Electronic CV: Some rules to follow

 

1) Rule #1: Send printable and readable files, A4 black and white format
While most companies now have an email system allowing them to receive your electronic application, some still post their ads in the press. These latter therefore receive handwritten responses and, in this case, they often manage electronic applications in paper form. The first rule to follow is therefore to send documents that remain readable when printed in A4 black and white.

2) Rule #2: Avoid HTML emails
It must not be forgotten that some companies have an email address but do not have web tools. Computers are then not necessarily equipped with browsers capable of reading HTML. It is therefore not recommended to send CVs in HTML format. Prefer plain text mode.

3) Rule #3: Save your CV in an older version of your word processing software.
There are several possibilities for sending your CV:

The email CV: The CV is in plain text in the content of the email message. It has the drawback of not being very aesthetic and the lack of formatting sometimes reduces readability. However, it has the advantage of being readable by all companies, regardless of their computer system.

The attached CV file: The CV is created in an external application, then sent with the email as an attached file. It allows you to better organize your CV and your experiences, through a layout dedicated to the readability of information. The application with which you create your CV must be an application commonly installed on company computers such as Word (*.doc) or RTF text (*.rtf). If you have the latest versions of Word, it is preferable to save it in an older version. Indeed, individuals often have more recent applications than companies.

4) Rule #4: Save your CV in a common format (Word or RTF)
Only send a CV in a specific format (*.pdf, *.htm) if you are sure that the company has the software to read it. Also, it is not recommended to create your CV in a "spreadsheet" format (Microsoft Excel being the best known), because formatting will be very difficult and the result disappointing.

5) Rule #5: Save your photo in *.gif or *.jpg format for a maximum weight of 50 KB
Some companies ask to send a photo. If you can scan an identity photo, save it in *.gif or *.jpg format. Most graphics applications allow this (e.g., Microsoft Office Photo Editor). These formats limit the weight (in KB) of your photo and do not increase the sending time of your email. Indeed, an identity photo scanned in other formats can weigh up to 1 MB. In general, your photo should not exceed 50 KB.

Good luck!

The ReKrute.com Team