Learn how to create and send a CV on your phone when you're on the go

There are a few reasons why you might want to create a CV on your phone. The most common include not having a laptop to hand and wanting to send a last-minute application for a job you saw while browsing on the go.

While tricky, you can make a CV on your phone, regardless of whether it's an iPhone or Android, and send it from your mobile device. Here are our best practices to consider.

How to create a CV on your phone

It's not unprofessional to do a CV on your phone and email a job application, especially if you're pressed for time. Here are three tips:

Install the right apps

Start by installing the app that you will use to write your CV. Your primary options on mobile are Google Docs (which is free) and Microsoft Word (which is paid).

If you're making use of your time on your daily commute and intend to send the CV when you get home, you can use a notes app like Google Keep or Microsoft OneNote, that will sync with your laptop or PC, making it easier to transfer the information.

Word has some plus points if you're writing a CV on mobile. Not only does it show the document in mobile view when you're typing, but it also shows a print layout view so that you can see exactly how a hiring manager would see it when attached to an email.

Use a CV template

Most of us know that a CV has five essential sections:

While you can type these out and start listing the contents, you will then have to format the document, which can be difficult on such a small screen. We would recommend downloading a CV template that's pre-formatted and opening it in your writing app to amend it.

Consider the file name

Even though you're crafting a CV on mobile and you might be in a hurry, don't forget to pay attention to the file name. We would recommend structuring it as “firstname_lastname_CV” or “firstname_lastname_CV_vacancyjobtitle.”

Best to get this right from when you start typing, rather than titling the document “CV draft” and planning to change it later. You might accidentally forget and send it anyway.

How to email a CV from your phone

There are a few ways to email a CV from your phone as part of your application. Here is a breakdown by app and mobile device.

Option 1: Google Doc from iPhone

If you've written your CV in a Google Doc on your iPhone, tap the three dots in the top left-hand corner, select “Share and export,” then “Save as Word (.docx).” A new version of the document will appear as a Word file. 

Then close the file, view it in the folder in your Google Drive, click the three dots on the file, and select “Send a copy.” From there, select your email app and a new email will open with your CV attached.

Option 2: Word file from iPhone

If you've written your CV in a Word file on your iPhone, tap the three dots in the top left-hand corner and select “Send a copy.” From there, select your email app and a new email will open with your CV attached.

While we would recommend sending your CV as a Word file, you can export the CV as a PDF by tapping the three dots, selecting “Export,” and then “PDF(*.pdf).” From there you can store the file on your phone and attach it to an email.

Option 3: Google Doc from Android

If you've written your CV in a Google Doc on an Android phone, view the file in the folder in your Google Drive, click the three dots on the file, select “Send a copy,” and choose “Word (.docx)” or “PDF document (.pdf).” From there, select your email app and a new email will open with your CV attached.

Option 4: Word file from Android

If you've written your CV in a Word file on an Android phone, tap the three dots in the top left-hand corner and select “share,” “share as an attachment,” “Document” or “PDF,” and a new email will open with your CV attached.

Final checks

Before you send your CV to the hiring manager, always send a test to yourself first so that you can check for any glitches and fix them before sending the real deal. 

Do not create shareable links for your documents either. It's always best to upload your CV as an attachment rather than emailing a shareable link, in case there are any access issues.

Don't forget to write your cover letter in the body copy of your email and state that your CV is attached.

If time is on your side and doing a CV on your phone seems a little too fiddly, why not contact a professional CV writing service that will do the heavy lifting for you?

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