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Crafting a Resume for a Remote Job: Essential Tips

8 min read · Updated on March 18, 2024

Searching for a remote job? Let your resume reflect that.

If you're in the market for a remote job, here's some good news: In the past decade, the number of remote job opportunities has skyrocketed as more and more companies recruit virtual employees to join their workforce.

Remote work comes with a number of perks, including no commute, more flexibility, fewer distractions, and heightened productivity. Like anything, however, working outside an office comes with its challenges, too. Think: loneliness, difficulty collaborating, and the dilemma one can face when trying to set healthy work-life boundaries.

In fact, many employers and remote employees might consider remote work a skill in itself. It takes a lot of focus, discipline, and strong communication to be an efficient and effective remote worker, and not everyone is cut out for it. 

If you're seeking a remote job opportunity, it's important to have an interview-winning resume for remote jobs . Employers want to know you're equipped to work from home, and there are several ways you can highlight this on your resume.   

Make it known you're in the market for a remote job

As you write your resume for remote jobs, keep in mind that your desire for such a position must be immediately made known to the hiring manager. As you read through the job descriptions, you'll be able to tell that some of them are for remote work; however, that won't always be the case. 

Even if the job description neglects to mention whether the job is remote, you still need to make it clear in your application, cover letter, and well-crafted resume that you're seeking a remote opportunity.

The contact information part of your resume for remote jobs

The first place to indicate your desire for remote work is in your contact information section. Resumes traditionally include at least the city and state of your address. However, if you're applying for a remote position that doesn't have any specific location requirements, your physical location isn't as important. Therefore, you have a few options: 

You can still list your city and state

You can leave it off

You can simply state “remote” or “location independent” in the space instead

Here's what the contact section of your remote work resume could look like:

123-456-7890 | [email protected]

Remote worker in Dallas, TX

The profile paragraph part of your resume for remote jobs

Another part of your resume for remote jobs that gives you the opportunity to highlight your desire and ability to excel in remote work is your professional summary. Be sure to highlight any experience you have with remote collaboration, being organized, and staying self-motivated, as all of these are important qualities for remote work success. 

Here's what the profile paragraph of your remote work resume could look like:

Innovative and results-driven content creator with a passion for the beauty products industry seeking to leverage 7 years of experience in creating engaging content that converts leads and managing social media platforms within remote work environments. Possess a proven ability to work independently and as part of a larger, geographically dispersed team. Utilize remote collaboration tools like Slack, Zoom, and Monday to communicate with others and manage projects. 

The professional experience part of your resume for remote jobs

If you've previously held remote positions, call those out in your work experience section by listing “remote” in place of the company's location. It's also fairly critical that you leverage the use of achievement bullets to drive home the point that you can and have worked successfully in remote positions.

For example, if you are a remote account manager, you might write: “Managed partnerships with more than 25 clients through Salesforce from a dedicated home office.” If you're a remote writer, you might showcase your productivity by stating: “Exceeded company's annual quotas by producing more than 200 pieces of content and was recognized as a top remote employee.”

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

ABC Corporation | 03/2021-Present

Content Creator (Remote - Based in Houston, TX)

Increased website traffic by 50% through the creation of SEO-optimized blog posts and social media content.

Developed and implemented a content strategy that resulted in a 30% increase in social media engagement.

Managed a remote team of 7 writers, editors, and designers, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality content.

Employed advanced knowledge of Slack and Zoom to partner with the remote marketing team and create and launch successful email marketing campaigns.

Showcase the skills needed to work remotely

Now that you've made it clear you're looking for a location-independent job and have the experience to back up the request for remote work, it's time to showcase your qualifications. 

Expert tip: Remember, remote work takes a special set of skills, so you'll want to highlight those.

An obvious place to prove you have what it takes is in the skills section on your resume for remote jobs . Here, you'll want to think about both the hard and soft skills that make you a strong remote employee. 

For example, as a remote team member, you'll need to be comfortable with video conferencing, messaging, and using team and project management tools. You can even list the specific names of programs you have experience using, like Slack, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Asana, or Wrike. If the company you're interviewing with uses the same tools, it'll likely put the employer at ease, knowing you already have the experience with those platforms.

You'll also want to list important soft skills remote workers need to succeed. Use this general list  to spark some inspiration:

Time management

Collaboration

Digital communication

Strong work ethic

Adaptability

Organization

Self-starter

Flexibility

Independent problem solver

What do you do if you have no remote experience?

