Word processing
As a jobseeker, at some point you will need to create documents of one sort or another.
Even if someone else has done your CV for you, you will need to keep it up to date, and adapt it for different job applications.
You will also need covering letters to go with applications.
All Windows computers have a built-in word processor. It's called Wordpad, and you can find it in the Accessories folder in All Programs on the Start menu, or by using the search function in Windows 8.
If you are using a computer at a Job Centre or other institution, it will probably have Microsoft Word installed, along with the rest of the MS Office suite.
Older home computers may have Microsoft Works, which is a cut-down version of MS Office.
If you don't want to spend money on getting a word processing program for your own computer, try LibreOffice, which is a free productivity suite. Find out more about it here
Even if someone else has done your CV for you, you will need to keep it up to date, and adapt it for different job applications.
You will also need covering letters to go with applications.
All Windows computers have a built-in word processor. It's called Wordpad, and you can find it in the Accessories folder in All Programs on the Start menu, or by using the search function in Windows 8.
If you are using a computer at a Job Centre or other institution, it will probably have Microsoft Word installed, along with the rest of the MS Office suite.
Older home computers may have Microsoft Works, which is a cut-down version of MS Office.
If you don't want to spend money on getting a word processing program for your own computer, try LibreOffice, which is a free productivity suite. Find out more about it here
Whichever programme you use, you will be presented with a blank 'sheet', with the cursor (the vertical line) blinking near the top left corner. Always be aware of where the cursor is, as that's where your typing will appear.
When you run out of space at the end of a line you will be taken to the next line automatically. Just carry on typing and let the computer decide when to start a new line.
If you want to start on a fresh line, for example after a heading, or for a new paragraph, press the Enter key. To create a blank line, just press the Enter key again. If you want to start a new line without creating a new paragraph, hold down the Shift key while pressing the Enter key.
When you save a document, make sure you save it in a file format that other people will be able to read (usually .doc or .rtf). If you are using MS Works or LibreOffice, do not save files in the native format (.wps or .odt).
Here is a list of tips for absolute beginners
When you run out of space at the end of a line you will be taken to the next line automatically. Just carry on typing and let the computer decide when to start a new line.
If you want to start on a fresh line, for example after a heading, or for a new paragraph, press the Enter key. To create a blank line, just press the Enter key again. If you want to start a new line without creating a new paragraph, hold down the Shift key while pressing the Enter key.
When you save a document, make sure you save it in a file format that other people will be able to read (usually .doc or .rtf). If you are using MS Works or LibreOffice, do not save files in the native format (.wps or .odt).
Here is a list of tips for absolute beginners
| word_processing_tips_for_beginners.pdf |