How to write that Winning Resume for your Dream job

If you are a new entrant in the job market, you need to perfect your resume before applying for your 1st job Since you are fresh out of college, use your education as your strong point. Aggregate %, CGPA, accolades, club participation, etc. will be your focus. "Do I really need a resume? What should I write in my resume?" These are questions which worry every college graduate looking for his/her first job. Welcome to the real world! Yes you really need to make your resume and how you present yourself in that resume will go a long way towards getting you your first job. It's a myth that resumes of entry-level graduates are unimportant because they lack the 'pull' of experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. Not only is a well-made resume important for every job seeker, it is more critical for entry level graduates. A resume is a mirror of your professional identity. A well-defined resume impresses a recruiter. A sloppy resume immediately proclaims the candidate to be sloppy. Here are some do's and don'ts on what makes a great resume for graduates seeking entry-level positions in industry. OBJECTIVE One of the most frequently heard complaints made by recruiters about entry-level resumes is that they lack a specific objective. Resumes of fresh graduates have fuzzy, general objectives or no objective at all. Mentioning a specific objective is by far the most important feature of an entry- level resume. Without goal clarity you are bound to drown in the sea of mediocrity. The only thing worse than the absence of an objective is a vague objective. Something like "My objective is to work with a dynamic company which will fully utilise my talents" is a complete no-no! This objective is worthless because it gives the potential employer no idea about your goals or your direction. Your objective should be clear, well-defined and short-not more than 10-12 words.. It should be aimed towards getting a particular position in a specific industry. Thus your objective should talk about the following: 1. Position wanted 2. Functional area 3. Industry wanted Examples of good objectives: Example 1: "Junior management position wanted in PROGRAMMING/ engineering field in IT industry.' Example 2: GET in position in the manufacturing field. Example 3: Entry level programmer in a software development company. Example 4: Marketing position in the FMCG segment of a Multinational Company. Example 5: Multimedia software development position. Open to Relocation. Example 6: "A position as a Production supervisor with a petro-chemical company." SUMMARY Summary is the second most important factor that is conspicuous by its absence in resumes of entry-level graduates. It is a good idea to include a summary of your resume after having mentioned your objective. This sums up your resume in a nutshell and gives you an opportunity to highlight your strengths. It invites the recruiter to read your detailed resume. The summary should consist of 4-5 specific points-either bulleted or in one paragraph. Sample Summary 1:

B.E (Computer Science) from IIT-Delhi, in 2000. Course in Computers Database programmes Oracle 8I & VB6 from PENTASOFT in 2005. Consistently good academic record.

Good analytical and communication skills. Have worked on a curriculum project "XXX XXXXX XXXX"

Sample Summary 2: "Masters in Computer Application with specialisation in J2EE/Web Technologies. Great operational, communication and computer skills. Good academic record throughout. Among the top three students out of a batch of 120 students. Undergone Industrial training in a top petrochemical Company. EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Most fresher resume doesn't suffer from space constraint . However it is a good idea to include only those educational and professionals qualifications which are relevant. Put your qualifications in a reverse chronological order. i.e. the recent ones first followed by earlier ones. Entry level resume should also mention the names of their school and college, years in which they passed their board examinations. However, include your marks only you have shown a good academic performance. WORK EXPERIENCE An entry- level resume cannot compete with resumes of experienced workers in the area of work experience. But don't forget to list internships, voluntary work and summer training that you have undertaken. How you present these is very important. Make sure you clearly define your duty and responsibilities during this training. E.g.: "Worked as a summer trainee in India's largest Oil Refinery. I was working for the system control department. Wrote quality reports as well as ISO features for the company." Any projects done for your school or your college should also be mentioned. DESIGN Follow a simple design, which gives maximum information in the minimum number of pages. Use an easy to read and commonly used font like 'Times New Roman' or 'Verdana.' Limit your font size to 10-11. Do not underline heavily. WORD USAGE Simple language, lucid expression with good grammar is the thumb rule. Watch your tenses carefully. Use short and simple sentences. And never-ever make the mistake of using long words just to impress the recruiter. Flowery words are for speeches, keep them away from your resume. OUCH! THE TRUTH HURTS There are many things we would rather not write in our resumes. And while writing a resume the strong temptation to stretch the truth (or simply lie through our teeth) can be quite overpowering. But just stomp on the temptation. Most companies opt for a reference check during recruitment. Your resume is considered a legal document and fudging up small details may cause you great embarrassment in your career. All right! so you've made yor resume. But this is not the time to sit back and relax. There are some important post-resume do's left. CHECK, AND RE-CHECK! The most important post resume step: Read and re-read your resume for any mistakes. Check the facts, the grammar, the spellings. After you have checked it, get you parents, friends, teachers to check it for you. One small mistake may cost you your job. And finally...mom is right you know! Do not procrastinate over anything, specially making your resume. Most fresh graduates prefer to leave the unappealing task of resume making till the last minute i.e the day before their first interview. However, remember that making great resumes take time and effort. And the rewards will last you a lifetime

