Converting The Paper Resume To Electronic Format

The traditional paper resume is meant to capture the attention of a real person. Most authorities involved in hiring for a company take a few seconds to read a resume put on paper. Candidates strive to show something compelling that  makes an impression with a company representative. An electronic resume or resume designed to be viewed online is set up differently. People read things differently on a computer screen than a paper item. The use of online searches also affect how the resume is prepared.

1. Use More White Space. A paper resume with much white space can make the resume less interesting. A real paper resume uses well written content broken up with boldfaced terms to make them visually appealing. For electronic  resumes, white space improves readability and breaks spaces up to make reading them on screen less straining.

2. Change Text Shorten blocks of text to cature the attention of the reader. Place the most important information at the beginning as people pay less attention to information as they scroll down a computer screen. Format headings on the left margin to make the information noticeable.

3. From Verbs To Keywords A common practice with paper resumes is to use verbs to describe accomplishments. Electronic resumes should use keywords and nouns. When an internet search is conducted by a hiring authority or recruiter, nouns are used such as job titles. To get the resume noticed on the internet, keywords consisting of nouns give better results.

4. Getting The Resume Out The resume is only as good as the ability to distribute it to the right parties. An effective resume distribution service can take a resume and send it to recruiters and job boards for the most effective results.  A targeted resume distribution service can send resumes to employers that the applicant is especially interested in.