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Resume Tips
When it comes to posting your resume on the Internet, abandon everything you have learned about preparing an impressive printed resume.
You must approach the electronic resume differently, because unlike printed resumes, they need to be easily found through such searchable resume databases
as the AsiaWired e-talent database. So when you are ready to venture out into cyberspace, you may want to apply the following 10 tips to a better electronic resume.
- Keep it simple and neat. Besides reviewing your experience, employers eye your resume to get a sense of whether you are neat and organized. For best presentation results,
use standard fonts in 10 to 14 point type sizes. Avoid using ornate fonts or fonts where the characters touch. Most formatting, such as italics, underline, and bold,
is usually lost in an electronic resume so choose to use capital letters or quotation marks instead. Keep drawing lines to a minimum. If used, leave ample space around the line.
Try not to use any shading and shadowing or inserting graphics.
- Be balanced. An effective resume is visually balanced and flows consistently throughout. Clearly separate sections as well as highlight section headings and position titles.
Leave enough space between sections. Do not double space within sections.
- Be error free. If your word processor has a spell check function, use it! Pay close attention to typos and grammar mistakes. In fact, it is a good idea to have someone detail-oriented to proofread your resume.
Just the smallest error can send your resume off to the electronic trash bin.
- Use keywords. Use keywords and keyword phrases to describe your skills, work experience, and accomplishments, because recruiters use them to search resume databases. Include specific key words, such as "C++,"
"Graphic Design," "UNIX," and "Account Management," but be clear about them.
- Use the language of your profession. Use industry jargons and acronyms to show your familiarity with this business, but not to the point where it clutters your resume while making it hard to understand.
You may want to spell out certain acronyms in parentheses if they are not obvious. For example: GM (General Motors).
- Highlight key points. Emphasize important terms or position titles by using capital letters, quotation marks, bullets, or even asterisks. Do not use italics, underline, or bold because these normally gets lost in an electronic resume.
- Give a summary of your work experience. Do not rely on the position title alone to describe your job experience. Different companies define certain position differently. Try to use a lot of keywords, as this will be to your advantage in resume search databases.
Electronic resumes are usually lengthier than the traditional 1-page printed resumes, but you should still keep it under three pages.
- Use common section headings. Use section headings that everyone is familiar with. Examples of these are "Objective," "Education," "Work Experience," "Skills," "Honors and Awards," "Personal," "References," etc.
- Use numbers. Choose numbers over words. It is more impressive to say "increased hit rate on my web site 120% in just 2 months" instead of "responsible for increasing the hit rate on my web site."
- Avoid irrelevant personal subjects. Never make references to personal information such as race, religion, creed, marital status, sex, age, political party, or even personal opinions. Besides, it is illegal for the employer to consider this information. Try not to insert humor or cliches in your resume also.
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