Do's & Dont's of emailing Resume.. !! Today sending resumes through e-mails is the most effective & fastest way of job hunting. If you notice

your resume getting rejected frequently and inadequate responses to your emails, go through the following ten tips to increase the effectiveness of your resume. 1. While applying for a job, as far as possible try to put the company's mailID in the 'TO' column instead of keeping it in the 'CC' or 'BCC' column. 2. Do not keep any other company's mailID in the 'CC' of the same mail. 3. If necessary you can keep your own mailID in the 'CC' of the same mail. 4. While sending resumes to many E-mail Ids at the same time, keep all the addresses in the 'BCC' of the mail which will not be visible for the recipients. Also put your own mailID in the 'TO' column. 5. You can paste your resume in the mail Text or can be attached as a document unless it is specifically mentioned. 6. While applying for any company's notifications, do follow the instructions word by word. 7. When you are asked to write any particular 'subject line', write exactly what is being asked to do. This is Very very important because today all the mail boxes are attacked by spam & virus mails and the recipient will be filtering your mails automatically/manually based on the mail subject only. For eg. When you are asked to write the subject 'Software Engineer-Bangalore", write exactly that and do not write "I am applying for the post of Software Engineer - Bangalore" 8. Also try to write the important part of your subject at the beginning because in the recipient's mail box the longest subjects will be truncated and only the first part will be displayed. For eg. Instead of writing 'My Freshersworld.com registration no. is cse12345' try writing 'cse12345 Freshersworld.com Registration no.'. Please note here that the company will be looking only for your registration no. and it is better if you write just " cse12345 ". 9. Pls note that all your casual mails with the subject ' Freshers Resume' or 'Registration details' will be summarily deleted and do not spend time on sending such mails where the notification asks you to put specific 'subject'. 10. Do not send the mail 3 or 4 times in order to make sure it reaches correctly which may irritate the recipient. Instead, in the first mail itself put your own mailID in the 'BCC' and check if the mail is received properly.

Preparation Guidelines On the Internet usually the CVs are send via e-mail to respective companies, but it is still important that you carry a copy along with you during your preliminary interview. 1. Use good quality paper for your CVs. After all you are describing your years of hard-earned education and experience. Always value yourself. Never send a badly duplicated photocopy of your CV. Even if you have to send a photocopy ideally use a good copier and executive bond paper or other similar quality. Always remember to put your telephone no. If possible give an alternate number of your pager/mobile or email no

2.

3.

4.

The section you should describe most is your work experience. Ideally give your job responsibilities point wise with sub headings. This would help to describe the matter briefly as well as to the point. Ideally restrict your CV to not more than three pages. After all you should have some matter to talk about during your interview. Check for spelling errors and grammatical mistake before you take a final copy of your CV as even a small error could cause an embarrassing situation for you. Remember to mention any awards / promotion or other recognition earned by you in your previous work experience. If you are a fresher than stress more on your education section and also mention other additional qualification in detail. Give a brief description about projects and extra curricular activities undertaken by you. Include sections like languages known, hobbies and interests, extra curricular activities, your positive points in brief.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10. Remember to include the exact time spent in each company supported by dates. Also give dates of completing each degree. 11. Some companies do ask for photographs so carry at least two-passport size photograph just in case you are asked to submit them. 12. Select a simple font with appropriate font size to give clarity and legibility to your precious CV.

15 Golden Tips The thought of writing a resume intimidates almost anyone. It's difficult to know where to start or what to include. It can seem like an insurmountable task. Here are 15 tips to help you not only tackle the task, but also write a winning resume.

