Electronic Resumes
Preparing a resume for use in computer assisted job search.
Scannable
Resumes
 
Traditional resumes focused on visual aesthetics -- and content set off by action verbs -- to grab a human's attention.  Today, the focus is on grabbing a computer's attention, so the successful electronic resume is
  • Scannable:  formatted for easy and accurate comuter scanning,
  • Searchable:  containing appropriate nouns or keywords for database searching, and
  • Uploadable:  storred in a file format easily digested by the computer on which it will be stored
You probably won't know what kind of computer or software is being used by the person who retrieves your resume, so maximizing your resume's chances of getting noticed by a computer begins with assessing the lowest common denominator for each of these success factors.
From Rebecca Smith's Byte-able Resumes
E-Mail
Resumes
E-Form
Resumes
HTML
Resumes
Your Scannable Resume:
Resume scanning software and applicant tracking systems are a growing trend in today's human resources offices.  The process an employer uses to manage your application can vary widely from company to company.  So what's your best bet?
Don't let your resume get lost in the process.  Make sure it's scannable. 

A scannable resume is simply the "scanner friendly" version of your paper resume.
To create a scanner friendly resume:

  • Use plain white, 8 1/2" x 11" paper, printed on one side only
  • Use a common, clear typeface
  • Use a font size of 12 to 14 points
  • Avoid fancy font treatments, such as italics, underlining, shadows, etc.
  • Use boldface sparingly and preferably not on key words
  • Do not condense spacing between letters
  • Avoid vertical and horizontal lines, graphics, and boxes
  • Avoid a two-column format
  • Keep margins of at least 1/2" on each side
  • Place your name alone on the 1st line
  • Use the standard address format below your name
  • Include a summary of qualifications full of keywords
  • Put down only the year your degree was completed - do not include the year you entered college
  • Minimize the use of general abbreviations
  • Maximize the use of industry jargon and industry abbreviations
  • Provide a laser-printed original copy
  • Do not fold or staple
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Keywords
get you Noticed
  • Keywords are labels that a computer uses to match you to what an employer wants.
  • Keywords are nouns and phrases that designate your education, experience, skills and knowledge.
  • One way to know which words to use is to study current job listings for keywords.  Keywords are highlighted in the sample job listing below.
Acme Corporation has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated and qualified accountant.  The position includes full responsibilities in assisting the accounting manager with the operations of the financial office.  Specific duties will include supervision of billing, accounts payable, payroll, general ledger, and various special projects that include budgeting, financial analysis, projections and financial reporting.  Qualified candidates must have a BS degree in accounting, and at least 5 years experience.
The 
Keyword
Summary
  • A Keyword Summary is a brief account of your qualifications told in keywords.
  • Keywords in a summary can be separated by commas, periods, or semi-colons.
Here is a sample Keyword Summary that matches some of the qualifications in the sample job listing above:
Recent graduate with major in accounting, co-op experience, and four years professional work experience.  Financial Statements; Accounts Payable; Accounts Receivable; Automated Billing System; General Ledger Account Reconciliation; Spreadsheets; Reports.
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Your E-Mail Resume:
Computer assisted job search almost always involves forwarding your resume to an employer via email, but depending on the kind of computer (PC, Mac, UNIX System, mainframe terminal) the recipient uses, your resume may not travel as well as you think it does.  Is the resume attachment you send something the employer can readily view?


Your E-Form Resume:

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Your HTML Resume:
An HTML or Web Resume is a version of your resume created in HyperText Markup Language that may contain clickable text and images.  Most job seekers do not need an HTML resume, while individuals in high tech, marketing, or creative fields may find it advantageous to create an HTML version of their resume.  Here are some pros and cons to consider before deciding whether or not creating a web version of your resume is worth the time and effort.
Pros
HTML offers design and layout possibilities that can greatly enhance the appearance of your resume.

HTML resumes can include links to other sites, direct email, photographs, sound, and other technical additions not attainable in any other format.
 

 Cons
The searchable resume databases at most job search sites are text only.

Most employers will not spend time using search engines to locate web resumes on their own.  You will need to find ways to get them to view your HTML resume.
 
Some HTML Resume Tips:
  • Use a title that employers will search for
  • Keep it short
  • Provide a keyword summary
  • Use hyperlinks to aid in navigation within the page
  • Avoid hyperlinks that may distract the viewer
A sample HTML resume

Related hyperlinks and recommended reading