Author Topic: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?  (Read 8621 times)

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Jaymbles

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What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« on: May 15, 2007, 04:55 pm »
Okay, this might be a strange question but I was curious to know what computer programs people use to type their resumes. I use Word for everything but I've come to the conclusion that for resumes, it's a pain to format and the end result always looks totally rudimentary. I used to be a layout editor for my school newspaper back in the day, so I've been thinking about dusting off my PageMaker software and trying that out. Anyone have any other suggestions?

A note from your Moderator: Edited for language 5.15.7 -ljh007
« Last Edit: May 15, 2007, 09:07 pm by ljh007 »

Mac Calder

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #1 on: May 15, 2007, 06:22 pm »
I use Word (and/or OpenOffice.org Writer).

Honestly, I think that if you cannot get a professional looking resume out of Word, then you are doing something wrong. A resume should be simple in it's design, it should be structured, and it should be easy to read - which is basically what a word processor is for.

KMC

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #2 on: May 15, 2007, 07:04 pm »
Bingo.

Get action. Do things; be sane; don’t fritter away your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be somebody; get action. -T. Roosevelt

LisaEllis

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2007, 07:10 pm »
Also, you want to be able to email it readily, and have it read nicely on a screen.

Email is more prevelant than snail mail these days, I find.

I haven't had any problems with someone opening a Word document, although I know some people who do .pdf formats.

stagebear

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #4 on: May 15, 2007, 10:21 pm »
Word. Use tables and set margins - print to PDF.

Jessie_K

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #5 on: May 16, 2007, 02:00 am »
Word. Use tables and set margins - print to PDF.

ditto.

LisaEllis

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #6 on: May 16, 2007, 09:20 am »
Ok, you Mac users....us PC folks can't "print to .pdf" without other software.

You can "save as web page", but I'm not web-savvy enough to know how well that works on the other end...

And sometimes, pdf is more trouble for the person opening it...not everyone has Adobe ready and waiting...

MatthewShiner

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #7 on: May 16, 2007, 10:22 am »
I am pretty sure any once who is accepting resumes via e-mail would have PDF.

I recommned Word and the converting to PDF - even if you are PC, there is at least one http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp that is free and easy to use.

As someone who gets resumes all the time, the PDF is my recommended version.  I have received resumes in word where the formatting is WAY off when I open it - OR, it is the worst formatting I have ever seen.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Anything posted here as in my own personal opinion, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of my employer - whomever they be at a given moment in time.

KMC

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #8 on: May 16, 2007, 04:30 pm »
To piggyback on what Matthew said below, I receive quite a few resumes and I'd always recommend .pdf files.  There are a few good, free, print drivers out there that will print directly to PDF for PC people. 

When sending a resume to another person you never know what they're going to have their page settings at, margins, etc.. etc...  With PDF your document will appear exactly the same anywhere it's opened, no matter what.
Get action. Do things; be sane; don’t fritter away your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be somebody; get action. -T. Roosevelt

Jaymbles

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #9 on: May 16, 2007, 06:27 pm »
Yeah, I think printing to .pdf will solve my second problem. I'm always nervous emailing my resume because I know the formatting will be wonky if they open it as an HTML document instead of downloading it.

PS- Anyone have an opinion on putting your picture on a resume? Personally, I think it's a little silly but I've seen a number of resumes that have them.

Mac Calder

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #10 on: May 16, 2007, 08:01 pm »
It's a no-go IMO. If they ask for a headshot (and why would they for a stage manager) then you supply one. Otherwise, if it really boils down to "She has nice warm eyes, as opposed to his cold, blue eyes" then they would be much better off inviting you for an interview.

MatthewShiner

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #11 on: May 16, 2007, 09:10 pm »
There is no reason to put your photo on your resumse as a stage manager.

If they need a head shot for publications, submit it later.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Anything posted here as in my own personal opinion, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of my employer - whomever they be at a given moment in time.

KMC

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #12 on: May 16, 2007, 10:45 pm »
To be honest if I get a SM resume with a headshot attached I immediately think "failed actor resorting to stage management".  Not someone I want managing a multi-million dollar theatre at sea!
Get action. Do things; be sane; don’t fritter away your time; create, act, take a place wherever you are and be somebody; get action. -T. Roosevelt

ljh007

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #13 on: May 22, 2007, 09:11 pm »
If I see a headshot on a resume I immediately guess the person might be German. (It's standard CV format for Germany in all industries.)
But the failed actor worry does follow soon after...

Balletdork

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Re: What program do people prefer for typing up resumes?
« Reply #14 on: May 23, 2007, 09:17 am »
To be honest if I get a SM resume with a headshot attached I immediately think "failed actor resorting to stage management".  Not someone I want managing a multi-million dollar theatre at sea!

I concur-

If I'm snail mailing I'll sometimes do an excel... I admit it!

I've only sent one resume electronically- and it went in word many, many years ago!)

I receive bunches of resume's electronically- and I prefer to receive pdf...

 ;D

 

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