Resume Vehicles for
the Online Job Market

Whether you've been at it a while or are just starting an online job search, you're probably like most job seekers and have some nagging doubts about your resume:

Is my resume up to par?
Did I include the right keywords?
Will it get employers' attention?

On top of that, the Internet has complicated things further by spawning two new resume genres: e-mail (aka ASCII) resumes and Web (aka HTML) resumes. If you want to be a player in the wired job market, you'll need to learn what kind of resume will work most effectively for you. Here's a brief rundown.

Let's start by taking a look at ASCII resumes. ASCII (pronounced Ask-ee), is non-formatted, "universally compatible" text – the format of choice for large companies who scan or download resumes into keyword-searchable databases. Many employers who post online ads specifically ask for ASCII resumes. If you ignore a company's request – and try to circumvent the system by sneaking in the MS Word version of your resume or the URL for your web resume – your qualifications may never be seen by your intended audience... So much for that job!

In a nutshell, ASCII resumes' near-perfect compatibility and total scannability make them very desirable in "high volume" arenas where speed and ease of processing are more important than aesthetics. On the downside, ASCII's complete lack of visual appeal can be crippling in situations where image and design are part of a candidate's stock in trade. However – and this is critical – when employers request an ASCII resume, send them an ASCII resume and don't fret over its appearance. (Remember, everyone else's ASCII resume is ugly too.)

But what if you're not responding to online ads? What if you're conducting a passive (low key) job search, or want to use your resume "occasionally" for online networking or to simply keep an ear to the ground? What if you want your resume to function as a personal marketing tool – more of visual showpiece?

In situations like these, an attractively-designed web-resume (formatted with HTML codes like a web site) is a better choice. HTML offers color and design features that simply are not available with ASCII. In addition, HTML resumes that are posted discreetly (i.e., not in public databases), provide privacy and confidentiality options for those who prefer to keep their search activities under wraps.

Bottom Line: Do What Works Best for You

So what's the bottom line then? Use the resume vehicle that fits the bill for your particular situation. For active job seeking – when confidentiality is not an issue – create an ASCII resume to post in databases or respond to online ads. Passive job seekers and executives may find that an attractively designed, discreetly posted HTML resume does a better job of enhancing their image and safeguarding their privacy.

Of course, no one can predict what the future will bring, or what new forms resumes may take as technology evolves, but one thing's for certain... Resumes will continue to evolve along with the technology-driven job market.

Home • Top • Article Index
More on Web Resumes • More on ASCII Resumes

Site development and content by
Pat Kendall and Susan Britton Whitcomb
©2001, All Rights Reserved, ResumeIQ@aol.com
...