"Do You Need A Plain Text Version Of Your Resume?"
Plain text documents, also known as ASCII text, are simply text with no word processing formatting. The majority of word processing programs, such as WordPerfect or MSWord, insert multiple commands and instructions into the text to control type point, fonts, spacing, margins, etc. These add to the variety and appeal of a well-designed document.
To increase this impact, a professionally written resume will feature outstanding graphic design using advanced word processing to add to readability and positive reader perception.
Why then worry about a plain text version of your resume? Plain text is, frankly, very unattractive and is hard to read, as the copy presents an unending plainness and similarity
The reason is simple: There are certain categories of job sites, whether electronic or other, that will only accept a plain text version of your resume. You place your job search in great jeopardy if you don’t have available such a version. Job hunting is hard enough without needlessly adding to the difficulties.
Examples:
Many resume posting sites will accept only plain text documents and can’t “read” word processed submissions. This is changing as time goes by, but why risk losing out on an opportunity by sending in a document that can’t be read?
Some corporate sites, too, can only “read” plain text.
Government and education sites often want plain text versions.
Conversion is simple. Bring up the document, choose FILE, SAVE AS, SAVE AS TYPE, PLAIN TEXT, and SAVE. You now have a new, plain text version of your resume useful in many ways for a speedy completion of your search and attainment of a new job.
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