There is a saying that everyone who is an expert at something used to be a beginner. If you have no remote experience, you can still write a resume for remote jobs. It's all in how you word things. Basically, you'll need to lean on the skills you have in brick-and-mortar jobs to prove you'll be an effective remote employee. These are called transferable skills . 

For example, if you work for a bi-coastal company and frequently collaborate with your other location's office, make that clear. Perhaps you work with a roster of out-of-state clients; this is another opportunity to show you have strong digital communication skills.

You can also take online courses to obtain certifications or boost your professional development related to working remotely to further strengthen your resume for remote jobs. 

Don't forget the cover letter

One piece of your job application toolkit that is often overlooked is the cover letter. Your resume for remote jobs goes into great detail about your career skills and achievements, while the cover letter gives you the chance to express your personality and passions. This is especially great if you happen to be one of the folks with little to no remote experience under your belt. 

Some things to consider for your cover letter for remote jobs:

Just as with your resume for remote jobs, clearly state that you seek a remote opportunity

Reiterate your experiences or skills with remote collaboration tools and re-emphasize your relevant soft skills 

Explain that you're adaptable, flexible, and proactive

Express your enthusiasm for remote work and the company, specifically, so the hiring manager knows you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success as a company

Did you notice that none of those tips suggests that you should regurgitate what's already on your resume? Your cover letter should complement your resume and provide additional context for why you're the perfect candidate for a remote job. Also, be sure to tailor your cover letter just like you would your resume for remote jobs. 

Strategic presentation of skills and experiences

No matter where you are in your career journey, landing a remote job requires careful consideration of what you have to offer a new company. Because remote jobs require a special set of skills, you'll want your resume to reflect that — whether you've already had experience working remotely or not.

When you highlight your desire for remote work, remember to emphasize your readiness and suitability for the environment. The bottom line is that employers want to find someone who can easily step into their role and thrive. Your resume for remote jobs is the best way to prove that. Showcase your relevant skills, experiences, and career achievements to land the remote job of your dreams. 

Not sure how to make your remote intentions clear on your resume? Need help showcasing your ability to operate remotely? You may want to consult a professional resume writer . Just like you would go to the mechanic when your engine breaks down, an expert resume writer is here to help you with your resume needs. Upload your resume for a free review today. 

This article was originally written by Carson Kohler in 2021 and updated by Marsha Hebert in 2024.

Recommended reading:

How to Get in the Right Mindset for a Remote Job Search

Starting a New Remote Job? How to Be Successful During the First Week

5 Ways Your Resume Is Selling You Short

Related Articles:

Do Hiring Managers Actually Read Cover Letters?

How to Create a Resume With No Education

From Bland to Beautiful: How We Made This Professional's Resume Shine

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Tips for Creating the Perfect Work-from-Home Resume That Gets You Hired (+ Examples)

How Do You Write The Perfect Resume for Landing a Remote Job? 

1. don’t write a ‘one size fits all’ resume, 2. keywords matter more than you think, 3. what qualities make you stand out as a remote worker.

• Flexibility
• Adaptability
• Self-motivation
• Independence
• Detail-oriented
• Self-starter 

4. Visuals Matter

• Resume Star: Pro CV Maker
• Pathsource Resume

5. Keep It Simple

6. final tip: proofread.

• 3 Work-from-Home Resume Samples for You to Inspire From

1. Software Developer Work from Home Resume Template

2. Social Media Manager Work from Home Resume Template

3. Remote Marketing Role Resume Template

• What Should You Include in a Work-from-Home Resume?

1. Soft Skills

• Communication 
• Autonomy 
• Time management
• Problem-solving abilities

2. Hard Skills

• Deep understanding of the Adobe package (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.) 
• UX and UI design experience
• Color theory
• Common patterns
• User modeling
• Work-From-Home Resume FAQs

Additional Tips to Get a Remote Job 

Write Your Work from Home Resume and Get Hired! 

• Use the right keywords
• Include soft and hard skills
• Share your work from home experience
• Write a resume summary (this can depend on the role)
• Add your contact information
• Add your professional and educational background
• Use the right format (and make it pretty)
• Don’t forget to proofread! 
• How Do You Write The Perfect Resume for Landing a Remote Job? 
• Additional Tips to Get a Remote Job 
• Write Your Work from Home Resume and Get Hired! 
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10 Best Subreddits for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

Since remote work continues to grow in popularity, there is more demand for information, ideas, and tips. It’s a big reason why I launched Remote Work Junkie! 

