A good curriculum vitae software package should be versatile, include various templates, well-written cover letters, and feature a built-in spell checker. Additional considerations include whether it is an installed application or a web-based service, whether the software distributes your curriculum vitae automatically. The level of customer support available for the product may also be important.
When choosing curriculum vitae software, you should look at versatility first. One curriculum vitae format will probably not be appropriate for every application. The best software will enable you to tailor your curriculum vitae to any job application and allow you to include or remove certain sections or bits of information.
Most curriculum vitae software includes templates of some kind, but some packages offer a very limited variety. You should check that the software package you choose includes a number of templates, as this will make it a little easier if you need to tweak your curriculum vitae before completing a job application. Having a choice of templates can also help your job application stand out from the rest.
Well-written cover letters are another important consideration when choosing curriculum vitae software. Many people struggle when writing cover letters, and this feature makes it easy to adjust a pre-written cover letter so that it suits the application. It helps save time as well, since you won't have to worry about writing it yourself, or about what to say.
A built-in spell checker is a must when choosing curriculum vitae software. Spelling errors can affect your chances at securing an interview, so you should always double check spelling and grammar. A spell checker will make it easy to spot spelling and grammatical errors and may even suggest alternative words to use.
When choosing curriculum vitae software, you may find yourself having to choose between an application that you install on your computer and a web-based service. If you choose to use a web-based application, you should check that the system is secure and that any personal information is protected. A good application should allow you to attach a variety of files to your curriculum vitae. Some employers may ask that attachments be sent in specific formats, so this can be a very handy feature.
Some curriculum vitae software packages will distribute your curriculum vitae automatically once it's created. This is especially true when using a web-based application, and can help you gain more exposure with very little added effort. Some web-based applications even have the ability to post your curriculum vitae to a unique web address, which can help attract potential employers.
One last point to consider is the level of support offered. Most companies can entice you to purchase their software, but what really matters is the level of assistance offered after purchase. When you need a little extra advice, it's good to know that help is just an e-mail or phone call away. The best curriculum vitae software packages will offer 24-hour support via e-mail, live chat, and a toll free phone number.
