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All iPads iPad good for resume/applying to jobs?

Max Holbrook

Max Holbrook

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jan 28, 2020
1
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I've recently been thinking of getting an iPad or waiting and getting a new Macbook Pro. I wanted to hear any input on whether an iPad would be a good tool for job searching and the back and forth tweaking a resume for individual jobs, as it would constantly become tedious opening and closing documents constantly. Has anyone used their iPad to edit resumes and how did the workflow look like? Am I better off just getting a macbook? I'm Just trying to get a feel if the iPad would be as productive for me in this sense and would much prefer to get the iPad for its portability. Thanks in advance!
 
I think I would be somewhat frustrated. Doable, absolutely! But many job listings require you to enter your data into the company’s chosen platform and then attach your CV and cover letter, sometimes they want a photo attached etc. Not all of them are tablet friendly to say the least. Also I tend to tweak and change my CV depending on the listing and what they are looking for, and I prefer doing that on my Mac.

With that said, it shouldn’t be a major issue at all, only in some cases a bit more cumbersome.
 
Absolutely would recommend a laptop with a proper OS with keyboard for job applications. I’m a recruiter and would never recommend an iPad (or any tablet) to job search on.
 
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I’ve found the iPad to be an incredible tool for your use. With Safari able to use the desktop version of websites, I’ve found no issues submitting applications, uploading files and photos. In addition, I’ve always put together a portfolio for discussion during an interview. I now do that on my iPad so when an interviewer asks to give them an example of..., I now talk from examples I have on my iPad.

I’m a database programmer and I do all of my programming on the iPad. In spite of what people on this board would lead you to believe, my 2018 iPad 12.9 is an incredibly powerful tool that goes with me every day.
 
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I used a resume builder app a long time ago and really enjoyed the ease of putting it together on the iPad. I recently returned to the app at the beginning of January to update after 2-3 years and was happy to find the old resume was still there and updating it was a breeze.

I use both macOS and iPadOS and don't think opening and closing documents and going back and forth between apps will be any less efficient on one OS over the other for the type of tasks you're describing. And iPadOS offers some very unique and powerful multitasking tools like Slide Over.
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funkiejack said:
Absolutely would recommend a laptop with a proper OS with keyboard for job applications. I’m a recruiter and would never recommend an iPad (or any tablet) to job search on.
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Why? Isn't a web browser what most people will be using when they're searching for a job? The iPad does web browsing extremely well, and you can use a physical keyboard when it's needed for applications and word processing. The iPad is absolutely up for all the tasks the OP described.
 
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I love my iPad. Having said that, when I am having to deal with multiple windows, apps, and file access, I always turn to the Mac. The more complexity there is to a task, the more iOS‘s single task focus becomes a problem.
 
It's a proven process on laptop but a gamble on iPad. If you're in a position of seeking employment it's better to go the safe route with something inexpensive and reliable like Thinkpad (~$200 used) then once employed with an income then upgrade to Macbook or experiment however you like. Only the iPad Pro 12.9 is big enough for productivity but it's a relatively heavy investment with keyboard but limited by its toy OS and apps relative to industry standard software like Microsoft Office.
 
I think Slide Over combined with split view makes multitasking more powerful for some workflows on iPadOS than a laptop and desktop.

By all means, use what you prefer, but I really don't get what's so complex about putting together a resume and applying for jobs on an iPad vs. a laptop or desktop, as long as you have a keyboard. iOS actually has a lot of great resume building applications that macOS doesn't, as well as Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and of course Microsoft Word and Pages.
 
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Some websites run really dated scripts and horrible templates that are not iPad friendly. I’ve run into this in the past while just searching for job profiles to put in our job specs. You’re better off on a laptop.
 
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akash.nu said:
Some websites run really dated scripts and horrible templates that are not iPad friendly. I’ve run into this in the past while just searching for job profiles to put in our job specs. You’re better off on a laptop.
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Yep, this. I've actually encountered some online job applications that specifically require Internet Explorer.
 
funkiejack said:
Absolutely would recommend a laptop with a proper OS with keyboard for job applications. I’m a recruiter and would never recommend an iPad (or any tablet) to job search on.
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I'm curious.

