Electronic Resume Tips

Sending via Email
1. Read the listing carefully to make sure you are responding as requested!
If you email the person who sent the listing, when the job or internship announcement says to email or call or fax someone else, this is a sure way to get labeled as someone who is not careful, doesn't pay attention to detail, and cannot follow directions! The person who receives this errant email is likely to quickly and simply delete your message.

2. ASCII format.
When sending your resume via email, you need to have it in ASCII format. Make sure it doesn't wrap oddly or have unsupported characters (i.e. bullets and others). Best to keep the width to 65 characters wide. To make information stand out, use CAPITAL LETTERS, *surround it with asteriks*, or *+ Add a "+" or "*" before a phrase that would otherwise be bulleted.

3. Send in text of email, not as an attachment.
Recruiters may not take the time to go get your attachment. Also, some systems don't handle attachments well. Lastly, some organizations are refusing to accept attachments because of the danger of viruses.

4. Include a cover letter.
Send cover letter and resume in one file.

5. An objective and highlights of qualifications section on resume can help the reader get the most important information quickly.

6. Use the advertised job title and/or job number as the subject of the email message.

Scanning
1. Send originals on light paper.

2. Use a sans serif font, such as Helvetica or Arial, in point sizes 10-14.

3. Avoid tabs, columns, graphics, shading, script fonts, italics, underlining and bold.

4. Leave out horizontal and vertical lines, parenthesis, and brackets.

5. Use wide margins around the text.

6. Don't fold or staple the resume when mailed.

7. Keep name and address on separate lines.

8. Use keywords. See examples: Resumes & Resume Writing Services.

9. Posting on an internet database Remember that once your resume is posted, it is a public document and out of your control.

Questions that might help you decide if you want to post or not:
1. Who can get access to the database where you are posting and how is that access granted?

2. Will you be notified if your resume is forwarded to an employer?

3. Will you be contacted before your resume is released?

4. If you want to make changes, can you do so without being charged?

5. Will your resume be deleted if you don't update or renew it? (you want this, usually within three months.)

6. What is your goal? You can post your resume, but you need to keep other parts of your job search going strong. It might happen, but don't count on this posting to land you a job!

The Riley Guide
An excellent source of information and resources for using the internet for your job search; includes a great section on resumes.

Resumes & Resume Writing Services
ASCII Resume Tutorial and other very good information about electronic resumes.