The electronic resumé will be read (scanned) by a computer and placed in a database. The format may be chronological or functional. It must contain keywords and a keyword summary. Keywords are nouns that state your job title, duties, and accomplishments. The keyword summary should contain the targeted job title and alternative labels, as well as previous job titles, skills, software programs, and language known to the particular industry, profession, or occupation. It is important to note the resumé will be read by a computer first and a human second (if at all). If it does not contain the keywords the employer has requested the computer to search for, it will not be seen by a human hiring professional.

Writing an Electronic Résumé:

• Choose the most likely keywords and arrange them in an appropriate order.

• Use a typeface most easily read by a computer, such as Helvetica, Times, or Arial, and use a font size between 10-14 points.

• Avoid italics, script, underlining, graphics, shading, boxing, vertical and horizontal lines, and columns; the computer can have difficulty reading these. Bold type and solid bullets are okay.

• If printing, use smooth white paper (8 ˝ x 11), black ink with laser quality print. Most electronic resumés, however, are delivered to the employer electronically using an online job board or via email.

• Use abbreviations carefully.

• Avoid stapling or folding a printed resumé and cover letter. Words in the fold may not be scanned correctly. Provide sufficient white space.

Electronic Format:

Name - State full name, type in bold and use a large type

STREET ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP CODE

AREA CODE TELEPHONE NUMBER - To ensure separation of words and categories, leave plenty of white space instead of parentheses. Example: 919 772-5555.

EMAIL ADDRESS (If you have one)

OBJECTIVE - Optional, unless applying for a specific job title an employer is seeking.

KEYWORD SUMMARY - Approximately 25 words that best sell you, stated in nouns at are relevant to the job you are seeking. Include job titles, duties, skills, and interpersonal traits. If responding to a job posting, pull keywords directly from the job description.

EDUCATION - If you are a recent graduate, place your education here. List your diploma, degree, certificate, name of school and location, relevant courses. GPA is optional. Do not include dates unless you are a very recent graduate.

SKILLS - List skills relevant to job objective, but not previously stated in Keyword Summary. May include transferable, technical, and computer skills. Bulleted single column list scans the best.

WORK EXPERIENCE - List each job separately, starting with your present job or most recent job first. State your position, major responsibilities, duties, and accomplishments.

ACTIVITIES, HONORS, AWARDS - Extracurricular activities, community activities, sports, etc., are appropriate if space permits and they are relevant to your job objective. Do not include irrelevant hobbies and activities.
 

Electronic Resumé Sample