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How to Create a Resume in PDF

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A resume is much more than a list of your education and experience. It's a marketing document meant to sell your skills to an employer. It needs to be well-written and look appealing. But regular word processing documents don't email well, often losing or changing their formatting in the process. While having a text resume can fix this, they don't look as professional. One solution is a PDF document which can email well and be opened by other types of computers (PC or MAC) that have Adobe Reader.

Crate your resume in a word processing document. It should have a professional looking format, but don't get too fancy with obscure fonts and page layouts. Highlight your job experience focusing on the duties that fit the job you're applying for. Include your educational background and any other accomplishments such as awards, memberships in associations, or volunteer activities.

Proofread the resume. Check for spelling and grammar errors. Read it for clarity and conciseness.

Convert the document to PDF using a free online converter (see References). You will need to upload your document, and the service will email you the converted PDF.

Convert the document using a free downloadable converter (see References). PrimoPDF and PDF995 both offer free PDF creation software. Download and install. PrimoPDF uses a drag and drop system. Other software such as PDF995 uses the print function. In your resume document click on "Print." In the Printer Name drop-down box, choose the PDF option. Indicate the file and where you'd like it to be saved. The document will open as a PDF when the conversion is complete.

Warning

Don't send your resume as an attachment to an email unless the employer specifically asks for it to be delivered that way.

References
Warnings
  • Don't send your resume as an attachment to an email unless the employer specifically asks for it to be delivered that way.
Writer

Leslie Truex has been telecommuting and freelancing since 1994. She wrote the "The Work-At-Home Success Bible" and is a career/business and writing instructor at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Truex has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Willamette University and a Master of Social Work from California State University-Sacramento. She has been an Aerobics and Fitness Association of America certified fitness instructor since 2001.

Photo Credits

Phique Studio/E+/GettyImages