Boston.com THIS STORY HAS BEEN FORMATTED FOR EASY PRINTING

How to beat the machine

Objective: To bypass applicant-screening software and have human eyes actually read your resume.

Keep it plain: As in plain text. Resumes can become gobbledygook during electronic transfers. Convert it first into ASCII text before pasting into an e-mail or Web form.

Keywords are key: Research the common terms and titles, acronyms, and necessary credentials of your industry and include them on your application.

Hit refresh: Update your resume regularly, which could help push it to the top of the pile on online job boards.

Proof the proof: Do not rely on your computer spellchecker. Print out a copy of your resume and other submissions and proof your spelling. 

© Copyright The New York Times Company