How to Prepare Your Internet Fax Resume

You may already have a resume formatted for email and uploading to an online resume processor, but you probably haven’t tested your resume for print or fax recently. Learn how to format it to ensure that the recruiter can read it clearly in any format.

Formatting for the Internet Fax
Formatting for an internet fax is similar to formatting for a paper fax. Use a clear font in a readable size. Make sure bullet points are large enough to come through a fax machine. Avoid excessive italics or faint type that may be lost in translation. You should also make sure the top margin is at least half an inch to allow for fax headers.

Testing Your Internet Fax Resume
Before you fax a resume to a potential employer, use eFax to send it to yourself at your eFax number. That will enable you to see if the fax headers will cover any of your important information. You will also be able to see if your formatting is readable after transmission. If possible, you should also fax it to a friend with a fax printer to see if it’s still readable.

Sending Your Resume
Once you’ve tested your fax resume, prepare a cover letter. When you send a document through eFax, you can simply create a new page in Word in front of the resume. Format the letter as you would any other business letter. Standard resume cover letter rules apply: highlight how your experience will benefit the employer and mention one or two important accomplishments featured in the resume. Keep your cover letter brief – many recruiters will simply skim them for pertinent facts before reviewing your resume.

Proofread Your Resume and Confirm the Fax Number
Finally, review your resume one last time for errors. Verify the fax number in the ad and make sure you enter it properly into the eFax dialer.

When you send your resume through eFax, you have an automatic log of the date and time you submitted your resume. Mark your calendar for a follow-up call a week later if you feel it’s appropriate.

Few companies request faxed resumes, but some industries still prefer this method. Don’t let yourself miss an opportunity because you don’t have a fax machine. Use an internet fax service like eFax to make your first impression the right impression.