1. Determine your job search objective prior to writing the resume. Once you have determined your objective, you can structure the content of your resume around that objective. Think of your objective as the bull's-eye to focus your resume on hitting. If you write your resume without having a clear objective in mind, it will likely come across as unfocused to those that read it. Take the time before you start your resume to form a clear objective. 2. Think of your resume as a marketing tool. Think of yourself as a product, potential employers as your customers, and your resume as a brochure about you. Market yourself through your resume. What are your features and benefits? What makes you unique? Make sure to convey this information in your resume. 3. Use your resume to obtain an interview, not a job. You don't need to go into detail about every accomplishment. Strive to be clear and concise. The purpose of your resume is to generate enough interest in you to have an employer contact you for an interview. Use the interview to provide a more detailed explanation of your accomplishments and to land a job offer.

4. Use bulleted sentences. In the body of your resume, use bullets with short sentences rather than lengthy paragraphs. Resumes are read quickly. This bulleted sentence format makes it easier for someone to quickly scan your resume and still absorb it.

5. Use action words. Action words cause your resume to pop. To add life to your resume, use bulleted sentences that begin with action words like prepared, developed, monitored, and presented.

6. Use #'s, Rs. and %'s. Numbers, dollars, and percentages stand out in the body of a resume. Use them. Here are two examples: * Managed a department of 10 with a budget of Rs.1,000,000. * Increased sales by 25% in a 15-state territory.

7. Lead with your strengths. Since resumes are typically reviewed in 30 seconds, take the time to determine which bullets most strongly support your job search objective. Put those strong points first where they are more apt to be read.

8. Play Match Game. Review want ads for positions that interest you. Use the key words listed in these ads to match them to bullets in your resume. If you have missed any key words, add them to your resume.

9. Use buzzwords. If there are terms that show your competence in a particular field, use them in your resume. For marketing people, use "competitive analysis." For accounting types, use "reconciled accounts."

10. Accent the positive. Leave off negatives and irrelevant points. If you feel your date of graduation will subject you to age discrimination, leave the date off your resume. If you do some duties in your current job that don't support your job search objective, leave them off your resume. Focus on the duties that do support your objective. Leave off irrelevant personal information like your height and weight.

11. Show what you know. Rather than going into depth in one area, use your resume to highlight your breadth of knowledge. Use an interview to provide more detail.

12. Show who you know. If you have reported to someone important such as a vice president or department manager, say so in your resume. Having reported to someone important causes the reader to infer that you are important.

13. Construct your resume to read easily. Leave white space. Use a font size no smaller than 10 point. Limit the length of your resume to 1-2 pages. Remember, resumes are reviewed quickly. Help the reader to scan your resume efficiently and effectively.

14. Have someone else review your resume. Since you are so close to your situation, it can be difficult for you to hit all your high points and clearly convey all your accomplishments. Have someone review your job search objective, your resume, and listings of positions that interest you. Encourage them to ask questions. Their questions can help you to discover items you inadvertently left off your resume. Revise your resume to include these items. Their questions can also point to items on your resume that are confusing to the reader. Clarify your resume based on this input.

15. Submit your resume to potential employers. Have the courage to submit your resume. Think of it as a game where your odds of winning increase with every resume you submit. You really do increase your odds with every resume you submit. Use a threetiered approach. Apply for some jobs that appear to be beneath you. Perhaps they will turn out to be more than they appeared to be once you interview for them. Or perhaps once you have your foot in the door you can learn of other opportunities. Apply for jobs that seem to be just at your level. You will get interviews for some of those jobs. See how each job stacks up. Try for some jobs that seem like a stretch. That's how you grow -- by taking risks. Don't rule yourself out. Trust the process. Good luck in your job search!

Build Resume for your First Job 7 steps can change your future Step Step Step Step Step Step Step 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Summarize your Qualifications. Education Work Experience Additional Information References Power Words The Cover Letter Summarize your Qualifications.

Step 1

Summarize your qualifications by writing a summary paragraph that highlights your professional background as it relates to the needs of the company. Hiring managers need to see immediately that you have the skills and experience they need. If an employer has to figure out what you can do for him, the odds are you won't get an interview. Over 15 years of diverse and challenging experience, combined with powerful presentation skills, a disciplined approach to the task at hand and the innate ability to anticipate potential obstacles are attributes that contribute to a strong record of excellence and acknowledgement for "getting the job done."

