Are you sure your resume is being read?

Many jobseekers complain that they send out so many resumes, and have no responses. In this market, there are many applications for any advertised position, so you have to work harder (and coaching can help) to make sure that your resume reaches the right people.

There are some basic things that you can do to make sure that you are actually sending your resume in a format that is easy to open. ]

1. Do make sure that you actually attach the resume to a cover letter or that it uploads to an online application. Often, I receive responses with no resume attached. Many employers will not take the time to let you know that they did not receive your resume.
2. Send the resume as a word 97-2003 document. These are easy to open. For users of Vista, the new version is not compatible on older computers. Also, resumes from a Mac should be sent as a word document (.doc), .dat will not open on all computers.
3. Adobe format protects other users from changing the document, but is difficult to save to most resume databases.
4. For online resumes, do make sure that your resume is "scannable". A lot of bullits, etc., may prevent the resume from being scanned into an electronic system. Have a good copy of your resume to send with cover letters, applications where you can attach a document, and to take with you on interviews. Also use a plain version for online applications.