Virtual Resume Writing
In recent years, resume writing had been through many changes just like the many other tasks. Online application has become prevalent today allowing you to post or e-mail in seconds your credentials. Both the employer and job seeker have reaped benefits greatly from this advancement. However, these new approaches can cause problems for job hunters. If you're writing a resume to be sent virtually, follow these tips to be sure you impress employers.
Make sure you format your resume in a way that it will be readable in most computer programs and computer systems. One way to test this is to save in a format like RTF or PDF. You must test by launching your document in the different programs and find out if it is rendered correctly before you send that to employers. In case the company is giving rules regarding the e-mailing of resumes, you must take note of that too and stick to it. If you do not type what they've requested in the subject line or if they cannot open or read your document they may simply hit the delete button.
Also, you must use standard fonts and it is helpful if you check its size. Size 11 or 12 is best. Going any larger will appear strange, like you are trying to take up space. On the other hand, if you utilize smaller fonts, it will be more difficult to read. Use tools like “fit to page” in order to adequately space and condense your content. Use margins carefully and make sure it will make room for your text without leaving a big space in any edge of the document.
Don't overuse font types. Only use the standard font types such as Arial or Times New Roman. Surely, using unusual fonts isn't the way to make your resume stick out. Should you write your resume that way, HR will likely throw your work to the side. Reading off a computer screen is bad enough without trying to decipher fonts. Understand that your kindly professor is not your potential employer. He would rather toss your resume in the trash than changing the fonts for you.
Double check your attachments, make sure they are indeed attached and be sure all links will work. When you have an online portfolio, you might have included links to that in your resume writing. Make sure you test these links. So if you're e-mailing, take a second to double check that attachments are indeed attached. In the e-mail's body, make sure that your writing style is formal. Use professional looking e-mail address. A suggestion is to use your full name as the e-mail username. And ensure that you select the right host. Do not use embarrassing ones. Your cover letter should declare that your resume is attached and in what file format.
Resume writing advice for the new digital world takes more proofing than on paper because of the links, format and so on. Spell check and review your writing. Do not rely on the autocorrect features. Sometimes printing your document and proofing on paper can give you another standpoint and you might catch mistakes you would otherwise miss. Before you send your resume digitally, be sure everything is formatted and ready to be read online.