The Internet has changed the job search forever. Internet job boards allow applicants to get their resumes into the hands of decision makers almost instantly. Most large companies scan, store, and sort resumes electronically. Here are strategies for creating an Internet-friendly resume that makes it through the searching and cutting phases.
Adding Keywords
How can you increase the chances of your resume being noticed by a hiring manager or recruiter? Be sure it contains appropriate keywords that will increase the amount of "hits" it receives during an electronic search.
Here are some tips for creating a winning resume:
- Read the job description to determine which keywords to include. Use the same keywords consistently throughout your resume.
- Include keyword search phrases that link to job responsibilities such as "cash management," "internal audit" and "SEC reporting."
- List specific software applications you are familiar with to increase the number of "hits."
Formatting for Uploading and Scanning
When submitting your resume to a potential employer, it's absolutely critical to save it in a format that can be easily read by the company's computer system. If possible, enclose your resume as text within your e-mail message and include the title of the position you seek in the subject line.
Here are some other ways to increase the chances of your resume being received and reviewed successfully.
Preparing an ASCII Version
- Use plain text with no formatting.
- Avoid using bullets, underlines, bold or italics [Suitable ASCII characters would be dashes (-), asterisks (*) and arrows (>)].
- Convert the text to 10-point Courier or other fixed-width font.
- Set the page width to 4-3/4" by setting the left margin to 1-1/2" and the right margin to 2-1/4".
- Limit line lengths to 80 characters or less.
Preparing an RTF Version
- Contact recipients to find out which word processing software they use, then send your resume in the same program if possible. When in doubt, send an ASCII file.
- Formats such as bold and bullets will be saved in an RTF file.
Preparing a Scannable Version
- Mail an original copy without folds or staples. A faxed resume may not scan.
- Left justify the entire document.
- Avoid graphics, italics, underlines, bold and shading.
- Avoid parentheses, brackets, horizontal or vertical lines, which will not scan properly.
- Do not use compressed lines of print.
- Use a sans serif font in size 10-14 point.