Electronic Resumes

In today’s world of digital information, the traditional resume often needs to be formulated for electronic presentations for scanning, by a computer, or for Internet transmission. There are several types of e-resumes:

• A scannable resume that is actually an image of the document.
• A file set up as e-mail attachments.
• A resume set up as part of an e-mail message.
• A resume set up in a Web page by the job seeker that can be printed or downloaded.
• A resume on a CD-ROM.

            A scanned resume is different from the others since it is actually an image. Once scanned into a computer, software is generally set up to spot, then pull out and create a summary of relevant information. The data is stored with the image so that later a hiring manager can request that certain qualifications be pulled up using the summary information. If the requested qualifications match the summary, then the entire resume is retrieved.

            The other e-resumes are usually stored as digital data in their entirety, to be retrieved when there is a match of data to data requested by the hiring manager. If there is a match the resume is pulled up and viewed. In some cases, key words and phrases are rated as a percentage.

            Since a computer searches by words and phrases, your e-resume should anticipate that when being prepared. What are the principles you should use?

1) The use of key words is mandatory, particularly nouns. Use words that are traditionally used in the job.

2) Use a simple easy-to-follow format. Make it easy for the computer and readers to pick out and view your qualifications. Be careful with hollow bullets, since a computer may see them as letters or numbers.

3) Do not be creative with words and format. If you do not use the correct words or if you do so in a format that is difficult for the computer or hiring manager to follow, your resume may never be considered. Be prepared:

• Research the common words used in the position.
• Check job descriptions in the paper and on web sites.
• Review other resumes in your field.
• Make a list of key words.

           A word of caution on excessive use of key words you use – if words make your resume pop up in too many searches unrelated to your job of interest, it is possible that hiring managers might have your resume removed.

            If you are not having success with your job search and are sending many resumes to employment Web sites, take a look at your resume. Maybe you need to develop an e-resume out of your traditional resume. A little bit of preparation can go a long way toward getting the job you really want.