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Creating Online Friendly Resumes

by Candace Davis

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eResumes Include ASCII text, HTML, Digital, Internet, and Scannable Resumes.

Online resumes, also known as eResumes, are increasing in popularity among school districts, recruiters, and human resources personnel.

What is an eResume? It is a resume specially prepared to be read by an electronic scanner, which uses Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology to read, process, and track resumes.

This method of screening resumes will increase dramatically in the 21st century. It is rapidly becoming the preferred method that recruiters and human resource personnel use to avoid hours of manual reviewing. These systems scan resumes for keywords, which include hot buzzwords, industry-specific jargon, areas of experience, and education, to ensure that applicants have the desired qualifications.

A scannable resume needs to use a clear, large font. These documents are noun-based, rather than verb or adjective-based. Search engines do not care about how you "designed" or how you "established" certain forms or procedures. Knowing the keywords for your target industry and profession is imperative. Examples of keywords for the teaching profession include: classroom management, curriculum design and development, student motivation, student assessment, etc. Review ads and job descriptions for ideas on keywords to use at the top of your resume. Try to incorporate these words without being obvious.

A plain text (ASCII) version of your resume is necessary to communicate with the wide variety of computers tied into the Internet - this format is one that every computer can understand. You can’t use an MS Word version to copy and paste because it contains formatting that will make the resume look scrambled.

When creating the ASCII (plain text) version of your resume, start with an accomplishment-based MS Word resume, and then convert the file. Don't be alarmed when you first look at the ASCII text version -- it will look "ugly." This text version will not recognize the formatting commands that MS Word uses. Online resumes are written for a search engine, not for the human eye. There are several errors that you should avoid in the document, including typeface/fonts, word wrapping, proportional typefaces, special character recognition, tabs, and alignment.

In the 21 century, an ASCII text version of your resume is necessary for anyone conducting an online job search - be prepared and have yours converted. Many organizations refuse to open attachments for fear of viruses or word processing incompatibility - plus it takes hiring manager's time to open an attachment. Don't miss the position you desire because you are not prepared. If you want to know more about the importance of keywords you can review one of our past related articles.

ESL employment recommends A+ Resumes for Teachers as a quality, reliable and effective provider of resume writing services. Their services are backed by a 100% satisfaction gaurantee.

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