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Job seekers
often ask me if electronic resumes should be different than traditional paper
versions.
The answer, of course, is yes. And no.
Yes, in terms of formatting. The easiest way to erase all formatting
from your "regular" resume is to copy and paste it into Notepad.
Doing so is akin to removing lipstick and eye shadow with cold cream. The
bolds, italics, larger fonts, underlining, shading and bullets are gone.
You're left with just the facts.
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Don't let that bother you.
When you save this version, it will be as a .txt file, which is readable
across computer platforms. Plus, you can send it in the body of your
emails, as well as copying and pasting it onto websites.
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I do advise putting asterisks where the bullets were, however. That
way, if/when the electronic version is printed out, the individual items
will be set off.
But is that all you have to do to have a viable electronic version of your
resume?
No.
Unless you've already "stacked" your paper resume, that is.
Most HR departments search resumes electronically for key words. Their
queries, however, usually only scan the first 200 words or so of a
resume. If the phrase, buzz word or skill they're looking for is at the
bottom of your resume, chances are you won't get through that first, albeit
impersonal, round of screening.
That's why it's crucial to have a "Skills" section near the top
of your electronic resume. If you do the same for your paper resume, so
much the better; the HR rep. will see your skills set easily that way, as
well.
Put your computer skills, industry-specific skills, etc. in the Skills
section. Put anything that is remotely related to the prospective position
in the skills section.
A word about formatting: some separate skills with "..." and
others with a comma and space. Both are acceptable.
IN THE CARAVAN: Make sure you have a plain text (electronic) version
of your resume to copy onto website forms and send by email.
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bSafari.c
The Lion’s Pride: Resumes
