ConstructionJobs.com - How to Create an ASCII (Plain Text) Resume for Applying Online

You should have different formats available for each of these situations. Not all email programs or online forms are the same. Therefore, your resume will not look the same to every recipient. Your resume should be formatted so that they can be read in any email program or online form. Save your fully formatted resume for interviews and for giving to employers who have already shown an interest.

Follow the subsequent directions to create a resume that will look good no matter where you send it. These directions will work for most word processing programs.

Creating an ASCII Resume for Pasting to Online Web Forms

Formatting Suggestions

* Use a non-proportional font such as Courier so that each full line of text appears as the same width on the page.

* Do not use tabs. They are often ignored by web browsers, and behave unpredictably in e-mail reader programs.

* Avoid trying to indent or center text using the space bar. Keep all lines justified to the left side of the page, and use line breaks ("Enter" key) to separate headings and sections.

* Don’t rely on exact positioning of text using spaces or specific fonts. The font that you use to create your resume is not necessarily the same font that will be used to display it on the Internet or in an employer’s e-mail program.

* To emphasize a word or words, use ALL CAPS rather than bold, or surround the text using ***asterisks*** or #other characters#.

* For bulleted lists, use the asterisk (*), hyphen (-), plus sign (+) or a similar common character. Keep in mind that long lines of text may wrap incorrectly underneath the bullets. To avoid this problem, keep list items under 65 characters wide.

* Don’t try to control the width of each line in a long paragraph by using carriage returns. Just put a single carriage return at the end of the paragraph to allow your text to wrap normally. It will then look consistently good even if the browser or email reader window is resized. When you have completed the ASCII file for pasting into online forms, you can use that file to create a file for e-mailing.

Sample ASCII (Plain-Text) Resume Format

JOE D. JOBSEEKER
1234 5th Ave Arlington, WA 98500
206.555.6666
joejobseeker@some-email-address.com

===========================
Merchandise and Goods Delivery Driver
============================

Thorough knowledge of diesel and gas engine troubleshooting. Maintained delivery records with accounts receivable. Collection of money or signature from customers. Checked out and in vehicle, including daily safety inspection.

CERTIFICATIONS

* CDL Class B license
* WA State Food Handler’s Permit
* Department of Transportation Physical Certification

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

* Able to lift 50-75 pounds safely and efficiently.
* Maintain excellent relationships with clients and receiving personnel.
* Friendly and energetic personality.
* Thorough knowledge of Seattle streets and construction conditions.
* 100% clean driving record.

SUCCESSFULLY HANDLED PRODUCTS

* Poultry
* Meats
* Durable goods
* Dairy deliveries
* Fish and other delicate perishables
* Dry goods

WORK HISTORY

Fred’s Fine Foods - Seattle, WA - 2000 to 2002
-- Delivery Driver
* Employee of the year, 2002.

Sam’s Fine Fish - Seattle, WA - 1999 to 2000
-- Delivery Driver
* Consistently met or exceeded delivery goals.

Swift Shipping - Seattle, WA - 1998 to 1999
-- Transfer driver
* Drove materials to satellite locations throughout the state.

EDUCATION Bachelor of Arts
University of Marie del Rios - 1992



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