June 2005

Most recruiters and potential employers are requesting resumes via e-mail as a way to improve their hiring processes. Electronic formats allow the hiring managers to screen, save and forward your information quickly and efficiently. It also demonstrates your familiarity with current office technology.

Recently, companies have tightened their e-mail filters in an attempt to keep out spam and computer viruses. This has also unintentionally blocked some legitimate e-mails, including job seekers’ resumes. A word or phrase taken out of context may trigger the spam filter and eliminate you from consideration. Resumes sent via resume blasting services (which send hundreds of e-mails simultaneously) may also be filtered out.

To increase your chances for getting resumes and cover letters through prospective employers spam guards, consider these tips:

Send targeted resumes to one company at a time. Research the employer and be sure you meet the minimum qualifications of the position.
  Don’t send attachments unless requested; format your resume as plain text and include it in the body of your e-mail message.
  If attachments are requested, don’t send compressed files. Include your name in the filename of your resume document (ie. JoeSmith.doc) to differentiate your information from other candidates.
  Avoid words frequently found in spam: free, expand, trial, mortgage, cash, singles, cheap, medications.
  Include a valid e-mail address in the “reply to” field.
  Scan all documents for viruses before sending them.
  Follow-up on the e-mail by sending a hard copy of your resume or phoning to ensure receipt of the e-mail.

Additionally, check the spam filter on your computer and review your junk mail box to ensure that you won’t miss important communications from a company.

The Career Exploration Office is offering assistance to alumni and continuing education students in developing a targeted resume. During the month of July, CEO staff will review your current resume, make suggestions, and proofread the final version for a one-time fee of $50. Participants must have a current resume and a career target prior to the initial contact. For those interested in additional assistance, the $50 fee can be applied to the Scarlet package of career services. For more information, contact the Career Exploration Office at (614) 292-3503 or 292-8493 or via e-mail careerexploration@osu.edu.

The U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau is piloting a new project targeting women returning to the workforce. This project will serve as a bridge between those facing a transition in their work lives and the resources available through local partners (including the CEO) and online. Links connecting participants to the skills training and employment services necessary to ensure a successful transition to workplaces will be provided during this one-year project. The goal of the Women in Transition project is to help participants realize an increase in wages, receive a promotion, enter a degree program, find employment or begin their own business. If you live in Ohio and are interested in participating in this pilot project, contact the Career Exploration Office at (614) 292-3503 or careerexploration@osu.edu.

Improve Your Interviewing Skills
Time is running out to register for the Interviewing Skills workshop on June 29th!

For more information, visit the CEO website (www.careers.ohiostatealumni.org) or call
(614) 292-8493 or 292-3503 by June 15th.

You have received this email in response to an inquiry made to the Career Exploration Office. If you do not wish to receive the CEO Career Tune-Up, please send your request to be removed from the mailing list to careerexploration@osu.edu.

Career Exploration Office, 152 Mount Hall, 1050 Carmack Road, Columbus, Ohio 43210-1002
(614) 292-8493 or (614) 292-3503, www.careers.ohiostatealumni.org, e-mail: careerexploration@osu.edu.