Defining An Ascii Resume

ASCII stands for American Standard Code for Information Interchange. An ASCII resume is basically a resume in text (.txt) format. These types of resumes are ideally for computer comprehension. Now days many companies use scanning technology to place resumes in a database for reference. Computer technology scans the resume for keywords and phrases that link up with specified job specific words. This helps the employer or recruiter sort through the information and select viable candidates for the job. Most medium to large sized companies use this kind of technology. You will also find that this format is suited to online job banks, online applications and for delivery via email.

For a resume to be successfully translated to a computer database it should be in text form. A text file has no formatting mechanism or special features, it is simply text and therefore it can be read by various computer programs and displayed across varying platforms. It is easily read by word processing applications and will not change format in any way. If you use other formats there are no guarantees the companies program will be able to read the resume.

You should send an ASCII formatted resume when your applying to companies that use resume databases. This way you will ensure that no matter what program or platform they use, your resume and its vital information will remain intact. In fact you can create a competitive edge by knowing some formatting tricks that will help computers get to the keywords in your text.

You basic content and standard format will remain the same as your print resume. You will just eliminate all the added extras and strip the information down to its bare text. Text documents do not recognize bold, underlining or different fonts. A simple line break between paragraphs is the only formatting you will find in an ASCII resume. The best format for online viewing and scannable resumes is a left justified margin. When you transfer your resume into a text document do not use the word wrap feature. Simple text is easy to read and your keywords will be accessible to all programs. Keywords should be the number one feature you use to attract attention to your text resume.

Your intention with an ASCII resume is to make online reading for the computer programs as easy as possible. Just like you are trying to make your print resume appeal to a human audience you should try and make your ASCII resume as appealing as possible to a computer program. Your key focus is making the keywords and phrases in your resume accessible. Don't clutter up the text with fancy fonts, designs or formatting. Stick to a simple ASCII format to get the best results from your computer friendly resume.

ASCII resumes are ideal for scanning and for delivery via email. They are also the best way to submit your resume to online job banks, online recruiters and for applying for jobs online. Remember keywords are what will get you noticed by the computer program. Try to preempt what keywords the human reviewer will mark as mandatory. Use industry specific words and job specific verbs. These will get you hits with the program whilst also scoring points with the employer.

 

 

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