descriptions which are too general. Furthermore, it is also important to indicate the names of organizations you worked for or are affiliated with, job titles, language skills, credentials such as degrees, membership in well-known or recognizable associations, etc.