Whether you've been at it for awhile or are just starting an online job search, you may have some nagging doubts about your resume. Is it up to par? Does it include the right keywords? Will it get employers' attention? On top of that, the Internet has complicated things further by spawning electronic resume genres:

If you want to actively promote yourself in the wired job market, you'll need to learn what kind of resume will work most effectively for you.

ASCII Resumes: The Ugly Duckling

Let's start by taking a look at ASCII resumes. ASCII (pronounced Ask-ee), is non-formatted, "universally-compatible" text – the format of choice for large companies that process resumes electronically. Many employers who post online ads specifically ask for ASCII (or plain text) resumes. If you ignore a company's request –- and try to circumvent the system by sneaking in the MS Word version of your resume – your qualifications may never be seen by your intended audience.

In short, ASCII resumes' compatibility with electronic resume processing systems make them very desirable in "high volume" arenas where speed and ease of processing are more important than aesthetics. On the downside, ASCII's complete lack of visual appeal may seem counterproductive in situations where image and design are part of a candidate's stock in trade. However – and this is critical – when employers request an ASCII resume, send them an ASCII resume and don't fret over its appearance. Remember, everyone else's ASCII resume is ugly too.

ASCII Resume Sample: Maxine Kent

PDF for Printing

Portable Document Format (PDF) looks exactly like your original word-processed file. Unlike word-processed resumes, PDFs are compatible with all computer systems and printers with no formatting glitches.

However, PDFs cannot easily be edited or modified. While their use is increasingly common in job searching, PDF files can only be viewed by those who have a (readily available) PDF reader.

• PDFs can be downloaded and printed from a Web resume or online portfolio
• PDFs can be attached to e-mail (only when requested)

Whether you need a PDF-formatted resume will depend on several factors. You will need this format if 1) potential employers ask for PDF resumes, or 2) your readers are have difficulty opening your MS Word file.

Caution: Do not send a PDF file unless an employer specifically requests it.

PDF Resume Sample: Maxine Kent

HTML: When Appearance Counts

But what if you're conducting a passive job search, or want to use your resume "occasionally" for online networking or to simply keep an ear to the ground? What if you want your resume to function as a personal marketing tool – more of visual showpiece?

In situations like these, an attractively-designed web-resume (formatted with HTML codes like a web site) is a better choice. HTML offers color and design features that simply are not available with ASCII. In addition, HTML resumes can be posted discreetly and confidentially.

Web Resume Sample: Maxine Kent

Web Portfolio Sample: Randall Frenette

Of course, no one can predict what the future will bring, or what new forms resumes may take as technology evolves, but one thing's for certain... Resumes will continue to evolve along with the technology-driven job market.

 

Pat Kendall, NCRW, JCTC
Phone	(503) 639-6098
24-hr Fax	(503) 213-6022
eMail	pat@reslady.com

©2008, Pat Kendall, All Rights Reserved
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