An accomplished senior executive with outstanding credentials and a proven record of resultsConstantly progressed in an organization that demands a broad business perspective to achieve accelerated growth in sales and profits. Fourteen years experience with a major international organization on a career path which supported increased levels of responsibility in the areas of management, communication and training. Over 12 years of technical sales and marketing experience including: electronic component sales knowledge of Unix, Pascal, Sun work station, Fortran new software business start-up and market presentation international marketing penetration. The Objective There is much debate regarding the inclusion/exclusion of a job objective-use your judgment. It is usually placed right under the heading. The job objective is a targeted, brief description of the specific kind of job you are seeking: legal administrator, bookkeeper, medical transcriber, diesel mechanic, etc. Avoid vagueness here, if you can't be specific leave it off the resume. It should be specific to the point of repeating what the advertisement/announcement stated. Since you may need a different resume for each opening you locate, you may also need to change the job objective. You can always discuss your objective in the cover letter. Do not assume that any job objective is better than no job objective. If your objective is vague or unfocused, you will appear unable to decide what you want to do with the next part of your life. Target it to the specific kind of job you are seeking, e.g., secretary, bookkeeper, sales representative, medical transcriber, backhoe operator, etc. Example: Position teaching science and/or math at the secondary school level. Position within a financial institution requiring strong analytical and organizational skills. The profile is an alternative to an objective statement. It gives you the opportunity to present your strengths at the very beginning of the rsum. Example: Profile Marketing...Finance...Management Eager to contribute to the growth of a progressive company with quality products or services. Qualified by business education, customer service and administrative experience. Professional appearance and advanced interpersonal communication. Highly motivated, strong work ethic; available as needed for training, travel, overtime, etc. Financed 80% of college tuition and expenses; additional 20% through scholarships. In writing the major areas of your rsum, it is important to emphasize your abilities and accomplishments more than past duties. You may also want to indicate how well you performed. This will help infuse personal qualities such as character and personality into your rsum. Step 2 Education

This category is particularly important if you have not had a great deal of work experience. Remember, your most recent educational experience should be listed first. Include your degree (A.S., B.S., B.A., etc.), major, institution(s) attended, date of graduation, minors or concentrations, and any special workshops, seminars, related coursework or senior projects. A G.P.A. of higher than a 3.0 (either overall G.P.A. or G.P.A. in major) should also be noted here. Step 3 Work Experience

If you are a student, recent college graduate or have limited paid work experience, but have been involved in volunteer, internship, practicum or student teaching work experiences, be sure to point this out to the employer. This is what your skills are and what you can do on the job. Be sure to include all significant work experience in reverse chronological order. Note to teacher candidates: Be sure to include your student teaching experience on your rsum.

You should include:

1. 2. 3. 4.

The The The The

title of your position name of the organization location of work (town, state) dates of jobs held

You should describe your work responsibilities with an emphasis on achievements using action words to communicate your skills. List the most important and related responsibilities first. Identify the most relevant work experiences and describe them fully. Be brief with the irrelevant experiences or omit them. It is sometimes useful to divide your work experience into two categories: Relevant Experience and Other Experience. You may want to add that work was performed to earn a certain percent of college expenses. Example: Earned 75% of college expenses through the following part-time jobs Step 4 Additional Information This category is useful for displaying information that doesn't fit in any other category. Although Interests, Computer Knowledge, and Activities can be separate categories, especially if they are very strong, they can be listed here as well. Languages spoken, or any extra, relevant bit of information can be placed here as well. Interests This is sometimes used to evaluate your suitability to a geographic area or to understand your "personality type". Include this section if you have available space. Include social or civic activities, health and fitness or sports activities, or hobbies which indicate how you spend your leisure time. Computer Knowledge: If using computers is a necessary skill for the job you are seeking, be sure to highlight your knowledge in this section. Example: Databases: Oracle 8.x, SQL Server, Sybase Client/Server: Power Builder 3.x/4.x/5.x/6.x/7.x, Visual Basic Oracle Skills: SQL, PL/SQL, Replication, Database Administration, Oracle Web toolkit Web skills: HTML, XML, Sybase EA Server, Power Dynamo, Power Site, Jaguar Component Transaction Server, Oracle Application Server Data modeling: ErwinObject modeling: Rational Rose, BPWin Hardware: Sun Workstations Operating Systems: Windows NT, UNIX Programming Languages: Java, C, C++, Perl Activities, Honors, and Leadership are also important categories to include. If the activities involved work responsibility, note it in some detail. The employer is interested in the skills you have developed whether through volunteer or paid experiences. If you were elected to offices or committees, mention it. Recognition and demonstration of leadership roles are valuable. Step 5 References

