Your Name
by ResumeEdge.com - The Net's Premier Resume Writing and Editing Service

Let's start at the top of your resume and work our way down to examine the various elements that make a resume scannable. What is the first thing you see on a resume? The name, of course. The size and boldness of the type of your name should be larger than the largest font used in your text, but for a scannable resume it should be no larger than 20-point type. You may use all capital letters, a combination of upper and lower case, or a combination of capitals with small capitals (LIKE THIS). Following is an example of a Times Roman Bold font in a few good point sizes for the name on a scannable resume:

• 14 POINT NAME
• 18 POINT NAME
• 24 POINT NAME

Avoid using decorative fonts for either your name or your text. Using reverse boxes to print white type on a black (or gray shaded) background is another mistake. Scanners can't read them and your name will be missing from your resume! Here is a sample of a reverse boxed name:

Lastly, make certain your name is at the top of each page of your resume. The clerks who scan resumes are often dealing with hundreds of pieces of paper a week—if not every day. It is very easy for the pages of your resume to become separated from each other, especially since it is not a good idea to staple a scannable resume.