Your Name
by ResumeEdge

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:

David Cook

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.

 From Designing the Perfect Resume,by Pat Criscito.
Copyright 2000.  Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.