Before computers, office suites, and desktop publishing software, writing a resume was a very taxing and difficult task. Job hunters hunched over typewriters and try to make their resumes unique. Most of the time, almost every resume looked the same. With technology and new innovations in desktop publishing, even the most inexperienced job seeker can land his or her dream career with the right wizard for just the right job.
What Wizards Are For
Wizards are templates and interfaces in a program that simplify tasks. Complicated tasks like spreadsheets, reports, theses, and even resumes can all be done with a wizard. The resume wizard in office applications and desktop publishing software makes it easy for even a novice to write a convincing and attractive resume.There are two kinds of wizards that you can use to write a resume:
Dialog box wizard. In a dialog box wizard, the program pops up a series of dialog boxes for you to fill in data like your name, objectives, work experience, and contact details. Dialog box wizards are especially useful if you’re in a hurry, or if you’re satisfied with how the resume looks.
Document template. Resume templates are more flexible than dialog box wizards. Instead of typing text into dialog boxes, you simply type in the text on the text boxes and fields found on the document template. Templates also make it very easy for you to change font sizes, color schemes, and images used in the resume wizard.
When to Use a Wizard
Most companies are very familiar with documents made from wizards. Some human resources managers can distinguish carefully built and designed resumes from ones made from a document wizard. If you make and design your resume from scratch, then your prospective employer would know how much effort you took to build and create your own resume.
For entry-level positions, it’s OK to use a wizard. Yet a resume is more than just an outline of your qualifications; it’s also a way for you to advertise yourself on the job market. If you work hard enough on how your resume looks like, then it wouldn’t be difficult for you to land that job interview.
Common Resume Wizards
Almost any office suite or desktop publishing program can be used to make a resume. Here are some of the most popular ones used today:
Microsoft Word. Microsoft Office is one of the most versatile office suites on the market, and is one of the essential programs that a Windows user should have. Microsoft Word has many free and downloadable resume wizards that you can choose from.
OpenOffice. OpenOffice is a free, open-source alternative to Microsoft Office. With enough work and the right elements, you can make your resume look exactly like one made with Word.
Microsoft Publisher. Publisher is part of the Microsoft Office office suite, and is built with desktop publishing in mind. Publisher is a bit more complicated to use than Office, but it is quite easy to learn.
iWork Pages. iWork is a proprietary office suite for use in Macintosh computers. Pages is a lot like Word, although it is also a very versatile desktop publishing tool.
Online wizards. Online wizards are small, Web-based applications that do not have the same versatility of full office suites, but they are excellent for people who need to make a resume on the go. There are many resume templates and even small applications online that you can use if you’re in a rush to make a resume.
Resume Tips
It’s not enough for you depend solely on the wizard for your resume-making needs. Here are some helpful hints and tips to make sure your resume stands out above everyone else’s:
Custom letterheads. If you’re into graphic design, then it would do you very well to design your own letterhead. A custom letterhead sends the message that you’re a serious professional, and the company would be in good hands if you’re hired. The letterhead should stand out, but it should not draw attention away from the content of your resume.
Lines and shapes. Accents like lines and shapes can help your resume look attractive. Circles, boxes, and lines of different thicknesses can give employers the impression that you’re a prospective employee that should be taken seriously.
Color schemes. You can experiment with various color schemes to make your resume look more professional. People respond very well to colors. If you’re not sure about what color scheme to use, try understated schemes like shades of blue or shades of green. Just make sure that you’re not using gaudy colors or all the colors of the rainbow. Your color scheme should make you come across as professional.
Fontwork. As tempting as it is to use weird and wacky fonts, you’re much better off using understated fonts that look professional and are easy to read. Surf the Web for free, unique-looking fonts that are easy to read.
Remember that no matter how good a resume looks, the content must always be top priority. A good-looking resume will not land you your dream job if you don’t have the qualifications and skills needed for it. Every little bit helps. Resume wizards and templates can help you get that perfect resume for the perfect job.