How Do I Format My Resume in ASCII Text?

(courtesy of CareerAvenue)

Preparing your resume in ASCII text format is, thankfully, easy. Using your word processing program such as Word or WordPerfect, simply save your resume as a text only document. You may also save it in a "Rich Text Format." You have the option of using a simple text program such as Notebook or WordPad if you wish. Before you save it as a text document, you will want to remove some of the formatting you may have included in your resume. The following formats should be removed.

• Tabs. Tabs are not recognized in an ASCII format. Therefore, instead of using tabs, use the spacebar. However, use the spacebar sparingly. For example, it is not necessary to center your name and address. Instead of using the spacebar to center your name, left justify the data.
  
  
• Underlining. Keeping in mind that using ASCII text formats are similar to using a typewriter, underlines done on a typewriter cannot be placed under letters without typing the letter and then going back and inserting the underline. As that is impossible to accomplish on a computer, ASCII text does not recognize underlines.
  
  
• Centering Text. As previously indicated, the "Center Text" command supported by all word processing programs is not recognized by ASCII text formats. Use the spacebar when you determine that you absolutely must center text.
  
  
• Bold and italicized Font. Once again, it helps to refer to a typewriter when discussing text. Just as one cannot bold text or choose italicized text on a typewriter, ASCII formatting does not recognize bold or italicized text.
  
  
• Uncommon Fonts. ASCII text recognizes only the most commonly accepted fonts such as Courier, Arial and Times New Roman. It is best to limit your ASCII resume to one of the three fonts.
  
  
• Word Wrap. Do not depend on word wrap functions when formatting a resume for ASCII text. Use a hard return instead of word wrap.