Be sure to ask individuals if they would be willing to be a reference for you prior to mentioning their names to prospective employers. Names of individuals are not usually listed on the rsum (unless there is space available at the end), but you should prepare a typed list of three references to provide at the interview. This list should include name, title, employer, address, business and home telephone number. You may also state at the bottom of your rsum "References furnished upon request." Step 6 Power Words

Employers today want to know concrete things about you, and what you can produce. Most rsums today are filled with empty generalizations, failing to be distinguished in any way from the crowd of respondents. By beginning sentences with Action or Power Words, you are showing employers you are capable of tactical strategic thinking and have proven results. Here are some Power Words to get you started:

accelerated

mastered

accomplished achieved adapted administered analyzed approved conceived conducted completed controlled coordinated created delegated demonstrated designed developed directed earned effected eliminated established evaluated expanded expedited facilitated found generated implemented improved increased influenced initiated inspected instructed interpreted launched led lectured maintained managed

motivated operated ordered originated organized participated performed pinpointed planned prepared produced programmed proposed proved provided proficient in purchased recommended reduced reinforced reorganized revamped reviewed revised scheduled simplified set up solved streamlined structured supervised supported surpassed taught trained translated used utilized won wrote

Step 7

The Cover Letter

Never send a rsum without a cover letter. The purpose of a cover letter is to express your interest in an organization and to request an interview. The opening paragraph must get the reader's attention and interest in your employment potential. This paragraph should also refer to the specific position sought and areas in your background that make you an attractive candidate for it. The development section (usually one or two paragraphs) highlights specific aspects of your education, training, and experience that relate to the position or organization to which you are applying. It also refers the reader to your enclosed rsum for further details.

The concluding paragraph should request action by the reader. You should request an opportunity to meet with the person to discuss your qualifications and employment potential in greater detail. Include information on how you can be contacted by providing both day and evening phone numbers. Important: If you are expecting a prospective employer to contact you at home and you have an answering machine, this may be a good time to review your outgoing message. This is the employers first contact with you. Be sure your outgoing message is respectable

Most frequent resume mistakes to be avoided Please, be original. Don't make these common mistakes.

Mistake: Correct:

Incorrect Contact Information I once worked with a student whose resume seemed incredibly strong, but he wasn't getting any bites from employers. So one day, I jokingly asked him if the phone number he'd listed on his resume was correct. It wasn't. Once he changed it, he started getting the calls he'd been expecting. Moral of the story: Double-check even the most minute, taken-for-granted details -- sooner rather than later. Listing a personal web site that contains inappropriate content. See listing your personal web site URL on your resume. Using really small fonts Employers are typically reading many resumes, and are taking less than half a minute to read one. Really small fonts are hard to read and don't photocopy as well. (That applies to your address block as well.) What's too small? Generally don't go smaller than a 10 point, but notice that all font styles aren't sized equally. For example, a 10 point Arial font is smaller than a 10 point Antique Olive. Really wide margins with content squeezed in the middle. Your margins should be at least one half inch. You really don't need more than one inch. Lots of students ask if their resumes have "enough white space." An employer isn't reading white space. Employers are reading your content, and you want it to be easy to see. Long wordy descriptions in your objective and elsewhere. You don't need complete sentences in your resume. Concise, understandable phrases are sufficient. Look at the examples in resume formats and samples. Ask for a Career Services advisor's assistance in editing your resume through walk-in advising. Typos. You have one chance to make a first impression. In many cases, your resume, or your resume plus a cover letter, are the only things an employer has to base an impression of you. The resume is a critical document for presenting yourself. The view is that if you would make a mistake on your resume, you'll probably make a lot more mistakes on the job. It's easy to miss your own typos. Use spellcheck, but remember it won't catch every error. Frightening example: If you leave the first "l" out of "public relations," spellcheck is not going to let you know. Get the idea? Ask friends to proofread. Using too complicated a format; getting too creative.

Mistake: Correct: Mistake: Correct:

Mistake: Correct:

Mistake: Correct:

Mistake: Correct:

Mistake:

Correct:

The employer typically spends about 15 to 30 seconds reading your resume. Keep the layout simple and clean (like the examples in resume formats and samples). Avoid too many layers of indentation. Stick with one font size for the document; only make your name larger. Don't mix font types. Using a unique, creative layout or style to stand out from the crowd. The best way to stand out from the crowd is with high quality content and a clearly written, neat, error-free document. Employers are looking for content, not fancy or dangerously creative layout. Don't stand out for the wrong reason.

