A Guide to Uploading a Resume in Five Easy Steps

Employers often require applicants to upload their resumes online in a job search engine profile or directly to their website when they apply for jobs. If you are beginning your job search and you need some help uploading your resume online, reviewing information about uploading a resume online may help you do so successfully.

In this article, we provide a step-by-step guide to uploading your resume, instructions for attaching your resume to emails and tips about what you should name your resume before you upload it online.

How to upload a resume online

Each job search website or company website may have slightly different resume uploading methods. Here are some standard steps you may take to upload your resume online:

1. Make sure your resume is in the correct format

2. Copy and paste your resume

3. Click the "upload" or "upload resume" button

4. Select your resume file

5. Click the "upload" button again and save

1. Make sure your resume is in the correct format

The website you upload to might change the organization of your resume if you do not submit your resume in the correct format. Select the resume format that the employer asks for. If they do not specify, choose the format that works best with your resume to ensure the formatting such as font, bullet points or margins don't change. Uploading your resume in the right format helps maintain the readability of your resume for hiring managers and recruiters.

2. Copy and paste your resume

Some job search sites, talent management websites or online applications do not have the option to upload resumes. Instead of uploading your resume onto these sites, they may require you to use their own resume builder or they may require a version of your resume that is copied and pasted into a text box. In this case, it is likely that your resume won't keep its formatting. Make sure to add spaces where you see jumbled words and sentences before you save and submit your resume.

3. Click the "upload" or "upload resume" button

Most job sites give you the option to upload your resume file straight to their site. To do this, you must click the upload button or attach file button and search your files for your resume.

4. Select your resume file

Choose the proper file and click "open" to attach the document to the website.

5. Click the "upload" button again and save

Some websites don't upload files automatically after you select your resume. You must verify that the file you selected is the correct resume and then click upload again to add your resume to the online system. Some websites allow you to make changes as needed before you save your resume in their system to begin applying for jobs.

Related: How to Post a Resume on Indeed

Best file format to use for uploading your resume

Most online job websites provide a list of acceptable file formats for uploading your resume, but you must decide which file format keeps your layout the same. You may do this by testing a couple of acceptable file formats before you upload your resume.

Here are some of the best file formats to use for uploading your resume:

• Word document or .docx: Word processors are popular for writing resumes. Documents written in Word are .doc or .docx files. Some job ads request this format over another format since this word processor is standard in most organizations.
  

• PDF: PDF files ensure that the employer you send to or upload your resume for sees your resume the way you formatted it and designed it. PDFs cannot be edited or altered, which means your original copy is preserved. This file format is also compatible with Macs and PCs.
  

• HTML: HTML files open in a browser, similar to a web page. This format retains its formatting and layout when you send it as an email attachment and it does not need to be downloaded for the recipient to view.
  

• Plain text: Plain text resumes often contain plain text characters that have no bolding, italics or centering. This format is usually best for ATS or applicant tracking systems to sort through and decipher. Employers that use an applicant tracking system may require you to copy and paste your resume into their text box which may strip your resume into plain text formatting.

Read more: Resume Format Guide (With Tips and Examples)

How to attach a resume to an email

If you are asked to email a copy of your resume to a potential employer, you'll need to know how to attach a resume to an email. Here are some steps you may take to attach a resume to an email:

1. Open your email

2. Click new mail or compose an email

3. Click "insert," then "files"

4. Select your resume and click "open"

1. Open your email

Most email providers have similar formats that allow you to attach files easily to the messages you want to send out. Open your email to begin the process.

2. Click new mail or compose an email

On the left-hand side of your menu, you should see an option that allows you to compose an email. In some cases, this might be an icon in the shape of a plus sign or an open envelope. Click one of these icons to begin your email.

3. Click "insert," then "files"

If you are not copying and pasting your file into your email, you should click insert or attachments. Then there is another button that says "files" or shows a paperclip icon. A box should automatically open up to your files.

4. Select your resume and click "open"

Browse your files and select your resume file. Click "open." The resume name should be displayed at the top of the email next to a paper clip icon. This means the resume is now attached to your email and ready to send.

Read more: How to Email a Resume

What should you name a resume file?

Here are a few tips that may help you to name your resume file or document:

• Include your name. Your first and last name should be a part of your resume file name. For example, it may look something like this, Jessica_Bryant.
  

• Keep the character count low. Your resume file name shouldn't be long unless you have a long first or last name. Even then, you may decide to abbreviate your name to the first initial of your first name and spell out your last name.
  

• Include the word "resume." Make sure potential employers know what the document is by adding the word "resume." Your file name could look like this: Melinda_Bryant_Resume.
  

• Leave out version numbers or years. Avoid including version numbers in your file name for your resume to give the employer the impression that this is your final and best version.