6
In keeping with the bold innovations in telecommunica-
tions, a revolution of monumental proportions is occurring
in the job-search process. While recent developments are
having a profound impact on the way major corporations
first screen applicants for positions, the ripple effects are
being felt not only by prospective employers in small- to
medium-sized organizations but also in the ways in which
individuals prepare information to present themselves as
applicants for positions. The revolution involves comput-
ers, which have now set the standards by which informa-
tion is processed and presented to decision makers.
As you prepare your curriculum vitae and its accom-
panying correspondence, use the samples in Chapters 4
and 5 as guidelines. It is essential that you prepare at
least two copies of your material: one for individuals to
read and one to be scanned by a computer. To determine
whether to send the scannable or nonscannable CV, query
The Electronic
Curriculum Vitae
147
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admissions officers and contacts at employing institu-
tions. Suggestions are also often found in advertisements.
Not surprisingly, the computer drives the new technology,
defines the terms, and sets the structure and guidelines
for the information it will reject. Traditionally, for exam-
ple, hiring professionals expected applicants to use action
verbs to describe what they had done or could do. In the
new mode, individuals are required to use nouns or job
titles, as computers are programmed to scan CVs for cer-

1
1
Adapted from “Preparing the Ideal Scannable Resume.” Resumix
Corporation, 1995.
148 How to Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae
Tips for Producing a Scannable Curriculum Vitae
Produce a letter-quality original.
Use a standard typeface in a font size of 12 to 14 points.
Avoid using italics, underlining, lines, graphics, two-column format, or boxes. Emphasize text
using boldface type or full capitalization.
Use standard spacing; letters should not touch.
Place your name at the top of the first page, followed by your address on the next line.
Include your phone number on a separate line.
Place your name as the first text on each successive page.
Do not fold or staple, and use a manila envelope.
The Electronic Curriculum Vitae 149
The format and design of the following scannable CVs
adhere to guidelines established by Joyce Lain Kennedy
and Thomas J. Morrow in their pioneering publication,
Electronic Resume Revolution.
Sample Scannable
Curricula Vitae
150 How to Prepare Your Curriculum Vitae
MOIRA ELSPETH SOAMES
Big Sky Ranch • Jackson Hole, WY 82072 • 307 765-6029
maisonette theasthai • Savannah, GA 31401 • 912 262-0015
Messages: 912 267-0000
E-Mail:
KEYWORD PROFILE Actress. Toy Designer. Producer. Writer. Cartoonist. Film Maker. Dancer.
Fund-raiser. Suburban Teens. Substance Abuse. Fitness. Dependability. Mature Judgment.

The Electronic Curriculum Vitae 151