But the good news is, there are plenty of additional communities and resources for remote workers, digital nomads, or those looking for a job. And one of my favorite places to go is Reddit, which has a few awesome communities called “Subreddits” specific for remote workers. 

These subreddit communities are great places to share and discuss ideas with other digital nomads, ask questions about remote work, or to even find companies hiring remotely. 

Below, I put together the best subreddit communities for remote works that are worth joining and engaging with. Plus, you might find me on Reddit too, as I’m fairly active in quite a few of these communities. 

Why Reddit Communities for Remote Work

Before we jump into the remote work subreddits, I wanted to have a quick section about Reddit in case you are completely new to the platform. 

Reddit was founded in 2005 as a social news aggregation and discussion website. When you are a registered member, you can submit content to the various communities (subreddits as they are called) like links, text posts, images, and videos, which are then voted up or down by other members. 

The platform is free to use and there are thousands of communities and interests that you can join, or even create your own. 

And Reddit has become hugely popular over the years, check out some of these stats : 

• Reddit has 52 million daily active users and approximately 430 million users who use it once a month.
• Back in 2020, Reddit had constantly received over 30 billion views every month.

10 Best Subreddits for Remote Workers

Since Reddit covers so many topics, it should be no surprise that remote work is also very popular among the website. There are actually quite a few subreddits related to remote work and those that can empower companies with a remote-first culture. 

Whether you are an individual looking to get into remote work, a manager who wants to better align remote teams , or executive level building a remote company – you’ll find these subreddits below great places to learn, to get inspiration, or for additional feedback.  

1. r/RemoteWork

2. r/remotejobs, 3. r/digitalnomad, 4. r/workonline.

5. r/WokrFromHome

6. r/WorkSpaces

7. r/telecommuting, 8. r/skipthedrive, 9. r/homeoffice.

This subreddit is a great place for remote teams, companies, and individuals who want to share important news, their experiences in virtual work, software, managing distributed teams, and more. You’ll also find remote jobs occasionally posted in here too, although there are other subreddits specific to that. 

Looking for new remote jobs? Then this subreddit is perfect for you. In this community, you’ll find companies and recruiters sharing remote jobs around sales, customer service, marketing, programming, design, and more. Before reaching out or applying to any, do ensure it’s not a work from home scam . Generally from my experience, most of the remote jobs listed are legit but always do your due diligence. 

Tip : You can also use the Remote Work Junkie job board , as we vet all incoming remote gigs. 

r/DigitalNomad is the largest remote work subreddit on this list, you’ll find over 1 million people talking about being a digital nomad. Being a digital nomad means using technology to work but you travel around and live a nomadic lifestyle. This concept has exploded in popularity over the years, so if this interests you, then this subreddit is for you. 

Another popular subreddit, r/WorkOnline is the place to talk about making money online, whether full-time or part-time. Many of the topics and discussions tie into remote work or being a digital nomad. But it’s also for anyone looking for online remote jobs, random ways to make money online, how to monetize web projects, and more. This could be a great community if you are interested in entrepreneurship or making money anywhere in the world.

5. r/WorkFromHome

In this subreddit , you’ll find a growing Reddit community dedicated to those who want to work from home or currently are working from home. You won’t find remote jobs in this one, but you will find solid tips and discussions on productivity, the remote work lifestyle, and how to be efficient and stay motivated.

One fun aspect of working from home is setting up your own space or home office. And this is the perfect subreddit for you to join! This is the best community that is focused on sharing various desk setups and a place to ask for advice or recommendations on equipment and home office decor. Prepare to be inspired by some amazing home offices!

There are many word variations for remote work, one of which is telecommuting. So naturally, there is a subreddit called r/Telecommuting which is also worth checking out. Similar to the other subreddits around remote work, you’ll get plenty of discussions and tips about working from home. However, this one is not as active consistently as some of the others.

Although this is a smaller subreddit compared to others on this list, r/SkipTheDrive is still a good place to learn and grow. In this community, you’ll find information on anything related to remote work and finding remote jobs. It’s not as active as others either, but still can be one you’ll want to keep on your radar.

Building your first home office? Don’ know which equipment you should purchase? Maybe you are unsure how to set up some audio or visual products? Then the r/HomeOffice subreddit is just for you. There are tons of technical questions, recommendations, and other discussions to get your home office in top shape.