What exactly is different from the two machines, ( assuming although NOT really necessary, the iPad owner has a keyboard cover/external BT keyboard handy ) as far as job searching/applying goes? How would a recruiter know one from the other, in regards to resumes, cover letters, and files sent?
 
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akash.nu said:
Some websites run really dated scripts and horrible templates that are not iPad friendly. I’ve run into this in the past while just searching for job profiles to put in our job specs. You’re better off on a laptop.
Click to expand...

I’d love it if someone would link a few examples of these scripts and templates that are such a headache to deal with on an iPad. Either way, I’m sure most web forms function fine and these are more the exception than the rule.
 
Recently I tried an iPad Pro 10.5 2017 and although it was very optimal and felt like a high quality computer did not give me the expected feeling as a desktop operating system, it was more like a larger iPhone.
I know there are use cases that the iPad must cover perfectly (if not, it would not be sold) but it is in an intermediate stage.
I prefer a Macbook, Mac Mini, iMac or any device that has OS X, and obviously its counterparts on PC or non-Apple Notebook.
 
Reflej0 said:
Recently I tried an iPad Pro 10.5 2017 and although it was very optimal and felt like a high quality computer did not give me the expected feeling as a desktop operating system, it was more like a larger iPhone.
I know there are use cases that the iPad must cover perfectly (if not, it would not be sold) but it is in an intermediate stage.
I prefer a Macbook, Mac Mini, iMac or any device that has OS X, and obviously its counterparts on PC or non-Apple Notebook.
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This topic isn’t about whether the iPad replaces a desktop or laptop for all uses, it’s about whether or not
iPads (standard size and above) are suitable and easy-to-use tools for tasks like applying for jobs in a web browser and putting together resumes and cover letters. And they are.
 
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I usually do my job hunting on an iPhone. Make sure your resume is in pdf in Dropbox, iCloud, whatever and you have those hooked into the Files app. These days most systems are easy to input your info and autofill makes that simple. You absolutely do not need a PC for job applications. What's more important is your work experience and a well worded cover sentence. Screw the letter, no one reads past the first sentence.
 
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QuarterSwede said:
I usually do my job hunting on an iPhone. Make sure your resume is in pdf in Dropbox, iCloud, whatever and you have those hooked into the Files app. These days most systems are easy to input your info and autofill makes that simple. You absolutely do not need a PC for job applications. What's more important is your work experience and a well worded cover sentence. Screw the letter, no one reads past the first sentence.
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Lol it really depends on what you’re applying for I would think. As a senior manager at a planning and engineering firm I’ve literally tossed a half dozen applications aside in the last month because of poorly written cover letters and resumes. If a person can’t prove that they can string together ideas in a logical and coherent manner then they aren’t considered.
 
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muzzy996 said:
Lol it really depends on what you’re applying for I would think. As a senior manager at a planning and engineering firm I’ve literally tossed a half dozen applications aside in the last month because of poorly written cover letters and resumes. If a person can’t prove that they can string together ideas in a logical and coherent manner then they aren’t considered.
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Those are things, that are not dependent on what device is used to make that cover letter and resume. The point the poster was making is with a phone & a few services, the poster can do job hunting as well as someone on PC. Ultimately it isn't the device used, it's the candidate seeking employment that is the most important thing as you point out.
 
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JayMysterio said:
Those are things, that are not dependent on what device is used to make that cover letter and resume. The point the poster was making is with a phone & a few services, the poster can do job hunting as well as someone on PC. Ultimately it isn't the device used, it's the candidate seeking employment that is the most important thing as you point out.
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Yup, QS had good advice about being resourceful and prepared by leveraging different apps and services. The post just fell flat at the end which is what I was reacting to.
 
As someone who is currently job hunting and owns an iPad Pro and a Lenovo Thinkpad. The Thinkpad gets the job done much better than the iPad.
 
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