The rules have changed for the document that sells YOU on the Internet!
The standard resume style that worked so well in the paper and pen world just isn’t good enough for today’s web-based job market.
Employers seeking applicants are relying more on computers to sort, categorize, and narrow their search. In order to capitalize on these changes, rework your old resume to reflect the expectations of this technology.
First, let’s consider just how an employer will find you among the field of qualified applicants.
USE KEYWORDS TO GET NOTICED
If an employer is searching a database, they’ll most likely use keywords to narrow down the field. Keywords are primarily nouns, not verbs. Computers that scan resumes into a database use these keywords for sorting and categorizing.
For instance, let’s say that one of your accomplishments is “implemented inventory tracking and improved loss control procedures.” By thinking in terms of keywords, nouns and noun phrases can extend your resume’s life in a database and bring more hits from a search. Examples of keywords might be Inventory Management, Systems Analyst, or Total Quality Management.
DESIGNING YOUR RESUME
Your electronic resume should have the following characteristics:
1. Use standard fonts such as Helvetica, Times, or Courier. Keep font size between 10 to 14 point (avoid 10 point times). Keep 1/4″ between lines and do not condense letter spacing.
2. Do not use underlines, italics, colors, or other text enhancing styles (exception is bolding/capitalization as noted in #3).
3. Bold or capitalize section headings.
3. Use a single column format. Do not use borders, lines, indents, or centering.
4. Place your name at the top of the page on its own line.
5. Place your address below your name in standard 3 line format. List phone numbers individually on their own lines.
6. Save and Submit your online resume using ASCII text.
SAMPLE OUTLINE OF AN ELECTRONIC RESUME
NAME
Address Line 1
Address Line 2
Address Line 3
Phone #
Fax #
OBJECTIVE:
Text here.
EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:
Most recent employment here.
Next line here.
EDUCATION:
Text here.
SKILLS:
Keywords here.
MAKE YOUR RESUME STAND OUT!
There is nothing I hate more than wading through a resume searching for a person’s familiarity with specific programs or applications.
If I can’t get through to the meat of the resume in under 10 seconds, my eyes glaze over and I automatically go on to the next resume. So make it easy for an employer to see that you’ve got experience with Excel, LAN, C++, or whatever your skills may be.
An innovative way to do this is by placing your keywords in a SKILLS or AREAS OF EXPERTISE section at the top of the page. Who says your resume has follow the same cloned format everyone else uses?
Why not? It’s a new era!
Brett Krkosska provides how-to advice on family and home-based work issues. Get start-up guidance, business ideas and inspiration at http://www.HomeBizTools.com. Become a subscriber for a fresh and original perspective on today’s business issues: enews@homebiztools.com
