What Not To Do When Creating Scannable Resumes

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Introduction

In today's fast-paced job market, creating a scannable resume is crucial. Recruiters and hiring managers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan and filter resumes before they even reach human eyes. However, there are certain things you should avoid when creating a scannable resume. In this article, we will discuss what not to do when creating scannable resumes.

1. Avoid Using Fancy Fonts and Formatting

When creating a scannable resume, it's important to keep the formatting simple. Avoid using fancy fonts and formatting, such as italics, bold, or underlining. These can confuse the ATS and cause it to skip over important information. Stick to a basic font, such as Arial or Times New Roman, and use bullet points to organize your information.

2. Don't Use Images or Graphics

Images and graphics may look great on a traditional resume, but they can cause problems for ATS technology. The system cannot read images and will skip over them, potentially missing important information. Stick to using text only in your scannable resume.

3. Avoid Including Irrelevant Information

When creating a scannable resume, it's important to include only relevant information. Recruiters and hiring managers don't have time to read through irrelevant information. Stick to including your work experience, education, and skills that are relevant to the job you're applying for.

4. Don't Use Abbreviations or Acronyms

While abbreviations and acronyms may make your resume shorter, they can also confuse the ATS. Avoid using them unless they are commonly used in your industry. Spell out any abbreviations or acronyms that you do use to ensure that the ATS can read them.

5. Avoid Using Tables or Columns

Tables and columns may make your resume look organized, but they can cause problems for ATS technology. The system may not be able to read the information in the table or column, causing it to skip over important information. Stick to a simple, linear format for your scannable resume.

6. Don't Use Headers or Footers

Headers and footers can cause problems for ATS technology. The system may not be able to read the information in the header or footer, causing it to skip over important information. Stick to including all relevant information within the body of your scannable resume.

7. Avoid Using Uncommon Keywords

When creating a scannable resume, it's important to include keywords that are relevant to the job you're applying for. However, avoid using uncommon or obscure keywords that may not be recognized by the ATS. Stick to using commonly used keywords to ensure that your resume is read by the system.

8. Don't Use PDF Format

While PDF format may look professional, it can cause problems for ATS technology. The system may not be able to read the information in the PDF, causing it to skip over important information. Stick to using a simple Word document for your scannable resume.

9. Avoid Using Fancy Titles

When creating a scannable resume, it's important to stick to basic job titles. Avoid using fancy or creative titles, such as "Marketing Guru" or "Social Media Ninja." Stick to using traditional job titles, such as "Marketing Manager" or "Social Media Coordinator."

10. Don't Use Personal Pronouns

When creating a scannable resume, it's important to stick to using third-person language. Avoid using personal pronouns, such as "I" or "me." Stick to using phrases such as "Managed a team of 10" instead of "I managed a team of 10."

Conclusion

In conclusion, creating a scannable resume is crucial in today's job market. However, there are certain things you should avoid when creating one. By avoiding fancy fonts and formatting, irrelevant information, abbreviations and acronyms, tables and columns, headers and footers, uncommon keywords, PDF format, fancy titles, and personal pronouns, you can ensure that your scannable resume is read by ATS technology and makes it to human eyes.