Résumé Formatting and Distribution Answers

You will want to copy and paste from your original résumé as much as possible to eliminate the possibility of errors, because your résumé should be perfect. Only key text if you have to and proofread very carefully.

1. Change the font to Courier 12 point 2. Eliminate multiple columns 3. Limit line length to 65 characters 4. Clean up formatting 5. Save résumé as a .text, Plain Text, or Text Only document 6.Test sending your résumé

A typical résumé is not going to be electronically ready. You need to take the time to make special formatting changes so that the résumé appears readable. Taking these steps can give you a competitive edge, because it takes additional time, knowledge, and skill. An employer will be much more impressed with someone who takes the time to send in a résumé that is readable, rather one who has lazily allow their résumé to appear jumbled and confusing.

You want to double check the formatting before you send an electronic résumé to an employer. Converting a résumé to an electronic format can cause the text to become confusing or unreadable. It is best practice to double check how this will appear before sending it to an employers. If an employer receives a résumé that they cannot easily read, they will throw it out.

An Open Block form allows you to copy and paste an entire electronic résumé in a space to submit. A Fill-in-the-blank form requires to copy and paste individual sections of a résumé into a space.

A follow up phone call reminds an employer about you and your résumé, it demonstrates initiative, and it increase name recognition. A potential employer will appreciate the enthusiasm a follow up phone call shows, and it reiterates that you are very interested in the position. They are more likely to look at your résumé and bring you in for an interview if you follow up after sending your résumé.

Copying and pasting reduces the chance of spelling, typing, or omission errors and saves time. It also helps keep the information consistent with the résumé you prepared.

Following up confirms that the employer received and can read your résumé. It also shows your interest in the position, gives you a chance to make a positive impression, and may help you learn about the hiring timeline or next steps.

Proper formatting makes an electronic résumé clear, readable, and professional. It helps employers quickly find important qualifications and experience, and reduces the risk that messy formatting will distract from the applicant’s strengths.

1. Save the résumé as a text-only/plain-text document. 2. Remove graphics, tables, columns, and other complex formatting. 3. Use standard characters and avoid unusual symbols. 4. Left-align the text and avoid tabs or indents that may shift. 5. Make section headings easy to identify, such as by using capital letters. 6. Use simple bullets and keep lines short so the résumé remains readable when transferred between systems.

Testing the electronic résumé lets you make sure it sends successfully and that the employer will be able to open and read it. It can also reveal formatting problems or transmission errors so you can fix them before applying.

An Open Block form gives you a large open text area in which to paste or enter your résumé. A Fill-in-the-blank form has separate labeled fields, so you enter information such as your education and work history in the appropriate sections.