At Lands' End, all resumes are scanned and entered into a database, where they are reviewed. To ensure that your resume is scannable, please keep the following information in mind.

Format

To maximize the computer's ability to read your resume, submit the cleanest possible original and use a standard resume format. This is not the time to get creative or fancy with your resume. But, you may say, I want my resume to stand out, or, I'm in a creative field and I don't want to appear bland. In that case, send in a standard resume for scanning purposes and then create another resume with a more creative layout to be given out at a career fair (along with the scannable one) and/or in an interview. Use standard, easy-to-read fonts - Helvetica, Arial, Times. Use a font size between 10-14 points. Avoid script, italic and underlined text. Bold is usually okay. Avoid graphics or shading. Spell out ampersands (&) and percentage (%) signs, as scanners have difficulty interpreting them. Horizontal and vertical lines should be used sparingly. Use light-colored, standard size (8 1/2" x 11") paper. Use high-quality paper and a good printer. Use white, eggshell, beige or light gray paper. Avoid recycled "grainy" paper. Place your name at the top of each page. Don't fold your resume - send it in a flat envelope. Avoid using staples. Save your resume in a rich text file (RTF) format. This is readable by nearly all word processors.

Content

Use common resume headings such as Objective, Experience, Employment, Work History, Skills, Accomplishments, Education, Professional Affiliations, etc. Use nouns vs. verbs. Resume tracking systems look for nouns (key words) vs. action verbs. The computer will search for key words in your resume, so you will want to be sure to include those, as it increases your opportunities for a match. How do you know what key words to include? Here's a few tips: Look at the job posting and notice the words used to describe the duties and requirements of the position. Talk to people in the field. What are some of the industry "buzz" words? Meet with someone in human resources to find out what they look for in a resume. If you're in college, go to your career services office and ask them what employers are looking for.

Tried-and-true resume tips

Always use spellcheck Use the recruitment contact's name. If it's not given, either skip the salutation or address it "To Whom it May Concern" - never include a gender reference if you do not have the person's name.

Tried-and-true resume tips for students

Refer to the two items listed above and then keep the following in mind: Include an objective. It should include key words. Education - include major, minor, month and year of graduation and GPA, but only if 3.0 or higher (this is the general rule). Work experience - include internships and part-time jobs (within reason). If lacking relevant work experience, include information about class projects that would relate to the position you are applying for. Include extracurricular involvement, keeping in mind these tips: -Identify the skills and experiences you will need in your target field and look for organizations on campus where you will get these; -Hold an officer position within the organization or head up various committees within the organization; -Have a variety of extracurricular experiences - it demonstrates your ability to work with a range of people; and -Be involved throughout your college career, not just your final year in school. List specific skills related to your career goals - computer skills, international experiences, etc. Do not list your classes. You can list them on a separate sheet of paper, along with a brief description if the course title doesn't adequately explain them. Give this to the interviewer only if asked. Keep your resume to one page. While you've probably had a number of great experiences in college, you haven't had enough yet to warrant more than a one-page resume.