Category: Tools

Tools may include typewriters, computer(s), calculators, pens, pencils, ipads, ipods, software programs, printers, paper, ink/toner, monitor(s), staplers, paper clips, envelopes, writing tablets (pads), and other implements required to work at home or engage in a home business.

Pros and Cons of the Printed Resume

Fashion world descends upon us

Your resume

When a printed resume is needed – Tasks pertaining to job searches and job applications by many of today’s professionals are performed primarily with the aid of Internet locations (websites of potential employers and headhunters) and email (for cover letters and other communicative formats); and as such resumes and cover letters are created to fit these electronic formats; so it is no surprise that having to print out a resume can result in errors of both the human and machine variety.

So let’s take a closer look at, and discuss circumstances when, a printed resume is needed; because although a job seeker may complete a number of job applications online, s/he still needs to have a printed resume to bring along to an interview. If, for example, you are that job seeker, it is important to keep in mind that it is very likely your potential employer will print out your resume from a job search website or from the message you sent expressing your interest in the job.

With that in mind, it is therefore very important that you print out a test copy of your resume before submitting it to employers. This way you’ll be assured that the layout is what you want it to be. As a rule, when printing out your resume, make sure to use white or ivory paper; and since you can get a stack of resume paper at any office supplies store, it should be rather easy to make your resume look as clean and professional as it can be.

Professional you!

Your neat, clean resume – What you should not do it use color paper, or change the font color in order to make your resume stand out; because your employer is more likely than not to find this unprofessional and childish, which is not the first impression you want to make. If your resume is longer than one page, print out multiple pages; but do not print on both sides of a single page. Instead, you should include headings in your resume file indicating page numbers and print each page on its own sheet of paper.

Additionally, you should not have any handwriting on your resume; but make sure that page numbers are in fact printed along with the rest of the resume content. Be mindful that you don’t grab the document off your printer in too immediately a fashion, since this could cause smudging of the ink and create a mess, especially if you are using an Ink Jet printer.

You certainly don’t want smudging any more than you’d want stains, creases or crumpling when you are handing it to your potential employer. First impressions are important –and you difinitely don’t want yours to be that of someone who is sloppy and careless.

Intact

Interviewee, resume and references – Of course it doesn’t hurt to bring multiple copies of your resume when going in for the all important interview. Some people think this is not necessary because your potential employer already has a copy of your resume. But this is a common misconception because after all, it is your resume and not the potential employer’s; therefore you should always have several copies of your resume printed out and with you when at an interview.

Often times, the hiring manager may ask another associate to meet you during the interviewing process, and s/he may not have a copy of your resume. Having extras will make you look professional, prepared and organized, which ultimately helps you set a positive, confident tone and put your best foot forward.

Additionally, it is helpful that the copy of your resume you brought along for any interview has a complete list of references. You can include the references directly on your resume (typically at the bottom of the page), or you can include a separate sheet of paper with that particular reference list. The first option is preferred, because it provides potential employers with all of the critical information about you in one place.




Take the initiative… resume style

Including your references preempts a potential employer from asking you for this information; this also shows that you are seriously interested in the available position. Having a well-formatted, clean and professional resume will go a long way in helping you make that very important first impression a great one, and help you get the job you are truly interested in. Good luck!

eMail Your Resume with Thought and Care




Use diligence in formatting your resume

In order to seek out and apply for the jobs in which you are interested, it might be necessary to post your profile and resume on a job search web site such as monster.com or hotjobs.com. These search engines allow you to upload your resume in a Microsoft Word or text file format, or create one using their forms.

Outside of job search web sites, e-mailing your resume as a form of application has become commonplace. However, each employer or headhunter has different rules on the file types they will accept via e-mail; because while most companies will accept an attachment in Microsoft Word–, you’ll have to be conscious of the font type and size, as well as margins you are using to compose your resume.

If a company requires a text file, you should follow these steps to convert your Microsoft Word document into a text resume:

  • Select File, Save As
  • Name the file (as a best practice, use your name as the file name, and use underscores as spaces);
  • Under Format, select Text Only
  • Select Save.

Carefully review resume before sending

Now that you have converted your file to a text file, make sure to open it and review how the spaces, tabs, and bullet points have transferred over. You may need to do some editing in order to format your resume so that it fits the file type. Note that a plain text file doesn’t allow for bold, italicized or underlined fonts, but you can make sure that all your text is left justified and the spacing is correct.

That having been said, if an employer asks you to include your resume in the body of an email, you should treat this as a text file when formatting. Copy and paste the entire resume in an email and keep the font styles basic; use Arial or Times New Roman fonts and keep the size in the 10 or 12 point range; you can also adjust all the spacing and bullet points as appropriate.

A good rule-of-thumb to follow is to keep the email simple and– avoid bolding or italicizing text, since you don’t really know the type of email software your recipient is using, if they accept HTML, or only text emails. If you are sending your resume as an attachment, format the email body as a cover letter. At the top of the email, include your name and address, as well as the address of your recipient. Typically, the address can be found either on the job listing or at the employer’s web site.

Adhere to employer’s website requirements

If you are sending your resume in the body of an email, follow the same guidelines in terms of the email content; however, don’t assume that including a resume in the body of an email is the only information you should include in your message to a potential employer. Even if the resume is copied into the email, you still need to let your employer know a little bit more about yourself via a cover letter.

Moreover, since you will include your address at the top of the email, feel free to start your resume with a career objective instead of including the heading with your name and address. Much like proofing is critical in perfecting your resume, testing how your resume is displayed in a body of an email or how it opens as an attachment via another computer is important.

Rally your friends or family for help, and send them sample emails with your resume included in the body of a message or as an attachment. This will provide a great opportunity for you to insure that your resume is reaching your potential employers in a format that is clean and professional.