Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically selecting the job category or categories within which an applicant should be placed using only the applicant's resume is disclosed. The invention accepts as input a computer-readable version of the applicant's resume. An extractor, using a predetermined list of word patterns, the word patterns having been selected as indicative of skill in different job categories and assigned a weight commensurate with its value as an indicator of skill in a particular job catagory or categories, locates those words and word groups found in the resume that match the patterns. The weights of these words or word groups are then summed for each particular job category and the job category or categories having the highest point totals are selected as the most appropriate areas within the applicant should be placed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which enables a computer to understand and manipulate minimally formatted text of such documents as resumes, purchase order forms, insurance forms, bank statements and similar items is disclosed. The documents are digitized by an optical scanner and translated into ASCII text by an optical character reader. The invention manipulates the digital image of the document to find blocks of contiguous text. After separating the text by block, each block is converted into an ASCII character file. Next, these files are processed by a Grammar, which uses pattern matching techniques and syntax rules to enable the host computer to understand the text. After further manipulation by the invention, the text is either stored or outputted in a form which greatly facilitates its use and readability.