Scanning your resume

Type your resume using your favorite word-processing application, and then save it as a text only document (sometimes also called Rich Text Format or RTF). This should be an option under your "save" or "save as" command. You can also use a simple text program to compose your resume.

Since your resume will appear as straight text, it will not recognize special formatting commands specific to your word-processing program, therefore, you must watch for these common mistakes:

Special characters (such as "smart quotes," or mathematical symbols)  do not get accurately transferred in the text save; avoid using special characters

Tabs - do not use tabs; use your spacebar instead

Alignment - make everything left justified, if you want to indent a sentence or center a heading, use the spacebar

Fonts - fonts will become whatever a computer uses as its default face and size so avoid boldface, italics, and various sizes

Spell check - check your document before you save it as a text file

Proofread - make sure to read over your entire resume after you paste it in the message field and before you hit the submit button

While writing your resume, use nouns to describe your qualifications, not verbs. When the hiring managers search through the database of resumes, often they can only search by key words, and those key words tend to be nouns. Use nouns that are usually used to describe your industry. Jargon is perfectly OK, as long as you spell out abbreviations. Put yourself in the manager's place and ask yourself "What words would I  search on?"

Do you need 2 different resumes? No, it does mean that you should have two *versions* of your resume. One,  for people to look at (one that is probably more aesthetically pleasing) and another to send into computer resume systems.

Printing and sending your resume:

When you print your resume, use a white or light colored paper stock. Paper size should be standard U.S. 8.5x11. Send the company a laser printed or high quality deskjet printed or a high quality xerox of your resume. Be sure to include a cover letter along. If you fax your resume, make sure that the fax machine (or fax software) is set to high resolution.

April, 1997-present PETRO SERVICES, INC. Jacksonville, FL
Area Supervisor

Responsible for nine stores and seventy-three employees. Initiated operations under Shell brand subsequent to purchase from BP. Coordinated all aspects of store operations during transition phase. In addition to duties and responsibilities of Territory Supervisor, also coordinated maintenance of car washes.

1989-1997 GATE PETROLEUM CO. Jacksonville, FL
Territory Supervisor

Managed up to eighty-four employees and assured the efficient operation of nine gas/convenience store locations. Monitored opening and closing hours of locations. Interviewed employees and hired or promoted to appropriate positions.

• Controlled inventory levels and facilitated the monthly inventory reconciliation process.
  
• Effectively handled all vendor relationships.
  
• Monitored local gas prices in the industry to maintain competitive prices.
  
• Assured upkeep and maintenance of all locations in assigned territory.
  
• Performed monthly site inspections.
  • Provided effective resolutions to customer complaints or issues.
  • Conducted periodic cash audits.
  • Minimized company expenses and loss through the investigation of cash shortages and reported "drive-off’s" or "no-pays", effective salary administration, and monitoring volume of overtime hours worked.
  • Involved employees in monthly profit-and-loss reporting meetings which fostered company ownership and an entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Evaluated employees on performance and provided feedback on developmental areas. Implemented employee progressive discipline process as warranted.

Managed up to eighteen employees. Completed daily administrative paperwork and made bank deposits. Controlled cash and inventory shortages.

• Maintained necessary inventory levels through effective merchandise ordering.
  
• Resolved customer complaints.
  
• Hired sales associated and scheduled labor appropriately.
  
• Trained new sales associates and assistant managers.
  
• Conducted monthly price surveys.
  
• Handled maintenance and facility work orders.

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