ELECTRONIC RESUMES -- A WHOLE NEW WORLD

Not so long ago, the only decision you needed to make regarding your resume was whether to mail it, fax it or hand it to a contact. As long as it arrived, it really didn't matter how it got there. Today, you have to make decisions about:
· Which resume format to use (Word or ASCII)
· How to submit (mail, fax, email, upload to the employer's Web site or hand deliver).
· What resume to use when employers use automated resume management systems.

Going paperless – the advantages
Emailing your resume or applying online are becoming the preferred methods for employers and search firms to receive resumes today for many reasons:
· It’s faster than paper processing
Not only does a paper resume take time, but it may also take several days to be converted to electronic format if there’s a backlog in scanning.
· Faxed resumes are hard to scan accurately
It could be uploaded with errors that prevent the resume from being retrieved.
· It’s cheaper
Not only is the cost of mailing increasing, but it also costs the employers to convert the resume to electronic format.
· Distribution is easier
HR recruiters can quickly review the contents of an emailed resume and forward it to the relevant hiring managers. Email speeds distribution within the organization.
· Immediately searchable
When emailed or uploaded directly to the organization's resume database, it's immediately available for any searches being performed.
· Displays your skills
Sending your resume electronically (whether by uploading to the organization’s Web site or emailing) demonstrates PC skills. Conversely, sending a resume via "snail mail" suggests (whether fairly or not) that you are PC illiterate.