How to Create a Resume in Open Office
By Daniel Ketchum
Perhaps the most important tool in getting a new job is a good resume. Since there will probably be at least several (if not more) candidates for any position you are seeking, you need to make sure that everything about your resume is as professional as possible and stands out from the rest. You also need to avoid some of the resume pitfalls that could ruin your chances of getting the job. While you could hire a resume writer to create your resume, you can also create a quality resume yourself using the Writer program that comes as a part of the overall OpenOffice suite of freeware office applications.
Download the OpenOffice suite and install it to your computer. A shortcut to the program package will appear on the desktop. Also download and install some of the free resume templates.
Create a list of the facts you want to include on you resume. Your name, contact information, education, work experience and relevant skills or certifications would all be good things to add, though depending on your circumstances you might want to stress one thing more than another. You also want to have a list of references handy, but do not include them in the resume. Instead offer references upon request. When mentioning the work you have done, stress particular things you did that made a difference for your employer, rather than just a straight list of duties.
Remove from your list all non-relevant personal information and asides. You will not want to mention your age, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender.
Click on the OpenOffice shortcut and from the listed options choose the Writer application. When it opens select "File," click "New" and click "Templates and Documents." Browse though the ones listed and examine the previews. Select the one that best matches your information and click "Open."
Adjust the settings of the template if you wish, such as the margins, text color or font size. Or you might want to use an entirely different font style, in which case highlight the text in the area you want to change, click at the top to view the available fonts and select the one you want.
Replace the information in the template with your own. When you are done select "File" and click "Save." Name the file and click "Save." Print out your resume out on stiff, quality paper. Or save it to a CD and take it to a printers, such as Staples or FedEx office for printing.
References
Writer Bio
Daniel Ketchum holds a Bachelor of Arts from East Carolina University where he also attended graduate school. Later, he taught history and humanities. Ketchum is experienced in 2D and 3D graphic programs, including Photoshop, Poser and Hexagon and primarily writes on these topics. He is a contributor to sites like Renderosity and Animotions.