Creating E-Resumes

Back in the Dark Ages when I began my career in the executive search profession, the primary means of getting a resume to a prospective employer (other than hand delivery) was the lick and stick method. "Lick" the stamp and "stick" the resume in the mailbox. Then, after patiently waiting a few days, you would call to see if the company representative received your information.

Next came the fax machine. This innovative piece of high-tech equipment enabled you to have your resume before a hiring authority in a matter of minutes! Unfortunately, the document usually arrived on roll-up thermal paper, which when exposed to too much light, would cause your carefully prepared resume to quickly fade away.

Now, the Internet gives you the capacity to put your resume into the "virtual" hands of an employer in a matter of seconds. An e-mail address, an attachment and click ! Voila -- your resume is electronically transferred through cyberspace to the employer's desk. Even with the many benefits e-resumes can offer -- speed of delivery, being at the top of the list -- there are some important tips to consider before hitting "Send."

Attachments

Send your customized cover letter and resume as virus-free attachments. This will make it easier for the hiring authority to copy and print your attachments for a hard copy record and/or distribution. You can send your text-only cover letter and resume as two separate documents or as one attachment. If you choose to send it as one attachment, make sure your cover sheet is the only information on page one. Begin your resume on page two, using the same header on the cover sheet. These two documents could be separated if printed. Because of the prevalence of computer viruses, some employers may not accept attachments. If given the opportunity, ask prospective employers which method of delivery they prefer.

Layout

How your resume looks "on the other end" is as important as its content. As a recruiter, I am not particularly fond of text box resumes. I find them hard to manipulate, particularly, if I want to reformat them for the convenience of my client. So when sending a resume to a third party recruiter, I strongly suggest formatting the resume just as you would if sending it through the postal service. Normally, the font size of text box resumes is small, and printing can be tricky. For those reasons, I recommend using a straight word document. Before hitting the Send button, e-mail it to yourself and take a look. Proof, proof, proof, and then proof your resume again. Then, have someone else proof it for you.  Perfection is essential.

Key Words

Many employers today search their database of candidates through the use of the "key word" function in their system. Therefore, place a "key word" section in your resume. In the body of your experience be sure to you use the words that seem to be of particular interest to the employer as often as you can without being overly redundant. Feel free to put it at the beginning of your resume after your contact information and "Proven Skills" synopsis.

Subject Line

The subject line is the first item the employer sees – in effect it's your first impression. Do not be cute or mysterious. Always be to the point. Here are a few suggestions: - Resume of John E. Doe, CPA - Tax Attorney Position - Janice Smith, CPA, Internal Auditor

Use a personal e-mail address when sending your resume. Also, think about the "name" of your e-mail account. A resume sent from crazy.guy@net.com or fun.girl@worldgo.com may make an employer choose to delete rather than meet the applicant.

Online Application Forms

If you are completing an online e-form, carefully follow all instructions as requested. When using e-forms do not send your cover letter or resume as an attachment. Rather, copy and send them together as one text document in the space provided on the electronic form. Use a line of dashes, asterisks or "@" symbols to separate sections.

Scanning

If you are snail mailing your resume the old-fashioned way, or if you do not have access to the Internet to send your resume electronically, the employer may want to scan your resume into their database. Create your "scan-ready" resume with simple fonts (Courier, Arial, Times, and Helvetica). Avoid bullets, symbols, bold text, underlines and graphics. If possible, run a test scan before sending it to the employer to determine if the copy converts properly. Also, stay away from colored paper stock. Dark shades have a tendency of making the scanner think too hard. White is best for optimal resolution.

Conclusion

In this highly competitive job market, time is of the essence. Technology has turned the job search tables, and if used properly, can give you the advantage. Creating a professional-looking e-resume can better ensure it gets the attention it deserves.

Frank Loria is the president and CEO of The Personnel Consulting Group. Frank shares his 24 years experience in the executive search profession. For more information and a list of suggested books and articles to consider, contact the author at 504-581-7800 or e-mail:Frank Loria, CPC