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One Resume in four different formats sounds heavy handed, however if you are to show off your ‘shining armour’, this is the ‘guerrilla’ job application tactic you should be using.Traditional press and targeted publications will never be replaced, and are still widely referred to by applicants searching for a job (hence why you are probably reading this publication) As we all know, the wonderful internet dramatically changed the nature of job searching, by offering online search and application channels for job seekers. Now, with the adaptation of Web 2.0, job seekers are offered additional avenues to apply for jobs, using forums such as Facebook, My Space, You Tube, Twitters, Second Life etc
One format of resume is no longer an adequate way of presenting yourself when it comes to applying for jobs both online and offline. How will you stand out from others, if you are still using your traditional format resume for an online application for instance, or vice versa?
So here are the 4 main formats of the same resume, which you should be storing as part of your arsenal, when it comes to your job application strategy:
1. Print version- This should be concise & factual, designed using bullet points, showcasing your relevant highlights, created with professionalism in mind. It may be printed & posted, or hand delivered during fairs, conferences, exhibitions etc. This is the most commonly used resume today, which is also used to make email applications. To stand out from the norm, you may consider using a photo, portfolio or even a short video to showcase your talents/projects.
2. A ‘Quick Scan’ version- The less glamorous sister of the Print version, the ‘Quick Scan’ resume is without fancy typography, limited formatting, and no creative designs. Here, simple paragraphs and bulleted lists will suffice. Often used when you wish to present a short ‘profile’ or summary of your skills.
3. An E-Resume- A carefully worded resume used when uploading your resume on an online job-board database. It is designed to be ‘searchable’ when the ‘bots’ and computer search engines set a criteria to identify suitable resumes. The use of key words is the strategy here. Key words are the focus on any resume that is to be searchable on the web. These are words which employers type or pick from a drop menu. They are also primarily nouns such as key skills, software packages, project type, etc. Verbs and adjectives are not frequently used to form search criteria. Therefore resumes that are worded around verbs & adjectives minimize their chances of being highlighted.
4. The Plain Text Version- This resume is ready to be copied and pasted, time and time again, as plain text, into an online form on a company’s website or posted onto an online job database/s. This really is the ‘no frills’ version of all resumes, as it is designed to ‘repeat’ the same information across various websites.
Essentially there is no need to re-write a resume 4 times, but simply store 4 different formats of the same document. It is not worth using a ‘Quick Scan’ resume when uploading your resume online, or using an ‘E-Resume’ for a postal application. Planning your job application strategy, ultimately saves you time, and perhaps more importantly will help you get noticed, so you can bag that all-important job opportunity.
Tips & Tricks contributed by Dee Allan, Managing Director of 3C Synergy, a Chartered Building Consultancy specialising in Recruitment for the Built Environment.
Current Location: Singapore
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