What is an Electronic Resume?

This resume format allows you to make your information electronically friendly! There are two basic versions of the Electronic Resume:

Plain Text or Rich Text Format: This version will allow you to insert your resume into an e-mail or to cut and paste it into on-line application forms.

Scannable: Employers are using the Electronic Resume format to select prospective candidates through a process that involves scanning all resumes submitted into a resume management system database. They will then run a search of all resumes that use keywords that are related to the position they are recruiting for.

Preparing Your Electronic Resume

In creating your Electronic Resume, you are not developing a different resume. All your information will basically stay the same. What you are doing is changing the format.

You must ensure that your resume will be recognized through the scanning process. To increase you chances for success, consider the following suggestions:

  • Use keywords that highlight specific skills, abilities and qualifications (a well-written, well-prepared resume will already contain many of the necessary keywords!)
  • Alter your margins, use a maximum of 65 characters per line
  • Use a basic font and font size ranging from 10-14 points
  • Do not use underlining, italics, script or graphics
  • Avoid using columns or charts
  • Always list your name at the top, followed by your contact information on a separate line
  • Place your name at the top of subsequent pages
  • Leave sufficient spacing (avoid crowding information, the characters may run together when scanned)
  • Use white paper
  • Send an original ink jet or laser copy of your resume rather that a photocopy or faxed version whenever possible
  • Do not fold or staple your resume, use paperclips instead

REMEMBER:

  • Before you send out your Electronic Resume try e-mailing it to a friend to see how it looks! You want to make sure that the format remains the same once sent electronically.
  • Be sure to save your resume in a format that can be read by all word processing programs as not all companies have the same software that you do.

Posted By:
Amanda Wilson

Amanda is the Office Administrator at the Levert Personnel Resources North Bay Branch located at 44B Venture Crescent in North Bay, Ontario. Canada. She can be reached via email at awilson@levert.ca or Toll Free 1-800-461-5934 or visit www.levert.ca and start your job search now.