How to Get Your Resume Noticed: Step 2 - Select a Standard Format

You have asked the experts how to get your resume to be noticed. Last time we talked about the importance of creating your personal portfolio. Ready for the next step?

Step 2: Select a Standard Format
As you prepare to create or update your resume, use a standard resume format. Standard templates are available in Word® and available online. You may be tempted to be creative and make your resume “stand out” from the crowd by using a unique custom format. That is only effective if your resume is being manually reviewed. Many organizations, private corporations and government, now use an automated tool to import data from your resume based on standard recognized templates.

If your resume is not in a recognized template then the automated tool may not be able to identify and match your data properly for employment history, education, and achievements. If your data cannot be read and mapped by automated software then your resume may not make it into the database, you could be ignored or overlooked. To give yourself the best chance of being considered, use a standard resume template.

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