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More and more people are opting not to print of their resumes during their job searches these days. When I suggest this to friends of mine in need for a job, most of them seem insulted by the very idea of not printing a resume. While it is expected to print a resume in many situations, it isn't expected in all situations.
Here are some situations in which you should consider keeping an electronic resume instead:
1. Apply for a green-minded job.
Most people behind eco-friendly causes will respect you not printing off copies of your resume. Be ready to print it at request, but you'll probably impress your potential future boss if you send it over in an email or bring it on a USB drive.
2. When you're an artist.
It hardly matters what kind of artist you are. Photographers, writers, musicians, painters, film directors, etc. They all have one thing in common: lots of materials. When you're an artist, summing up your previous work on a resume is pretty difficult and lets face it...who really wants to read through all of that? Instead, keep it all electronically. If you send a future employer your full portfolio on a USB or a website, you'll be a lot more efficient in communicating what you're worth and you won't be wasting paper doing it.
3. When you know you've got the job.
Lets face it-this happens! Sometimes via a friend or family member, you already know you've got a job 'in the bag' but need to do the interview, anyhow. If this is the case, why fool yourself into thinking that you need to print your resume? If it's requested—do it. Until then, save the paper!
The moral of the story? Think before you print your resume. Lots of people are keeping theirs online these days and for all you know, it may make you seem more 'current' to have an electronic resume.