Bonus : Check out our recommended list of remote tools and products .

And the last subreddit on this list is r/WFH , where the focus is on the do’s, don’ts & distractions of being a remote worker. This is for those working for a company or those working for themselves. You’ll find discussions around being more productive, how to avoid distractions at home while working, and ways to improve your experience working remotely.

Bonus Subreddits for Remote Work

Below are some additional subreddits that can help you be a better remote worker or manager. These are not specifically focused on working remotely but can apply still. And there will be topics that come up around working from home.

• r/technology
• r/todayilearned
• r/careerguidance

Final Thoughts

Reddit can be a great place for all your remote needs and questions. Join the discussions, read the content, ask questions and soon enough you’ll be an expert in working remotely! 

Do remember that you shouldn’t blindly follow all advice. These are open communities where anyone can post and join, occasionally you’ll get spammers or bad actors. But generally, they are easy to spot and the community will downvote or the moderators will remove those individuals.

Happy remote work learning!  

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About Todd Kunsman

Todd is the founder of Remote Work Junkie and has been featured in numerous publications like Business Insider, HuffPost, CNBC, and more. He’s been a remote work advocate for close to a decade and has been working remotely full-time for 5+ years. He’s also a marketing, personal finance, and music nerd 🤓

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How to Use Work from Home Keywords on Your Remote Resume

If you are looking for a new remote job, it is important that you create a resume that includes work from home keywords. Whether you have prior experience or are looking for your first work from home position, incorporating the right keywords is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get noticed by remote employers.

Why are Remote Work Resume Keywords Important?

There are two main reasons why a resume optimized with work from home keywords is important. First, although COVID-19 showed the world that it is possible to operate a successful business remotely, there are a growing number of employers mandating workers’ return to the office. So, while new opportunities for remote work are available, you are also likely to encounter stiff competition.

The second reason is that both workers and employers realize that being an effective remote worker has its own associated skill set.  It takes a combination of focus, discipline, communication, and technical skills to be a happy and productive remote worker, and not everyone is cut out for it.

To increase chances of a successful hire, employers now utilize a variety of techniques to weed out unsuitable candidates. The most prevalent is the use of applicant tracking software (ATS). These software systems allow employers to search resumes for keywords that match the job’s required skill set. To give you an edge, below are strategies to update your resume and highlight your remote work skill set using work from home keywords.

Know the Lingo

If you don’t know the meaning of a word, working it into a conversation will be awkward at best. The same principle can be applied to incorporating remote terms into a resume. Clear up any confusion by getting familiar with the following terms that every remote worker should know:

• Work from home:  Technically, work from home means just that. However, if you have flexibility requirements, confirm those options are available if the job specifies working from home.
• Hybrid schedule:  Split schedules, where employees work part of the week in the office and partly from home, are emerging as a popular compromise with both employers and workers.
• Flexible schedule:  A work arrangement that allows you to work on a varying timetable, which may alternate between shifts. Hours may increase or decrease, and you may rotate days.
• Home-based employment:  Applies to work that is predominately performed from home but does not necessarily exclude travel or other on-site meetings or  training .
• Independent contractor:  Someone who performs contract and/or project-based work on a self-employed basis and is not considered a regular employee; also known as freelancing.
• Location-flexible job : A position that allows the employee to work from any location or one of several specified areas. These could include co-workspaces or satellite offices.
• Remote work:  Performing off-site work for an employer, away from a company’s offices. However, the employer may still require work to be completed in a designated city or state or solely from home.
• Telecommute:  Working from a location that allows you to electronically link with your employer. A more old-fashioned term that is still used by some government departments.

Identify Remote Work Skills that are Important to Potential Employers

There are several general categories of both hard and soft skills that emerged during the pandemic as important to an employee’s success in a remote position.

Ability to Work Independently

Nearly every remote job advertisement will mention the “ability to work independently” as a hiring requirement. Highlight professional experience and qualifications that illustrate your trustworthiness, reliability, and experience working without close supervision.

Comfortable Working in Remote Teams

Another key area to address when applying for remote positions is the ability to work well in remote teams. While some remote positions will require minimal interaction with other employees, most involve some teamwork. Be sure to include any experience you have collaborating with virtual or hybrid teams to illustrate your skills in this area.

