Forum - Ask the Hiring Manager
QUESTION:
Hi Brian,
Alot of companies these days require the submition of the resume via email using ASCII format with line breaks. I am currently using MS word. How can I send my resume using this method.
Thanks!
From: Hosam Judah, recent graduate, Campbell University
ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:
Hi Hosam!
The reason most companies ask for the resume in ASCII format is for importing the data directly into their applicant tracking system. It is also the most widely accepted format that is available across most multiple platforms (including DOS, Windows, Mac, and Unix.
You didn't say which version of MS Word you are using, but most follow the same format. Go into your resume, click (or pull down) File from the top menu, select Save As, then at the bottom of the dialog box, pull down the Save File as Type selection box, where you should select "Plain Text" (or "Text Only with Line Breaks") and rename your resume to "lastname.txt" (such as "judah.txt" in your case). It is important to note that if you are transmitting your resume to a company, it is always best to have your rename your resume file to your last name plus the file extension (otherwise, your "resume.doc" or "resume.txt" file may overwrite someone else's file with the same name (and eventually be overwritten by someone else using the same file name). Also note that if a company requests ASCII format, you can both place your resume in the body of the message (by cutting-and-pasting) and attach as a separate file.
But as the final step, don't just send your resume via E-mail and hope for the best. Always, always, always follow up directly by phone. E-mail makes it convenient, but phone makes it effective.
Happy hunting!
Author of College Grad Job Hunter
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All job search information at this forum is provided by Brian Krueger, author of the book College Grad Job Hunter, the definitive guide for college grad job search. Used by permission of the author.