Mistake: Correct:

Cover letter sample:

Sir/Madam, I am a B.E/ B.Tech/ MCA/ M.E/ M.Tech in XXXXXXXX-(specify your branch) with an aggregate of 85%. I will be much pleased (include the core of Cover Letter here). Here by i do paste/ attach a copy of my resume for your kind reference. Core part of a Cover Letter.

To work in a globally competitive environment on challenging assignments that shall yield the twin benefits of the job satisfaction and a steady-paced professional growth. To work efficiently and effectively as well as grow with a prestigious organization in field of production, maintenance, and designing. So as to achieve self realization and accomplishment of organizational goals. Seeking a challenging and satisfying career in Web Application Development environment. To work in a creative and challenging environment using cutting edge technologies where i could constantly learn and successfully deliver solutions to problems. To develop my career as a Software Engineer where I will be a valuable team member, contributing quality ideas and work for an organization where there is an ample scope for individual as well as organization growth in Software Design and Development.

To be an excellent software professional and move into higher technology areas which provide an environment to improve my technical and analytical abilities. To be in a position in a result oriented company that seeks an ambitious and career conscious person where acquired skills and education will be utilized towards continuous growth and advancement.

Expecting a Favorable Reply, Sincerely, Sanjay Dixit. sanjay_dixit@yahoo.com 09845412345

Email - Makes it easier .. !! Email was a differentiator at first (mid 90's). When you emailed your resume, you stood out from the crowd as "net savvy." By the late 90's, email became the "standard" way to reach someone. Now, email is largely a nuisance unless someone is expecting a message from you. So, what should you do? 1. Follow the employer's directions, if any are given. If they specify a "receiving" address on the job posting or the Website, send your resume to that address. If they have specified what goes into the subject line of the message (like the job posting number), be sure to do that, too. This isn't limiting your ability to do some "guerilla marketing" in addition to the following-the-rules process to help you stand out from the crowd. However, it is demonstrating that you are capable of following directions and have some respect for their processes. So follow the directions and also use your other approaches, if appropriate. (See #7 for another idea) 2. Don't use your current work e-mail address (if you are still employed) for sending your resume to a new employer. This is a very good way to become unemployed (most employers monitor email traffic, so they'll see that resume go out)! And, it doesn't show a new employer that you are very loyal or respectful of your current employer. Doesn't make you a very appealing applicant. 3. Send a separate message to each potential employer. Even though it may be easy to do, don't do mass emailing. Messages with multiple addresseees are a sure way to trip a spam filter's alarm and very bad 'netiquette to boot. If you're not careful, it can reveal all the other employers you are courting and demonstrate that you

are not willing to spend much effort on any of the employers listed. In addition, a cookie-cutter message will not be focused on that specific opportunity (the requirements of the job, the employer's situation, etc.). So, it may not get through, and if it does get through, it won't be effective. 4. If possible, send your email on Tuesday or Wednesday. The weekends, Mondays, Fridays, and late Thursdays are typically times with a high volume of spam, and your message may get lost in the junk. 5. Use plain text format. If your email software lets you choose a font face, do bolding, and add a pretty background to your outgoing messages, you are using HTML email. Not good. HTML email can trigger the spam filters and often looks different on someone else's computer, so use plain text. It's safer from both a technical and a usability perspective. So, change the format of your email to plain text when you are sending out a resume or corresponding with an employer. [With Outlook Express, be sure that the black dot is beside the words "plain text" when you look at the drop-down list under "Format" in the New Message window's toolbar.] 6. Copy the plain text version of your resume into the body of your email. Unless directions from the employer specify otherwise, this is the safest way to send a resume via email. You need to copy the plain text version of your resume - not the Word (or other word processing software) document. See Job-Hunt's "Converting a Word Resume into ASCII Text" article for step-by-step directions. 7. Look for alternative ways to reach people. Use the Internet to reach the employer, and then follow up offline. For example, if you want to work in the sales department of a company, find the VP of Sales on the company Website, and then call the company to verify that the person is still there and still VP of Sales. Once you know the name of the person in that key position, send a "beautiful resume" (Joyce Lain Kennedy's term from her latest resume book) via snail mail - NOT email. Your "beautiful resume" is the one in word processing format, with bullets and bolding and a fancy layout - designed to showcase you and your capabilities. Tips on e-mailing - from my Experience an HR who receives thousands of resumes daily Today sending resumes through e-mails is the most effective & fastest way of job hunting. If you notice your resume getting rejected frequently and inadequate responses to your emails, go through the following ten tips to increase the effectiveness of your resume. 1. While applying for a job, as far as possible try to put the company's mailID in the 'TO' column instead of keeping it in the 'CC' or 'BCC' column. 2. Do not keep any other company's mailID in the 'CC' of the same mail.