Virtual Leadership Skills

Particularly critical to an organization’s ability to operate remotely is strong team leadership . It turns out that leading a virtual or hybrid team requires a different skill set than in-person management. Including any experience that you have in this area will score big points with employers. Even if you don’t have team lead experience, highlight any remote mentoring, onboarding, or training you performed.

Technical Savvy

Obviously, the key to working remotely is the technical tools that make it all possible. Since the pandemic, these tools have multiplied, and remote workers are expected to be familiar, if not proficient, in their effective use to communicate and manage workflows.

Research Job Specific Keywords

In addition to addressing the major skill categories listed above, it’s important to identify any keywords that are specific to the position or group of similar positions you want to apply for. This is because some positions may require a certain type of experience or technical skills. The company or industry may also use language in their job ads that is slightly different than the words you would normally use. Make sure your keywords are in the same language.

To do this, simply examine each job ad before you apply. Try and identify the keywords by pulling a list of the hard and soft skills mentioned in the advertisement. Pay particular attention to those listed as required skills or experience. These keywords will be weighted more than others in the applicant tracking software. Also, be sure to highlight keywords that are mentioned multiple times. Then, take your list and search for matching keywords in your resume. You will want to try and incorporate at least 70% – 80% of your list to optimize your ranking.

How to Incorporate Remote Work Keywords in Your Resume

Now that you have identified your key remote work skills and work from home keywords, it’s time to add them into your resume.

Professional Summary

The first place to seed with work from home keywords is in your professional summary. This is a big-picture overview of your career, and its location at the beginning of your resume will let employers know up front that you can work remotely. For example:

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate virtual and hybrid sales presentations.
• Proven track record of improving the performance of virtual teams.
• Skilled at managing workflows and collaborating using a variety of remote technologies.

Position Headers

An easy place to highlight your remote work experience is to identify it in the position header. Either next to the location in parenthesis or next to your title, add “remote position” or “hybrid position” to show readers immediately that the position had an alternative work model.

Work History Descriptions

In your job descriptions, highlight specific responsibilities and duties that involved remote communication or collaboration even if your position itself is not virtual. For example, if you provided customer service on the phone or using email or chat. Other examples include if you collaborated with colleagues in different locations or work in the field.

The most impactful aspect of your work experience is in listing your accomplishments. If you can describe an accomplishment that involved remote teamwork or collaboration or project management you will be ahead of the game, especially if you can also include success metrics.

Skills Section

The quickest, easiest way to make sure your resume has the most important keywords is to include skill sections. These can be divided into “Areas of Expertise” where you can list your nontechnical skills. Keywords here can include:

• Virtual Team Leadership
• Helpdesk Support
• Remote Meeting Facilitation
• Online Training
• Digital Marketing

You can also add a “Technical Skills” section where you can highlight the information technology tools that you are familiar with being sure to include remote collaboration software tools. Double-check against your job advertisements to ensure you list any required tools. Keywords here may include:

• Microsoft Teams

When applying for a work from home position, incorporating keywords into your resume will help you communicate all of your valuable remote skills to increase your potential employer’s comfort level. You need to convince the reader of your resume that you can flourish in a work from home environment . By researching and adding important remote work resume keywords, you give yourself the edge over the competition.

Do you have additional ideas for adding keywords to a remote resume? Did these keywords spruce up your resume and land you the job? Connect with Virtual Vocations on  Facebook ,  Twitter ,  LinkedIn ,  Instagram , and  YouTube  to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!

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Best Resume Advice According to Reddit: 6 Tips That Actually Work

• Julia Mlcuchova , 
• Updated January 29, 2024 9 min read

Do you often turn to Reddit for answers to your burning questions? And, have you considered exploring this popular online forum to uncover what the best resume advice according to Reddit is?

Of course, Reddit can be notoriously difficult to navigate and not all of its users actually know what they're talking about.

Still, Reddit and other public forums can be valuable sources of first-hand experience in all things resume. 

We've painstakingly sifted through countless subreddits, all dedicated to resume writing and career tips, to save you the trouble.

Now, we present to you the crème-de-la-crème of Reddit resume advice. 

In this article, you'll find:

• 6 best resume advice according to Reddit;
• What we think about them; 
• And, of course, examples. 

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

TL;DR: 5 Best resume advice according to reddit

1. use a single column layout to pass the ats.

• 2. Don't name your resume 'resume.pdf'

3. Keep your job descriptions short. Use bullet points and action verbs

4. use numbers to quantify your achievements, 5. less is more for both word count & job applications per day, 6. use resume builders to make your life easier, key takeaways: best resume advice according to reddit.

