With the advances of social networking, one can have their presence spread around the world. With the potential of meeting hundreds, if not thousands, of people virtually, the same old question is asked over and over: “What do you do?”
Instead of pasting a three-page text resume into a chat box or getting a mild case of carpal tunnel syndrome, just post your resume in a PDF file.
PDFs (Portable Document Format) files are the most universally document readable format aside from text files. No matter what computer or OS (Operating System) you use you can read both of these formats. PDF readers are freely available from several sources (Adobe for one) for any environment.
To create your own, you will need a PDF writer or a software package/document editor that allows you to print to a PDF file. These are available in a variety of places from free to several hundreds of dollars, depending on your needs.
In addition to a PDF writer you will need a format for your resume. Many word processors have a resume forms or templates you can use. Choose one that suits your tastes.
If you don’t already have an updated resume, you will have to collect all your experiences, all of your skill sets, places worked, job titles and brief descriptions of your jobs. Don’t forget your education and contact information. Fill everything out and save it as a PDF file.
Now, all you have to do is save or print your resume as a PDF and keep it handy on your computer. Email a copy to yourself and then you can forward it at a moment’s notice. Put a copy on your smartphone and carry a thumbnail flash drive on your key ring.
Now when someone asks what you do, just send them your PDF resume!
Resume picture via HONGKIAT