CareerLink Pittsburgh: For Job Seekers

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Online applications have become exceedingly popular, and it is important for you to be prepared. Carefully read all directions on any application website, and take the time to properly upload your resume (using a plain-text version). For websites that have numerous positions you are interested in, it is recommended that you use their step-by-step resume builders. This will ensure that employers can easily search your resume. Recognize that although you need to have your resume saved on the computer, there are different ways you should create your resume.

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Types of Electronic Resumes

Plain-text
This resume is very basic and is used to provide employers with information. Do not include any type of formatting, only text. Be clear in what you write and keep in mind that this type of resume should be used almost always when applying online. It is perfect for copying and pasting into online applications because all computers can read this type. There will be no errors when sending it from one computer to another. This version will also be scannable, so be sure to send this version whenever an employer asks for one.

Formatted
This will be a saved document (usually in Microsoft Word) that will include all of your formatting. It will include all of the visual impact options such as unique fonts, underlining, italics, bullets, etc. This version can be printed and sent to employers, but it can also be attached to emails. Before you send this type of resume to an employer electronically, make sure that they are accepting resumes formatted in Microsoft Word (or any other program you have used).

Web Resume
This is a resume on the web. If you are able to create your own website, you may think about creating a page for your resume. You can direct employers to it by providing a link to your site. The web resume should always be formatted correctly; it also shows employers that you are web-savvy. The only negative about relying on this type of resume is that employers will not be able to convert your web page to an electronic resume (that they would then be able to add to their database).

Whenever applying by email:

Copy and paste your plain-text resume into the body of the email, so that employers will not have to open an attachment.
If you want your resume to be scannable, print your plain-text resume on white paper.
Know what type of resume format the employer wants. When in doubt, use the plain-text version.

Computers are now scanning resumes, and they are looking for keywords. When you are sending a plain-text or scannable resume, you need to ensure that you are loading the resume with industry-related and job specific keywords. Try to aim for 75 keywords, depending on the length of your resume. If your resume does not include enough keywords, it will not make it past the screening process.