First, for those in a hurry, here's the TL;DR version of our top five resume advice gathered from Reddit:

• Use a single column layout to pass the ATS.
• Don't name your resume 'resume.pdf'.
• Keep you job descriptions short. Use bullet points and action verbs.
• Use numbers to quantify your achievements.
• Less is more for both word count & job applications per day.
• Use resume builders to make your life easier.

Now, let's look at the best resume advice according to Reddit users more closely. Here's what we think:

If you thought that layout doesn't play any significant role in the success rate of your resume, you thought wrong!

In case the company you're applying to uses an Applicant Tracking System, always opt for a single column layout . 

The reason? ATS compatibility. 

Even though all ATSs are designed to read text from top to bottom, left to right , not every ATS is programmed to distinguish between columns. 

And you just can't know with certainty which software you'll encounter. Therefore, reduce the risk of your resume being incorrectly processed or rejected by picking a one-column ATS friendly resume template . This will make the process of parsing and interpreting information easier and safer.

HOWEVER. That doesn't mean you should discard the two-column resume all-together. Here are some reasons why a two-column layout can still be beneficial :

• Non-ATS employers . Many companies still don't use ATS systems, making the ATS compatibility argument less relevant in these cases. For these employers, the visual and organizational benefits of a two-column layout could be more advantageous.
• Aesthetics . A two-column format can be more visually engaging, making your resume stand out.
• Ease of reading . Smaller chunks of information can make the resume easier for the human eye to navigate.
• Space management . For those with less experience, a two-column layout can help evenly distribute text and avoid large empty spaces.
• Strategic organization . It allows for a more strategic presentation of information, guiding the recruiter's eyes through your resume efficiently.

Moreover, if you're just entering the workforce with no experience , your resume is probably still quite sparse. 

Because of this, you may end up with a large, unattractive empty space at the bottom of your document. And with one-column structure resumes, this is often the case. 

There' s an easy fix! Organizing your resume sections into a two-column structure can help spread the text more evenly.  

2. Don't name your resume 'resume.pdf'

Indeed, putting together a good resume is quite a tedious process.

There're so many rules and principles to think about, for instance:

• Every single resume section, whether it be the resume summary , work experience section, education section, skills section, or any other optional section, requires your full and undivided attention. 
• You must remember to always tailor your resume to fit a specific job description . 
• Not to mention the subsequent formatting and proofreading!

By the time you've finished writing your resume, you're likely mentally drained. 

It's at this time that errors creep out from the most unexpected places.

One such error is not naming your resume file appropriately .

How to name your resume file: step-by-step.

When naming your resume file for submission, it's important to consider clarity, professionalism, and the likelihood of it being easily found by the recruiters.  

Here are our recommendations for naming your resume file:

• Use your name. Start with your full name. This is the most crucial piece of information because it clearly identifies the document as yours. For example, "PeterStones" .
• Specify the document type. Make it clear that the document is a resume . This helps distinguish your resume from other documents like a cover letter . For example, " Resume ".
• Add the job title. This can be particularly helpful if you are sending the resume directly to a hiring manager. For example, " ProductManager ".
• Use a professional format. Avoid using any unnecessary symbols or fancy formatting. Underscores (_) or hyphens (-) are acceptable to separate words.

A good file name for your resume could look like this: "PeterStones_Resume_ProductManager.pdf".

Finally, before hitting send, consider carefully what to write in an email when sending a resume . Of course, when you're applying for a job, every detail matters. Don't neglect the content of your email – it's also responsible for making a positive first impression.

Undoubtedly, you know that the work experience section is the heart and soul of your resume.  

The recruiters always pay it the most attention, and so you need to be extra diligent and patient while writing about your past employment. 

Consequently, many will try to fit in as much information as humanly possible, disregarding the readability and quality of their entries. To steer clear from such mistake, follow these two simple principles:

• Organize your work descriptions into bullet points . Under each work experience entry, list 4-5 bullet points underlining your most notable responsibilities and achievements. That is to say, you should focus on demonstrating the impact your presence had on your former employment, rather than just stating your daily duties. 
• Open the said bullet points with action verbs . The recruiters don't care about long winding sentences! That's why it's a good idea to start each bullet point with an action verb . This will not only make your writing more concise, but it'll also depict you as a proactive, and therefore valuable, employee.

