Paper resumes are quickly becoming overshadowed by online tools. What once was a plight over paper selection - watermark? ivory? - has progressed into a digital dilemma. Creating a compelling, attention-grabbing digital resume is simple if you follow these best practices.
Keywords
Over 80% of resumes go through an electronic screening or applicant tracking system (ATS). If the document does not have the keywords the employer is looking for, your resume will likely never reach the hands of a hiring manager.
Social
With the growth of social networks, LinkedIn and Twitter need to be an extension of a job seeker's resume. Be sure to keep a clean profile with a professional photo. If you are not sure what personal information can be viewed by manager do a simple internet search on your name to see what comes up.
Format
The times of strictly using Times New Roman font have past. When creating a digital resume you need to be mindful of web friendly fonts and spacing to ensure that all users can read your document. Whether your resume is online, electronically scanned, or retrieved from a database be sure the end user can read it clearly.
49% of employees prefer Microsoft Word for a resume format.
20% of resumes are excluded because of formatting issues.
Media
A digital resume allows for the inclusion of many forms of media that were once considered taboo. You resume can link to digital presentations, videos, or even a QR code. Including media in your resume is especially useful for creative professionals who wish to highlight a portfolio of work while adding a visually appealing element that encourages HR professionals to dig deeper into your history.
89% of employees would review a video resume.
65% of hiring managers are impressed by an online portfolio.
39% of employers prefer links to examples of written work.
