If having to re-create your resume in an application form is one of the most frustrating parts of a job search, then seeing your resume extracted incorrectly on a profile is probably a close second. Fortunately, you can avoid the latter by taking some time upfront to create a separate document optimized for electronic readers. Here are some key things to remember when creating your web-ready resume.
Computers are not smart.
We've come a long way technologically, but automated systems like resume parsing are still no match for human logic. Keep your electronic resume as simple as possible. Things like headers, font styles, and differences in text size are irrelevant to the computer. Likewise, tabs, tables, and columns can confuse software programs, which read line by line.
Ready to create a web-optimized resume? Here are some key things to remember.
Do:
Put your contact information first
Use line breaks or tabs to delineate information
Keep the order of information consistent
Use a standard font face, such as Arial
Use clear headings like "Work History" and "Education"
Save as a MS Word document
Keep it simple
Don't:
Use tables or columns
Use headers or footers
Use images or graphics
Use different font faces or styles
Use non-standard fonts
But what about the visually appealing resume you painstakingly built, the one that not only details your career history but actively demonstrates your ability to wrangle Microsoft Word? It still has a use! Keep this copy for sending directly to hiring managers, and upload it to your Animal Health Jobs profile as an additional resume. Employers can download this file directly when you include yourself in our searchable database and when you apply for open positions.
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