Question:
I just got a new computer 3 weeks ago and updated my resume. I did it from
scratch because I couldn't figure out how to use the templates, and I didn't
care for any offered anyway. I created it as a word document but when I send
it through e-mail the format is nothing like my original document. It is all
out of allignment. If I try to copy and paste it the bullets will not appear.
I lost my job 2 months ago so this is an immense issue for me. Can anyone
advise me what I need to do? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Answer:
- That's because you emailed it as the body of the email. The ONLY way to do
this without losing formatting is to send the document as an attachment.
- I would suggest that you covert it to .pdf format and send it as an
attachment to the email. If you don't have a .pdf converter, Google for
PrimoPDF.
- To keep it from changing formatting, you'd hve to send the document as an
attachment to an email. However, unless you know the company will accept
attachments (security issues), the mail may not get read.
I'd say either:
-- Find out if the employer will accept attachments of that sort, OR
-- rewrite it in text format so it can be placed in the body of an e-mail,
which is actually the best way IMO to do it. Or, even just send them a good
cover letter for your resume.
Then, in either case, you also state that you'll be happy to mail them
your complete, properly formatted resume.
I've done a lot of hiring and NEVER hired based on an e-mail, BUT ... I
DID respond to all emails, either saying no thanks, or please send me your
complete resume.
Do not be afriad of snail-mail; it's still the most convenient method for
employers unless they specifically invite resumes by e-mail. Then again,
any method that works, and I always found the e-mail cover letter the
preferred method. Ymmv of course.
If you're using a head hunter, ask him this question too.
- I did create my resume as a word document, but when I add it as an
attachment it still looses the formatting. Of course I e-mailed it to myself
to see if it was acceptable, which it was, but when I submit a copy for a job
application it looks nothing like my original document. When I printed out
the e-mail attachment that I sent to myself it looks exactly as the original,
with the bullets and correct spacing, but if I try to copy and paste it
everything is out of allignment and it is double spaced.
I spent about four hours composing this resume on my own because I don't
really know how to use the templates. The bottom line is, I need a job.
I did go to Google for PrimoPDF and downloaded it, but how do you convert
it? I could really use a computer tutor!! I forgot I divorced him!
- The main problem is that Word uses the printer parameters (extracted by
interrogating the printer driver) to lay out the document. If you change
printer, Word sees different parameters, so the layout changes. This can be
reduced by using the option under Tools, Options, Compatibility tab and
selecting Use Printer Metrics: but this is far from perfect either.
Another possibilities is that all your styles are based on normal style, so
if the end user has complete different settings for normal style, it may
change all the styles you used.
As previously suggested, the only real solution is to use PDF (portable
document format) which is the only sure way to keep the layout in tact.
There are several cheap PDF writers available. I've used PDF995 for many
years with excellent results. But there are any to others too.
