When you set out to write an online resume, the aim is just the same as that of an offline resume; to land you an interview with your potential employer. However, the online resume is substantially different in that it has to take the specific format that is unique to the internet. This means that you have to put in some more effort in some areas and ignore some things that would have been very critical in an offline format. Here they are:
Be Keen On the File Format
Due to differences in company policy and the desire to come out with a standard procedure of writing a resume, many employers do specify how they would like their resumes to be received. This can also be due to the viruses that are spread on the internet. Therefore, some employers may not accept resumes that come in any other format apart from the specified one. If an employer asks for a resume to be sent in Microsoft Word format, your resume will most likely not be read if you choose to send it in PDF.
Keep You Resume Short But Clear
This doesn’t men that you should count every word you are writing. However, when someone is reading from the screen, you need to understand that he might not have enough patience as he would if he is reading a hard copy. Therefore, keep your sentences short to grasp his attention, while making sure that you do not leave out any important information from the document.
Only Put In Important Information
Here in the US, it is against the law to discriminate any person based on the age. Therefore, issues that will not influence your job application should not be placed in yours. Don’t go around announcing your age or other personal details. Know that the employer probably has hundreds if not thousands of applications to go through. Therefore, only put in the relevant information, and making sure that this is put at the top.
Use Appropriate Key Words
Some employers choose to look for resumes through search engines. While in hard copy resumes you are generally advised to use action verbs, online resumes require that you use appropriate keywords so that it can easily be found if you choose to put it online.
Prove Your Value
Sometimes, employers might ask you to fill a form online. This is not just a form, but it is a résumé. This is usually done to ensure that at least all the necessary information is captured by the employer. However, it is not the necessary information that will get you a job, since every applicant will be providing this information. Use the space available to outline your past achievements and how these will help strengthen the existing organization.
Watch Out For Spelling Mistakes
Print out your resume and read it so that you do not rely on the spell-checking feature of your word processor. If it is a form that you are filling, ensure that you proofread your resume severally before you click on the submit button.
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