About:

For:

The E-mail Resume

Many employers are requesting that you e-mail your resume to them. In fact, in many cases, this is the only option. Since there are many different word processing applications and computer platforms, follow these suggestions to ensure your resume is successfully sent.

1. Do not send via an e-mail attachment. Instead, cut and paste your resume directly into the e-mail text.
   
2. Use ASCII text when creating your resume (American Standard Code for Information Interchange). To do this, type your resume using your favorite word-processing application, and then save it as a text only document. Copy and paste your resume directly into the e-mail text.
   
3. Use your spacebar instead of tabs, and align everything to the left. Use hard carriage returns to insert line breaks. Use capital letters to differentiate headings.

The On-Line Resume
Many job web sites (including MonsterTRAK) allow you to submit your resume on-line. Be sure to follow the instructions for drafting and submitting your resume. As a back-up, send a hard copy directly to the employer.

The Electronically-Scanned Resume
Computer technology is changing the job application process in many companies. With new hardware and software development, resumes can now be electronically scanned, pre-screened for job qualifications, and stored for later review by the hiring official. The review process which took recruiters hours of labor, is completed in minutes by the computer.

The computer reads each resume, identifies key words (skills/qualifications), and files it into an appropriate storage area. The employer informs the system what keywords are required for the position, and the system tracks down all resumes which match those keywords. Applicants are ranked by the number of matches to the job skills required.

What does this mean for the new job hunter? You need to know if your resume will be electronically scanned. Sometimes, the company will indicate to submit your resume in scannable format. If you are unsure, you can call the Human Resource department of the hiring company and ask if they electronically scan resumes. You want to be sure your resume contains all the required skills/qualifications since these are the "buzz" words searched for by the software. Use key words, usually nouns, in your resume and incorporate professional jargon. These key words can be found in job postings. Keep a list of these words as you review job postings.

Scanning software and hardware are constantly improving, however, there are still a few glitches in the systems. To ensure your resume may be scanned correctly, follow these rules:

1. Use simple fonts like Helvetica, Times, New Century, Palatino, or Courier.
2. Use a font size of 10 to 14 points. Do not go smaller. (Avoid Times at 10 point)
3. Avoid italic text, script, underlining, graphics, shading, columns, and horizontal/vertical lines.
4. Print on a laser printer and use white or a light-colored paper printed only on one side.
5. Your name should be the first text on your resume and listed on each page.
6. Do not fold or staple your resume.
7. If multiple phone numbers, list each on its own line.
   

The Faxed Resume

1. Print your resume on a laser printer and use white or light-colored paper.
2. Set the fax machine on "fine mode" rather than "standard mode.