Ask the Hiring Manager

QUESTION:

I am a new Internet user. What is ASCII format or HTML format? Where can I find those specifications?

From: Judy Gail Eckenroth

ANSWER FROM BRIAN KRUEGER:

Hi Judy -

I assume you're asking in reference to my chapter info on posting your resume on the Internet.

ASCII is standard text format (.TXT) for most Windows users and can be saved in this format with a variety of word processors and text editors, with Windows Notepad saving in text format as the standard. It is the most universally accepted file format across all platforms (Windows, DOS, Unix, Mac).

HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. It is the stadard file format for use on the Web. It is typically generated either using a manually using a text editor (such as Notepad or vi) or automatically (somewhat) using an HTML editor such as Hot Metal Pro or Hot Dog Pro.

It's best to send your resume to the end recipient in both text (.TXT) format and Word (.DOC) format. If you are sending to someone on the Net to post at a Web site, it just saves steps if you already have it in HTML foramt. But make sure that the HTML tagging is proper--preview it yourself before giving to others to post.

I hope that helps and doesn't confuse you further. If you're new to the Net, just keep in mind that it gets easier the longer you work with it.