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Bob Morrisette and Jane Bergen are discussing an important subject to =
those of you in the job market. RoMay Sitze's original question =
regarding buzzwords (expanded from the Resume issue) started this topic. =
Here's a clip straight from the heart of a gentleman in the thick of =
this business. I've given credit where credit is due. Please bear with =
some of the stuff that Bob Morrisette's reply mentions already. The =
other info deserves illumination to those out there "beating the =
bushes".
"With the capability of computers increasing and their size decreasing, =
most contract engineering firms are now using a scanner to convert your =
resume to a word-processing format. They use this resume database to =
search for "Key Words" that match a pending requirement. If your name =
comes up as a result of this search, the agency will call to check your =
availability. It is therefore advantageous to have a "key word" summary =
at the beginning of your resume. This will maximize your chances for =
greater income potential, best possible PD and long term assignment. =
This means preparing a resume that is compatible with the currently =
marketable software. The following is a list of Do's & Don'ts.
Do:
- Use large size type (e.g., 10 or 12 pt.)
- Use plain white bonded paper
- Use a plain font (e.g., Arial)
- Use a high quality printer or copier
- Fax only the larger type size resume and use the high resolution =
(Fine) mode
- Follow up all faxed resumes with a printed copy through the mail
- Place your name, address and phone number approximately one inch from =
the top of the page
Don't:
- Use small size type (e.g., 9 pt. or smaller)
- Use colored or shaded paper
- Use staples
- Use graphs or pictures
- Use fancy fonts
- Use shaded highlights
- Use underline
- Use lines or boxes
Please believe me, having spent the last two years assisting in the =
development of a Pentium PC based scanning system, I have found that =
resumes not formatted to the above Do's and Don'ts are the kind of =
resumes which fail to achieve a usable conversion to word-processing =
format.
Following these basic guidelines won't guarantee you a position, but it =
will generate a 99.99% conversion ratio and qualify you for exciting new =
growth opportunities in the job market."
Rob Robertson, Operations Manager
National Engineering Service Corporation
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
800-562-3463
617-938-8747
508-687-4070
