Posted By: Candace Davies In: Job Seeker - Resume Nowadays many companies and school districts require that you submit your resume package online. If they are asking that you send a simple email, then all you need to do is attach the requested documents and send a polite and concise email to the hiring organization explaining the position you are applying for and which documents you have enclosed. Before you send that email though, make sure that your attached documents are universally compatible.
Nowadays many companies and school districts require that you submit your resume package online. If they are asking that you send a simple email, then all you need to do is attach the requested documents and send a polite and concise email to the hiring organization explaining the position you are applying for and which documents you have enclosed. Before you send that email though, make sure that your attached documents are universally compatible. Most people use Microsoft Word, so the .doc format is the most preferential. However, there are some versions of Word that are not compatible with all operating systems. Therefore, it is advisable that you save your documents in Rich Text Format (.rtf) as well. Most, if not all systems are able to recognize and read an .rtf.
However, you may also be asked to submit your resume via a separate website. If you are asked to directly upload your documents to the page, adhere to the same caution as mentioned above, particularly if you are using a Mac computer – some versions of Mac programs are not PC-friendly.
Another option you may be given when uploading to a webpage is that of copying and pasting in your resume, and possibly cover letter. If this is the case, remove formatting such as bold, italics, underline, borders, frames, etc. They do not translate well in many of the online programs. One method for overcoming this and shortening up the time it takes to erase your formatting is saving your original documents in Text Format (.txt) and pasting that version into the online program. Text Format can also be used instead of Rich Text when emailing or uploading resumes.
If you are required to cut and paste your resume online, and you are asked to reformat it, then do it! Some companies do not want straight Text Format, but want to see what your actual resume really looks like. If you choose not to reformat your document online, and it looks messy or wonky, you will be judged on this by the potential employer. They may view you as lazy and uninterested in the job. If there is a large amount of applicants, your resume could automatically be discarded, with the company choosing to look at a more professional looking document, and in turn professional person, instead. To avoid the amount of time it takes to reformat online, use minimal formatting in the first place – only use bold and italics to emphasize points or bullet points to make key information stand out.
When submitting your documents via a separate webpage, make certain that you have filled out all other required information as well. Some organizations ask that you fill out information about past positions and cut and paste your resume. This may seem repetitive or redundant, but make certain that you do it and follow their directions precisely! After your resume has been sent you may receive a confirmation on that same website or via email. If you do not, wait a few days, contact the company, and ask if your documents have been received. It is okay to explain that you are unsure if there was a technical malfunction or not, and you wanted to double check that your resume made it through, since this position is so important to you.
Comments
There have been no comments made on this article. Be the first to share your thoughts by using the form below.
Share