Final answer:
Sean should submit his resume in the specific file format required by the company, optimally using relevant keywords and skills that match the job description to ensure ATS compatibility. Contacting the company for the preferred file format and tailoring the resume accordingly is recommended.
Step-by-step explanation:
Considering the company stores resumes electronically and uses a job-specific program to search for candidates, Sean should prepare a resume in a specific file format required by the company. While a plain text version of the resume may be necessary for applicant tracking systems (ATS), Sean should ensure he follows the company's submission guidelines. Formats such as PDF might be preferable in some cases, but many ATS systems are best optimized with text-based formats like Microsoft Word or similar.
It's crucial to tailor the resume to include relevant keywords and skills that match the job listing, as this will make it easier for the ATS to identify Sean as a potential match for the position. Carefully crafting the content of the resume to align with the job requirements enhances the likelihood of successfully getting through both the electronic and human reviews of his application.
An ideal approach would be for Sean to contact the company directly to inquire about the preferred file format. This demonstrates initiative and ensures his resume will be compatible with their systems. Once the format is known, he should focus on optimizing his resume content to pass through the ATS effectively.