First, you must minimize the chances for the scanner to make a mistake and you must maximize the chances for it to recognize a match between your experience and the skills and qualifications the computer is looking for. Follow these guidelines for preparing an electronic resume. Use white or light-colored paper of standard letter size, printed with black ink. A laser-printed copy is best. Print on one side of the paper only.
High contrast helps the scanner avoid mistakes.
Don't fold or staple your resume. The scanning device may not be able to correctly recognize characters on the folded line or may mistake the staple holes for characters. Avoid faxing your resume. Scanners cannot read faxed text as accurately as a clean original. These treatments are easily misunderstood by a scanner.