tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17015976.post-1132239667650582622005-11-17T06:53:00.000-08:002005-11-17T07:01:07.660-08:00<strong>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</strong>. As long as it arrived, it really didn't matter how it got there. Today, you have to make decisions about:<br />· Which resume format to use (Word or ASCII) <br />· How to submit (mail, fax, email, upload to the employer's Web site or hand deliver). <br />· What resume to use when employers use automated resume management systems.<br /><br /><strong>Going paperless – the advantages</strong><br />Emailing your resume or applying online are becoming the preferred methods for employers and search firms to receive resumes today for many reasons:<br />· It’s faster than paper processing <br />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. <br />· Faxed resumes are hard to scan accurately <br />It could be uploaded with errors that prevent the resume from being retrieved. <br />· It’s cheaper <br />Not only is the cost of mailing increasing, but it also costs the employers to convert the resume to electronic format. <br />· Distribution is easier<br />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. <br />· Immediately searchable<br />When emailed or uploaded directly to the organization's resume database, it's immediately available for any searches being performed. <br />· Displays your skills<br />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.Robert Goldbergnoreply@blogger.com