Though the conventional paper résumé is far from dead, the electronic résumé has risen from technology in the past decade or more. Applicants are increasingly requested or required to submit résumés electronically, whether via email, uploading or completing through a specifically formatted online portal. To maximize the chances of your application reaching the next level, follow the résumé tips below during your job search.
If an employer has outlined a résumé submission process, then you should follow that outline or risk the chance your electronic résumé will be rejected. Failure to follow the proscribed process not only demonstrates an inability to follow instructions but risks causing errors in reading by machines. The common practice of many, if not most, mid-sized and larger companies is to require electronic résumé submissions. Electronic submission facilitates the sorting and selection process of first-round applicants through use of an applicant tracking system, or ATS. Companies utilizing an ATS use keyword searches to eliminate any applicants who appear not to be suited for the specific requirements of the position.
If you want to pass this initial screening process, then you need to include the appropriate keywords or key phrases in the body of your electronic résumé. Keywords are the nouns and adjectives relevant to the position. Find these keywords in the position's description, similar job postings and even a thesaurus.
Overly formatted résumés or electronic résumés with embedded graphics tend to be incompatible with most ATS software. However, depending on your industry and the company's technology, your electronic résumé could include a QR code that links to a digital version of your résumé that is accompanied by a multimedia presentation, online portfolio or links to social media profiles. Include hyperlinks within the text if appropriate, perhaps to direct recruiters to an example of your work. Inclusion of QR codes and hyperlinks can be useful for design and related professionals, but it's best to use your judgment. If you're unsure, then err to the side of caution and omit the QR code.
Some experts recommend résumé tips to keep in mind for your electronic résumé that you might overlook. For example, you are advised to name your file something relevant to the position that you are applying for rather than naming the document "myresume.doc" or something similarly generic. Another suggestion is to use alternative names and variations for keywords, such as incorporating "CPA" as well as "certified public accountant," to increase the likelihood the ATS algorithms will capture the keyword.
Though many of the same conventions applicable to the traditional résumé, such as proper grammar, spelling and punctuation, are still relevant, the rise of the electronic résumé requires some additional finesse and attention to content versus presentation. Tailor your résumé to the submission method and increase your chances of advancing to the next level of review and hopefully landing an interview.
(Photo courtesy of digitalart / freedigitalphotos.net)
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