How to Prepare and Internet-Ready Resume

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What is the difference? The resume that you put
online is often the same or a similar document to the
one you created to be printed with a few formatting
exceptions. Due to the variety of word processing
programs and versions used by employers you will
want to make your resume as simple and clean as
possible. This will ensure a seamless transition from
computer to computer.




Your electronic resume should:
1. Be easily scannable and able to be cut and
pasted without difficulty – Lines and other details
forum on text resume can be difficult to transfer.
Minimize all superfluous design elements. Bulleted
lists are okay but you may want to use standard
keyboard symbols such as dashes (-) or asterisks (*)
instead of the automatic bullets provided on some
programs.
2. Contain a minimum of typeface changes
and/or font sizes – Do you have 3 different fonts
and 4 different sizes on your print version? This is a
BIG no-no for electronic resumes. Use only one
size of font (exceptions – you can still make your
name 2-3 fonts sizes bigger), minimize bolded
words – use all caps instead for emphasis, and use
only one universal font for the entire documents –
Arial and Times New Roman are good choices.

3. Make sure the important information is
in the top ½ pf the page – When opening up a
word processing attachment only the top of the page
will show. Make sure the information you want
them see is there. Don’t make the employer scroll
down to see how qualified you are for the job!
4. As always, be absolutely free of errors –
Because of the simple format, errors in electronic
resumes seem to jump out at the reader. Check and recheck
grammar and spelling – Don’t rely on the spell
check to fix the mistake for you!
Tips to stay out of the trash bin:
Follow directions. Do they want your resume as an
attachment? Do they specify the need for a separate
cover letter? Do they want you to use a certain
program? (Word and WordPerfect are different!)
Do a test run before sending your resume to
employers. Send your resume to friends and have
them open it and do a 15 second critique. Questions
to ask: what drew their attention first? Did the
resume “travel” well and look professional? Would
they hire you?
Your email message is a cover letter. “Here’s my
resume, thank you for your time” is not an
appropriate email message. Like a regular cover
letter the body of the email should introduce you,
specify how you meet the needs of the employer,
and encourage the recipient to read your full
resume. This is especially important for postings
that do not ask for a separate cover letter to
accompany your resume.
Your subject line is part of your resume. Use the
job title or job code cited in the job posting to make
it easier for your e-mail to be recognized and routed
to the appropriate person. Adding your name can be
helpful in differentiation you as well. Example: Job
Posting A3456-John Smith or Wellness Coordinator
Position – A. Brown.
Name your resume. Imagine getting 200 emailed
resumes named: Resume.doc! How would you keep
track of them? Instead use your name in the “Save
As”. SmithJohnResume.doc will not only be easy
for the recruiter to find but brings your name once
again into the spotlight.
Due to the variety of word processing
programs and versions used by employers
you will want to make your resume as
simple and Tips to stay out of the trash bin:
Follow directions. Do they want your resume as an
attachment? Do they specify the need for a separate
cover letter? Do they want you to use a certain
program? (Word and WordPerfect are different!)
Do a test run before sending your resume to
employers. Send your resume to friends and have
them open it and do a 15 second critique. Questions
to ask: what drew their attention first? Did the
resume “travel” well and look professional? Would
they hire you?
Your email message is a cover letter. “Here’s my
resume, thank you for your time” is not an
appropriate email message. Like a regular cover
letter the body of the email should introduce you,
specify how you meet the needs of the employer,
and encourage the recipient to read your full
resume. This is especially important for postings
that do not ask for a separate cover letter to
accompany your resume.
Your subject line is part of your resume. Use the
job title or job code cited in the job posting to make
it easier for your e-mail to be recognized and routed
to the appropriate person. Adding your name can be
helpful in differentiation you as well. Example: Job
Posting A3456-John Smith or Wellness Coordinator
Position – A. Brown.
Name your resume. Imagine getting 200 emailed
resumes named: Resume.doc! How would you keep
track of them? Instead use your name in the “Save
As”. SmithJohnResume.doc will not only be easy
for the recruiter to find but brings your name once
again into the spotlight.
Due to the variety of word processing
programs and versions used by employers
you will want to make your resume as
simple and clean as possible.

http://www.careers.uiowa.edu