Most employers use the Internet as a recruiting tool, and the large number of applicants for positions mean employers often use an applicant tracking system (known as ATS) to help manage the applications.
The resume format you choose should be determined by who is most likely to scan your resume. If you want to send your resume to a person, the best choice is a document prepared using Microsoft Word. It should be pleasant to read and capture attention with bullet points and bold-face text.
When applying online, it is best to use is a plain text or ASCII format for your resume.
A plain-text format resume is not easy to read. But software tracking systems are drawn to plain-text resumes with key words, and if you are not sending this format, your resume likely will be stored in a database with countless others.
What does this mean? It means that in order for your resume to stand a chance of getting seen by a hiring manager, you need to do the following when submitting an application online:
• Use keywords described in the job posting throughout your resume. Keywords are noun phrases, industry terms and technical skills that reflect those listed by the employer.
• Convert your resume to plain-text format, and use a simple font. Stay with New Times Roman or Arial.
• Capitalize headings, employers’ names and job titles.
• Embed key words throughout your resume. Use them in your summary, accomplishments, education, certification, and role descriptions.