3. If necessary you can keep your own mailID in the 'CC' of the same mail. 4. While sending resumes to many E-mail Ids at the same time, keep all the addresses in the 'BCC' of the mail which will not be visible for the recipients. Also put your own mailID in the 'TO' column. 5. You can paste your resume in the mail Text or can be attached as a document unless it is specifically mentioned. 6. While applying for any company's notifications, do follow the instructions word by word. 7. When you are asked to write any particular 'subject line', write exactly what is being asked to do. This is Very very important because today all the mail boxes are attacked by spam & virus mails and the recipient will be filtering your mails automatically/manually based on the mail subject only. For eg. When you are asked to write the subject 'Software Engineer-Bangalore", write exactly that and do not write "I am applying for the post of Software Engineer - Bangalore" 8. Also try to write the important part of your subject at the beginning because in the recipient's mail box the longest subjects will be truncated and only the first part will be displayed. For eg. Instead of writing 'My Freshersworld.com registration no. is cse12345' try writing 'cse12345 Freshersworld.com Registration no.'. Please note here that the company will be looking only for your registration no. and it is better if you write just " cse12345 ". 9. Pls note that all your casual mails with the subject ' Freshers Resume' or 'Registration details' will be summarily deleted and do not spend time on sending such mails where the notification asks you to put specific 'subject'. 10. Do not send the mail 3 or 4 times in order to make sure it reaches correctly which may irritate the recipient. Instead, in the first mail itself put your own mailID in the 'BCC' and check if the mail is received properly.

ASCII Text mail is more acceptable .. !! Follow these step-by-step instructions and you'll have a perfectly clean ASCII text resume. Use this version of your resume for e-mail, unless you have received specific directions from the recruiter/employer to use another format. This is also the version of your resume that you will use most often to cut-and-paste into the resume forms on Web job sites. Converting a Word document to ASCII text: 1. Spell check and then re-save your resume in your word processing program (e.g. Word) before you move to the next step. Open a simple text editor like Notepad (on the PC, under Start > Programs > Accessories > Notepad) or SimpleText (on the Mac) Start Word (or your word processing program if you're not using Word), if it is not already open. In Word (or your word processing program), open the file for your resume. If you make any changes, be sure to double-check your spelling and grammar before you save the file.

2.

3. 4.

5.

Highlight all the text in your Word document by -

o o o

Clicking on Edit > Select All, or Using your mouse to run from the top of the file to the bottom, or On your PC, holding down the Control and the "a" keys simultaneously. Highlight -- You will know that the text is highlighted because the background and letters of highlighted content are in reverse from their normal state (black background with white letters is the highlighted state for normal black letters on a white background). Don't let your mouse "touch down" anywhere in the document's window, or the highlighting will go away, and you will have to start over again.

o
6. Copy the highlighted text into your computer's temporary storage (the "Clipboard" in a PC) by -

o o
7.

Clicking on Edit > Copy, or On your PC, press the Control and the "c" keys simultaneously.

Move to your simple text editor, most probably Notepad (step 1, above), and paste the copy of your resume file into this new editor.

o o o
8.

Click inside the Notepad window, and then Click on Edit > Paste, or On your PC, press the Control and the "v" keys simultaneously.

Save as plain text.

o o o
9.

Select File > Save As, and then Name the file resume.txt (or whatever.txt), with in Notepad, Text Documents selected as the "File of Type"

You aren't done yet! You need to adjust the text to make it more readable and interesting You will notice that your resume, in Notepad, is not as "pretty" as it was before. That's because it is now plain text. All special formats, like bolding and italicizing, have been removed, as have any graphics or other non-text elements. (Now you know why it is called "plain" text!) This is a good thing! At least, for e-mail, it is. You can, and should, take some steps to improve the way ASCII text looks. It still won't be beautiful, but it will be more acceptable.