In today’s job market, many employers use electronic systems, known as applicant tracking systems (ATS) to review and screen résumés. ATS software comes under many brand names and is used by companies to electronically track job candidates, review résumés and begin their selection process. Generally, when you are applying online and submitting your résumé electronically it is going through an applicant tracking system. And the software will do the initial screening, not a person. That is why a clean and neat résumé is so important.
In addition, be clear about your skills. The system will be using a keyword type of search to review your résumé for specific qualifications. For instance, if an employer is looking for Microsoft Excel and you only use the words Microsoft Office, then your résumé would not be included if they do a keyword search on Excel.
Electronic Résumé Tips
Document Type
Recommended:
.doc
Txt
Rtf
Not recommended:
.docx
PDF
HTML
Open Office
Never scan your résumé and send it as an image
Test your document by converting it into plain text (.txt) to be sure that it stays formatted correctly
Always opt for uploading your document if that is an option (rather than copying and pasting it)
Name
Make sure this information is first, at the top of the page
First Middle Last
You can bold it
Do not use any special characters or any extra spacing between letters
Do not include your title or skills with your name
Date Format
Date format should include a two-digit month and four-digit year (MM/YYYY) or the month as a word with a four-digit year format (September 2013)
Do not use: 07/09, May’10
Use the same format throughout the whole document
Body of Document - Format
Limit your résumé to one page
Keep it clear and easy to read; include plenty of white space
No headers, footers, or page numbers
Use generic font and font size (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman, 10-14 pt.)
No pictures, graphics or templates in body
Avoid differentiators (colors, special formatting)
Avoid using tables, it can become jumbled
Body of Document - Content
Stick to standard headings (Education, Work Experience, Computer Skills, etc.)
When writing your experience and listing the jobs you have held, use the following order: Your position, date worked, company name, then job description or skills
Use bulleted statements that highlight quantitative accomplishments and leadership skills
Use standard symbols for bullets, not fancy ones
Type the full company name out and use proper abbreviation (Inc. or Co.)
Do not include the company’s full address, only use the city and state
Do not abbreviate any titles you have held (ex. Use Manager not Mgr.)
Tailor each résumé to that specific job posting
Use key phrases and keywords that were in the job description
Include buzzwords, industry keywords and company jargon
List computer software, technical skills, languages, etc. that are relevant to the position
Do not include irrelevant information or experiences
Research the company and incorporate their values into your résumé and cover letter
Do not state everything you ever accomplished, leave out hobbies and classes
Do not include an objective unless extremely specific and compelling
Do not include any references unless they are requested specifically
Be sure there are absolutely no spelling errors
Automatic Responses
Once you have completed your online application or submitted your résumé electronically, you should receive a quick and automatic response indicating your applicaiton was received
Check your junk mail as an automatic email from the Applicant Tracking System might go there
Résumé Workshop
These tools will help you become aware of the important features of an American-style résumé. Based on years of feedback from corporate recruiters, we will show you what to include as well as what not to include. We will also demonstrate how to make the most of your experience.
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