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You knew about website optimisation but did you know that resumes are now being scrutinised by similar technologies? Few people realise that their futures are now being determined not by hands of the employers and HR staff but by machines and modern advances in technology.

With online posting of applications, employers are now turning to technology similar to that used by search engines to assess websites, to cut down on application processing time through scanning your resume for keywords to see if you are a match for their criteria. Keywords are used to identify suitable candidates and some major employers ask for a 95 percent or higher hit rate for a candidate to be given serious consideration. Just like websites, the more keywords or hits, that an OCR scanning program finds, the more likely it is that your resume will be read.

So how does Mr Average Joe keep up? Its hard enough writing a normal resume but now not only is he expected to be aware of the need for keywords, but this technology is also highly sensitive to finicky elements of design within the resume. Use the wrong font, type size or layout and the computer will fail to read your documents and bam - there goes your chances at the role regardless of your level of expertise.

So what are the crucial things to keep in mind when developing a scannable resume?

1. Find out the essential keywords for your industry. Job ads, postings and position descriptions all include valuable information on buzz words and key skills needed in your industry.

2. Ensure your format can be scanned. Use font sizing no less than 10 point and select a clean font such as arial or century schoolbook.

3. Avoid formatting that may throw out scanners such as text boxes, tables, images and columns

4. If you are having your resume developed by a professional be sure to ask for a scannable resume or ascii version.

Finally remember, just like websites, content is still the most important thing so good resume writing principles still apply. Ensure your resume highlights what you offer potential employers through an achievement rich resume. Highlight results rather than duties in your employment section to build accountability into your resume and to show employers what you have done in the past and can offer them in the future.

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