Online Resume Formats

There are several types of online resume formats that can be used when contacting potential employers. When you search for job openings online, some companies will have on their websites which online resume format is acceptable.

If you don't know which format is acceptable to a certain company, call them and ask. The worst thing you can do is send an online resume in the wrong format and have it ignored.

PLAIN TEXT RESUME

This format is also referred to as ASCII. Many companies used to accept this type of resume a few years ago when searching for a job on the internet was still new. When this format is used, the resume is written in plain text with no formatting. The resume is sent in an email to the employer.

Unfortunately, because the resume is unformatted, it looks pretty ugly and is hard to read. With the advancements in word processing and email functions, companies are turning towards more professional looking online resume formats.

PDF RESUME

This type of resume is delivered to the employer in PDF format (Portable Document Format). You write your resume in Microsoft Word or some other word processing program, format it, convert it to PDF and save it. The file can be sent by email as an attachment. The employer needs to have a PDF viewer or Adobe Acrobat in order to view it.

Sometimes this can pose a problem because of computer viruses. People are wary about opening attachments to emails. If the employer wants you to submit your resume by this method, go ahead and do it. More than likely, they have software that can detect viruses in attachments.

WEB PAGE

Some people use a single web page to display their resume. You have your own personal website. You write your resume in HTML format, upload it into your own website and give the URL address to employers so they can visit your web page and read it. This takes care of the problem of email viruses. Make sure this is acceptable to the employer.

FILL-IN-THE-BLANK RESUME

This type of resume is used by online employment sites and employers' websites. You just fill in the blanks and the information is sent electronically into a database. There's not much room for creativity as with your standard mailed-in resumes. The way to get your resume noticed is to use keywords.

Keywords are nouns that describe your skills and achievements. "Product development", "project coordinator", "Excel", "Powerpoint" are all keywords. They describe what your skills are and what duties you performed on your previous or current job.

This last online resume format is the one used most often by employers. The rule you should remember however, is if you don't know which format to send your resume, go to the employer's website. If that doesn't work, call them and ask.

Michelle Roebuck provides job interview tips and resume writing advice at her website http://www.job-interview-and-resume-tips.com Sign up for her Free newsletter at http://www.job-interview-and-res ume-tips.com/newsletter.html

---

Writing Resumes That Attract Your Perfect Job

Let me introduce you to Ben. He made it happenBen... Read More

Tips For Successful Job Hunting: How To Get A Job Without A Resume

I am in my mid-thirties, and, as you can imagine,... Read More

Pebbles in Your Shoe Dont Only Hurt your Foot But Cause Back and Hip Problems!

CIO Magazine ran an article entitled, "Ten Mistakes CIO's Too... Read More

The Springtime of Your Career

Rick Jarow, author of Creating the Work You Love, introduced... Read More

Resurrecting the Perfect Resume, Part One

Is your resume dead? Don't be so quick to say,... Read More

Professional Moms: How to Get Ready to Re-Enter the Workforce

Finally! Your youngest is in school and you are ready... Read More

The Surefire Way To Getting A Pay Raise

If you are working for someone else, it is important... Read More

Speak Up: Your Job Is At Stake!

How good are you at standing up for yourself?Do you... Read More

Dissatisfied with Your Job? Take Your Power Back!

Apparently, there are all sorts of reasons to be dissatisfied... Read More

I Just Lost My Job: How Am I Going To Tell My Kids?

One of the responsibilities of a human resources professional is... Read More

Why Are 95% of Job Applicants Not Called Back?

Have you been desperately looking for a job and keep... Read More

Showing Appreciation to Workplace Un-Sung Heroes

Millions of Un-Sung Heroes are born every minute! They are... Read More

The Computer-Friendly Resume

The evolution of technology is changing the traditional methods for... Read More

Do You Need Help Writing A Winning Cover Letter?

Your cover letter is critical to your success. It sets... Read More

Resume Objectives ... The Hidden Pitfalls

Why Use Resume ObjectivesBefore we can discuss the pitfalls you... Read More

Network Now

Have you ever been to a networking event that was... Read More

How To Resign Gracefully

Once a new job has been accepted, you need to... Read More

Powerful Phone Interviews

Phone interviews are de rigueur with many organizations.Companies conduct phone... Read More

20 Questions That Helped Me Take A Leap Of Faith And Change Careers

When I was working more than 45 hours a week... Read More

Interview Thank-You Letters

The number one etiquette tip for interviews is writing a... Read More

You Are Lucky in Your Career!

You Are Lucky in Being Satisfied in Your CareerJust for... Read More

Knowing and Guessing

The line between average and exceptional work performance is dotted... Read More

Traveling for An Interview? 10 Tips to Get You From Here to There

You've just been granted an on-site interview in another town.... Read More

The 10-Step Resume Critique

Your resume will generally receive a 15- to 30-second scan... Read More

Have You Given Up On Yourself?

Have you given up on yourself? Have you decided to... Read More

Before You Begin, Know What To Expect - How You Can Make a Living Proof Reading From Home

Proof reading from home is an excellent way to make... Read More

8 ?Thurvival Skills? for 05

Just what is a "thurvival skill?" It's a skill that... Read More

How to Be Prepared for a Layoff

If you are concerned that your company might be planning... Read More

Dont Stop! Your Transition is Still Moving!

Q. I'm looking for a new job and plan to... Read More

Using Journal to Support Your Job Search

Are you searching for a job? Here are some tips... Read More

18 Career Enhancement Caveats

Core value investing in your careerMany people walk through their... Read More

Think About a Nursing Degree

If you decide to get a degree in nursing, there... Read More

Difficult Relationships at Work - Dealing with Workplace Conflict

Difficult Relationships at Work - How to Influence the UncooperativeWe... Read More