In today’s digital age, it’s becoming increasingly common for people to use their smartphones and tablets for tasks that were traditionally done on a computer. With powerful devices that fit in our pockets, it can be tempting to try creating important documents, like resumes, completely from our phones or tablets. But is this a good idea? Can you easily make an effective resume entirely from a mobile device?
Quick Answer
The quick answer is yes, it is absolutely possible to make a resume on your mobile device. Many modern smartphones and tablets are equipped with sophisticated software and features that allow you to write, format, and export documents right from the device. There are also many apps available that provide resume templates and tools specifically designed for mobile use.
However, there are some limitations and challenges to building a resume completely on mobile that you need to keep in mind:
– Formatting can be tricky on a small screen – sections may not align properly or formatting like columns may not translate well.
– It can be hard to get an accurate overview and visually balance sections on a small display.
– You’ll need access to mobile versions of word processing apps with resume-building features and templates.
– Lack of keyboard and mouse makes editing and formatting more difficult.
– Features may be limited compared to full desktop software.
So in summary – yes, you can create a resume on mobile if needed, but for best results it is wise to modify, format, and print your resume from a desktop computer when possible. The larger screen and full-featured software typically allows for easier editing and better document quality.
Challenges of building a resume on a phone or tablet
While creating a resume on a mobile device is certainly possible, it also comes with some unique challenges:
Difficulty with formatting
Small smartphone screens don’t always correctly display resume sections, columns, and other formatting elements. What looks right on your phone may appear misaligned or squished when printed or viewed on another device.
Lack of overview
Trying to conceptualize, layout, and balance resume sections is harder on a tiny mobile screen compared to a large computer monitor that lets you see the full document.
Fiddly editing and typing
The lack of a physical keyboard and mouse makes typing, editing, formatting, and moving elements a lot more difficult on mobile. Things that are easy on desktop can be tedious on mobile.
App and feature limitations
Many mobile office apps don’t have the full feature set of their desktop counterparts, particularly for more complex document formatting needs.
File exporting and printing
Getting your finished resume off your device and into a printer or employment portal can introduce compatibility issues or formatting errors.
So in summary, mobile resume creation introduces some unique headaches you need to be prepared for. But don’t let that put you off if going mobile is your only option.
Tips for creating your resume on mobile
If you need to rely on your mobile device to build your resume, here are some tips to make the process smoother:
Use resume templates
Many word processing apps include resume-specific templates with pre-defined sections and common resume formats. This gives you a solid starting point.
Focus on content first
Build and edit the content and structure of your resume first before trying to obsess over formatting. Perfect formatting should come last.
Keep it simple
Avoid going too crazy with complex columns, tables, text boxes, and other intricate formatting. Simpler is better for mobile.
Use a larger mobile device
Building a resume on a tablet with a 7-inch or larger screen will be a lot easier than trying to use a tiny smartphone display.
Try landscape orientation
Flipping your device into landscape view can give you a wider viewing area to make working a bit easier.
Edit from a computer after
Once you’ve built your initial resume on mobile, transfer it to a computer to clean up formatting and print.
Install additional apps
Supplement your device’s built-in word apps with third-party writing and productivity apps that add more features.
Best file formats for mobile resumes
When creating your resume on a mobile device, you’ll want to use a universal file format that preserves your formatting and is easily accessible across devices. Here are the top formats to consider:
PDF is the ideal file format for resumes. It preserves all your formatting exactly, and can be easily viewed and printed from any device. Most mobile office suites allow exporting to PDF.
DOCX
DOCX is the standard Microsoft Word format supported across many platforms. It’s a good fallback option if PDF export isn’t available.
RTF
RTF (Rich Text Format) is an alternative to DOCX that also retains a fair amount of formatting. Support for opening on devices is wider than DOCX.
TXT
Plain text retains very minimal formatting, but has the widest device support and can be safely opened by employer applicant tracking systems.
Image files
Snapping some pictures of your resume to share can work as a quick workaround, but should not be your primary resume file format.
