Create your resume in Word, make it a PDF

These days, many job applications require that your resume and cover letter be emailed or uploaded in PDF format. PDF stands for Portable Document Format; this type of document is widely requested because it maintains its appearance both on-screen (of nearly any computer) and in print.
Software for creating PDFs can be pricey, filled with more functions than the average job applicant will ever need. An easier, cheaper alternative to buying PDF creating software is saving a Word 2007 document as a PDF. (If you want to know a little more about PDF creating software, you can read a previous post.)

Once you have checked your Word document for errors – making sure everything is spelled correctly, the formatting is the way you want it, all the contact numbers are correct – you can create the PDF. The steps are simple.

1. If you have not saved your document at all, you should first save it as a Word document, because Word documents are editable, while PDF documents generally are  not. (If you have saved your document, you can skip to step 2.) To save your document as a Word file, click on the Office 2007 button and hover your mouse over “Save As” in the drop-down menu that appears. Choose “Word Document” from the side menu by clicking on it. You will be asked to give your document a name. Do so, then click on “Save”.

Click on Office button and roll over Save As

2. Once you have saved your document as a Word file, you can save it as a PDF. Click on the Office 2007 button and hover your mouse over “Save As” in the drop-down menu that appears.

3. Choose “PDF or XPS” from the side menu.

4. Name your document as you normally would, then click “Publish”. 

That’s it! You now have a copy of your document in PDF format! It is ready to be sent as an email attachment or uploaded to an online application. Note that you cannot make changes to your PDF file, so if you want to make changes to your resume, you must do so in the Word format of your document, then repeat the steps for saving as a PDF.

PDFs and Adobe

PDF documents are a common occurrence on Job sites and when dealing with government agencies. Some sites require you to sumbmit PDFs but editing PDF documents requires the full version of Adobe Acrobat which is often not available.

Inzone Software offers a PDF converter which is free for a 15 day trial. The full version costs $89 which is still cheaper than a full version of Acrobat.

If you do decide to spring for Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Labs has tons of software and support for everything from making movies to publishing your own iPhone apps.

If you run into any snags,  Adobe Labs also has a Forums section that can provide fast and easy help.