Selecting Resume Writing Software
There are many different types of free software available for preparing resumes, but typically the free software is somewhat limited in its capacity for variations and modifications of the templates. Many people that plan to either write resumes professionally or that simply like to have a lot of options for changing their resume elect to purchase resume writing software. As with most software options, there are very expensive and more reasonable priced packages of resume writing software, and usually the price is a reflection of all the extra features that the software program can offer.
Resume writing software is a good place to do some simple comparisons to find out what you really need and how much money you wish to spend on the program. The following are components of resume writing software that may help you make the determination on which type to purchase.
• Fonts – most resume writing software will give you the option of between 90 and 300 different fonts. Remember that most resumes will use standard type fonts, not all the fancy and decorative fonts.
• Thesaurus and Spell Checker – spell checking programs are standard in most resume writing software options however not all have the thesaurus option. For those that are writing a lot of resumes the thesaurus can be invaluable, but many people never use the tool.
• Types of Resumes – there are basically two types of resumes, functional and chronological. Most companies and professionals use the chronological format, which lists everything by dates. People new to the workforce or those with gaps or blank spaces in their resume are more likely to use the functional format that lists assets and skills rather than sequential jobs.
• Job search engines – many of the resume writing software packages come with job search engine links that makes searching, uploading your resume and creating online profiles with various job search engines incredibly simple.
• Phrases – most software packages come with established or pre-set phrases for duties and responsibilities as well as education, special skills and other categories. These can be selected or be created by the user.
• Save Format Options – some resume writing software will permit conversion to PDF format while other packages will not. If you are planning on emailing your resume PDF formatting may be ideal, but can be done separately as well.
• Operating systems – most resume writing software will work on most operating systems but some is not approved for the new Vista or the Macintosh systems.
Finding the right resume writing software for your needs just requires a bit of research and some online reading.