Top apps for building your resume on mobile
Here are some of the top-rated apps that provide great resume templates and robust tools for mobile resume creation:
| App | Platform | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Word | iOS, Android | Industry standard word app with excellent resume templates |
| Google Docs | iOS, Android | Free and collaborative web-based word processor |
| Apple Pages | iOS | Elegant templates and design tools |
| Canva | iOS, Android | Graphic design app with many stylish resume options |
| Resume Builder App | iOS, Android | Dedicated resume creation app with tips and ideas |
These apps provide the key tools you’ll need to create, format, customize, and export a professional looking resume right from your phone or tablet. Look for ones that offer:
– Easy to use resume templates and sections
– Formatting tools like bullet points, text alignment, and line spacing
– Ability to export cleanly to PDF, DOCX, RTF formats
– Help and suggestions for resume writing
How to format a resume for mobile
Making your resume look polished and professional on a small mobile screen takes some care. Follow these formatting tips:
Keep the font large
Stick to font sizes 12 and up for body text to maximize readability. Avoid tiny text.
Use adequate spacing
Mobile space is limited, but don’t sacrifice white space. Keep line spacing around 1.15-1.5.
Highlight sections clearly
Use whitespace, alignment, and visual styles to distinctly separate resume sections.
Simplify the layout
Avoid newspaper-style columns and other complicated layouts. Stick to a simple, vertical progression of sections.
Be judicious with text formatting
Use bold, italics, and underline sparingly for key details. Limit fancy text boxes and borders.
Check alignment issues
Make sure listings and data are properly left-aligned and centering looks correct.
Include page numbers
Add page numbers in case sections get separated, e.g. “Page 1 of 2”
How to edit a resume on mobile
Editing an already created resume on mobile comes with its own difficulties. Follow these tips for smooth editing:
Work in landscape mode
The wider view makes editing much less frustrating, especially for moving between sections.
Use find and replace
The find or find & replace tool is your friend for fixing mistakes and changing keywords.
Avoid fully rewriting sections
It can be painful to rewrite large blocks of text on mobile. Save major rewrites for desktop.
Read out loud while editing
Reading your resume text aloud helps catch errors your eyes may miss on the small screen.
Transfer to a computer after
Once you’ve made major mobile edits, transfer back to a computer to clean up formatting and print.
Limit formatting changes
Stick to text edits only. Tweaking formatting is slower and error-prone on mobile.
Use shortcuts and swipe typing
Keyboard shortcuts and gesture typing speeds up editing so tiny screens aren’t as frustrating.
Top tips for writing your resume on mobile
In addition to great formatting, the actual content and writing style of your resume is crucial. When writing your resume on a mobile device, the following tips help:
Focus on concise phrasing
Get straight to the point with short sentences focused on keywords, quantification, and facts.
Break content into short paragraphs
Paragraphs over 3-5 lines long are difficult to read on small screens. Break things up.
Use bullet points extensively
Bulleted lists are easier to skim and allow key details to stand out.
Make your job titles exact
Skip creative or abbreviated job titles – use the real, formal ones employers recognize.
Add quantifiable achievements
Numbers and metrics that summarize your accomplishments are easy to grasp on mobile.
Ensure proper grammar and spelling
Bad grammar is obvious even on small screens. Use spell checkers and read carefully.
Highlight core skills
Call out your most relevant and important skills early so they are prominently visible.
How to export and print your mobile resume
Once your resume is complete on your mobile device, you’ll want to get a digital copy off your device and print some physical ones. Here are some tips:
Export to PDF whenever possible
PDF maintains formatting best and works reliably across devices. Many mobile apps allow exporting to PDF.
For desktop use, DOCX or RTF is also fine
If PDF isn’t an option, Microsoft Word DOCX or RTF files transfer reasonably well to desktop word processors.
Avoid plain text if you can
Plain text (.txt) should only be used as a last resort since it strips all rich formatting.
Print and review a draft first
Before printing multiple copies, print one to check alignment, formatting, and pagination.
For quick sharing, photo snapshots can work
Taking snapshots of your resume sections to text or email is fine for limited purposes.
Transfer your file via cloud storage
Cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive simplify transferring your resume file off mobile.
Email your resume as an attachment
Most mobile email clients allow attaching and sending your resume PDFs and documents.
Conclusion
While building your entire resume just from your smartphone or tablet has some challenges, it is absolutely doable if that’s your only current option. The key is using resume templates in modern mobile office apps, simplifying formatting appropriately, and focusing on clear, concise content suited for small screens. Follow the guidance in this article, and you can create a professional looking resume completely from your mobile device. Just be sure to transfer it over to a computer afterwards to give it a final polish before printing and sharing!
