In today’s fast-paced and online world, it’s essential to have job-search materials available in virtual formats. Job hunters must be aware of how résumés will appear across devices and models to ensure their résumé is legible. Thomas Moran, CEO of Addison Group, shares his insights on job searching in the modern world. “The days of printed résumés are almost extinct. Instead of focusing on what paper is the best for your résumé, job hunters are determining what format will make their résumé virtually stand out,” explains Moran. “It’s critical to have a well-written, well-formatted and inclusive online résumé.” Below are Moran’s tips for online résumés:

 

• File Type Options: One of the best ways to ensure résumé formatting stays put is to save and send the file as a PDF. Fonts and formatting is embedded in a PDF so any stylistic details will carry through to the prospective employer. However, if sending the résumé to a staffing firm or company with large human resources department, a word document may be best as word documents can be read and analyzed by automated systems.

• Align With Social Media: Tailoring résumés to a specific job is suggested, but when that means leaving out significant periods of employment it can raise suspicions. Make sure LinkedIn profiles and other relevant social media channels accurately reflect employment history.

• Include Links: It’s smart to hyperlink résumés to LinkedIn profiles, Twitter handles or blogs, when relevant to the position. In addition, creative applicants can include embedded videos, audio files or links to online portfolios.

• Attachment Names: If sending as an attachment, make sure the name is relevant to the position. Instead of “myrésumé” try something specific like “PRintern” or “softwaredeveloper.