The Computer-Friendly Resume
The Computer-Friendly ResumeThe evolution of technology is changing the traditional methods for job searching and recruiting. More and more companies are now relying on computers to initiate the process of hiring and are filling their database with candidates with skills that are easily searchable. Traditionally, submitted resumes were first received and sorted by humans. What else, right? But now, for many firms, this step has been handed over to their computers. To facilitate more efficient hiring, incoming resumes for some large firms are sent to a computerized applicant tracking system to be scanned, or read.
The resumes are sorted, categorized and retrieved through data scanning technology and entered into the organization's computing network. Resumes must now be formatted and written in a way so that the initial viewer of the resume, a computer, can read it. The information contained in this article is a guide toward making your resume "readable" by these scanning systems. This type of resume is referred to as the scannable resume.A scannable resume is more focused on the text, or keywords, in the document than the design. The layout is simplified so that distractions such as font or Internet links do not confuse the computer scanner.
In order to convert your traditional resume into a scannable resume, follow these simple guidelines.?Use Arial or Helvetica as your font (10-14 point)?Take out all underlined, italicized or shadowed type?Eliminate pictures or Internet links?Do not include columns or tables?Print it on white or very light-colored paper?Use a high quality laser printer?Include an unfolded original on standard size paper, one sided, with black ink?Add a key-word qualifications summaryBe sure that you place your name and contact information at the top of the page. Scanners assume that the text at the top is your name and contact information. If you have more than one page for your resume then place your name and a page number on each additional page and attach them with a paper clip, do not use staples.Even if the following resume characteristics apply specifically to your industry, you must eliminate them. These include columns, newspaper-style designs, landscape printing, and fancy fonts. Scanning system abilities differ from company to company so it's difficult to set boundaries.
Some are able to read just about anything and others are confused by the smallest detail. So if you are unaware of the limitations of the system then play it safe and follow the simplest guidelines.It is not a good idea to fax your resume to the employer. Faxing can reduce the clarity of the text. Unless the employer uses OCR-capable equipment, then avoid faxing. If you are not certain of what equipment they use then send a hard copy in the mail or send an ASCII version by e-mail.It may seem boring to simplify your resume, but at least it will be easily searchable and hopefully placed in the firm's database to be read.
You do not want to take the chance of having your resume thrown out due to a scanning problem. We can only hope that as technology advances the scannable resume will not be so limited!.
Established in 1996, MEPatWORK is the leading full-service recruitment solutions provider in the HVAC, sheet metal, refrigeration, control, electrical, plumbing and piping industries. Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, this privately held company also has offices in Chicago and Pittsburgh and specializes in finding top talent for all levels of contracting, wholesale, and manufacturing.Auto-Disqualification - When Your Resume Never Reaches the Decision Maker
When applying for a position in today's market, do you ever wonder, "Is my resume really directed to the decision maker?" Are you concerned that your resume never reaches the true "hiring manger" or decision maker? Worse yet, are you being "auto-disqualified" because your resume doesn't speak to the decision makers needs and never makes it passed his or her screening process? How would you know if your resume did or didn't reach the appropriate decision maker? You can truly never know for certain. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your resume does not get "auto-disqualified", or provide obvious reasons not to be hired. There are several "mistakes" commonly made in resumes that give immediate reasons why you will not be offered the opportunity to go to the next step in the hiring process. The usual first step in obtaining a position is the submission of your resume. Typically that is to the staff in a Human Resources department. Often, HR is given...
Auto-Disqualification - When Your Resume Never Reaches the Decision Maker
Sample resume > Auto-Disqualification - When Your Resume Never Reaches the Decision Maker
Resume Writing
A resume is a path that sets people on the roads of success in their career. In today's competitive world, only a few resumes get to the top table for a brief glance. A resume should be written in a manner such that the reader is enticed to peruse it. A well-written resume stimulates interest in meeting the candidate and learning more about him. It inspires the prospective employer to pick up the phone and ask the candidate to come for an interview.
Every resume has its own way of communicating and creating an impression, but there are certain things that a candidate should be careful while writing a resume.
There should be no constraint on its size. A resume can be of one or more pages depending on the experience of the person. However, the number of pages does not necessarily increase with experience, and an employer may feel reluctant in picking and reading long resumes. Thus a good resume should bring out a clear and concise piece of required information.
Resume Writing
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Searching For Employment
Searching for a job can be a daunting and confusing task for anyone, whether he or she is just entering the job market, looking for a better job or find him or herself without a job after several years with one employer. A job search can be successful when the person looking for a job knows exactly what they should and should not do when looking for a new job. Once a person has located a job that they desire, the applicant needs to get their resume ready and avoid the most common mistakes that job seekers make while looking for a job.When performing a job search, just about everyone is likely to come across a job they is perfect for them. The first thing most people do is to prepare their resume or fill out a job application, depending on how the potential employer prefers to screen their applicants. Resumes are more common when the position is full-time in a professional line of work.
Part-time positions often require a company job application be submitted in lieu of a resume....
Searching For Employment
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How Beneficial is a Sample Cover Letter ?
You can benefit from sample cover letters as they can help you learn about the constructs of a high quality cover letter. However, there are some dangers in doing this ...If you have been sending out tons of resumes and cover letters and are not getting interviews you are probably wondering why. After all, you have the requisite education and work experience required in the job posting.You are sending in both a resume and cover letter as requested, so why aren't you getting any calls for interviews? The answer to this probably lies in the type of cover letter you are sending.A lot of job seekers believe it is quite acceptable to copy and paste a sample cover letter and insert their name. There are certainly innumerable sites on the internet that can provide you with a cover letter example; however there are a few things you should consider before you simply cut and paste a sample letter and make it your own. The Purpose of the Sample Cover LetterThe purpose of a successful cover letter...
How Beneficial is a Sample Cover Letter ?
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