For example, a well conceptualized work entry description can look like this:

Work experience entry example:

Senior Product Manager XYZ Tech Solutions, New York, NY | June 2019 – Present

• Led a team of 8 in the development of an innovative mobile application, increasing user retention by 35% within six months.
• Collaborated with cross-departmental teams to streamline product delivery, reducing time-to-market by 20%.
• Managed product lifecycle from concept to launch, including market analysis, positioning, and rollout strategy.
• Oversaw a budget of $1M, optimizing resource allocation and cutting costs by 15% without impacting product quality.

This is another great resume advice according to a Reddit user!

The recruiters adore to see numbers in your resume! Why, you ask?

It makes life a bit easier for them. By quantifying your accomplishments, you simultaneously allow recruiters to better gauge your abilities ; and add more weight to your words . 

Be as specific as you can - numbers are universal. 

Struggling to figure out how to incorporate numbers into your resume? Here are few examples of what you can quantify:

• Revenue and sales increases. If you contributed to growing revenue or sales, specify the percentage or dollar amount of the increase. For example: " Boosted sales by 20% within a six-month period. "
• Cost reduction. Similarly, if you implemented strategies that reduced costs, mention the amount or percentage saved. For example: " Cut operational costs by 15% through process optimization ."
• Time efficiency. If you streamlined processes, indicate how much time was saved. For example: " Reduced project turnaround time by 30% ."
• Team management. If you manage a team, you can specify the number of people you supervise. For example: " Led a team of 12 sales professionals ."
• Project scope and delivery. Quantify the size or value of the projects you managed, then mention if you delivered them under budget or ahead of schedule. For example:  " Managed projects worth $2M, consistently delivering 10% under budget ."
• Training and development. If you were involved in training, mention the number of people you trained or the improvement in performance post-training. For example: " Trained over 30 employees, leading to a 40% increase in overall team efficiency. "

Resume advice two-in-one!

As this Reddit user rightly pointed out, less is sometimes more . 

This is especially true when it comes to the content of your resume as well as the amount of job applications you send out each day .

When crafting your resume, keep in mind that you must show the recruiters that you have everything they're looking for . Chances are, you actually have much more – more diverse job experience; more interesting hobbies; or more fulfilling volunteer work you'd like to share with them. 

Obviously, resumes have their length limitations . Once you've started to write yours, you'll soon learn that you have to be picky! 

Recruiters prefer resumes that are focused, relevant, and straight-to-the-point. In other words, don't make them read information they didn't ask for. 

The same applies to applying for jobs.

Many in this situation start panic-applying to every single job posting they find. Because they assume that the more applications they send, the bigger their chances at landing a job will be. 

Makes sense right?

In theory, maybe. In practice? Hardly!

Believe it or not, there's such a thing as sending too many applications. Basically, if your solely focus on the quantity of applications, you're running the risk of sacrificing their quality . 

And that is a problem. If you'd like to learn how to go about this problem, including tips on how to manage the pressure of job hunting, take a look at what research says about the ideal number of job applications .

Now, hand over your heart!

Would you prefer to sit in front of your computer for hours, battling with Microsoft Word and its many settings? Trying to create a perfect resume design from scratch? 

Admit it, even the thought of setting margins and spacing makes you roll your eyes. 

Hence, arguably the best resume advice according to reddit is to make a resume with an online resume builder to avoid these inconveniences (politely said).

No need to scratch your head over a layout or the best colour palette! Instead, simply pick a resume template that best suits your needs (both aesthetic and practical), fill in all your information, and watch your resume come to life in seconds. 

Additionally, resume builders can proofread and correct any misspellings or typos you might've otherwise missed. 

Sounds good? If so, your perfect resume is one click away.

Resume template by Kickresume

This resume was written by our experienced resume writers specifically for this profession.

In conclusion, Reddit and other public forums can serve as a good starting point for seeking resume advice.

Apart from first-hand applicant experience, many posts are sumbitted by actual hiring managers.

However, there's a lot to weed out first to find the best resume advice according to reddit.

Plus, you should always compare your findings with reputable sources. Which is exactly what we did.

• Don't forget to name your resume file appropriately.
• Keep your job descriptions short with bullet points and action verbs.
• Keep your resume concise and the number of daily applications reasonable. 
• Use online tools (like Kickresume) to build your resume.

Ready to create the perfect resume?

Create a beautiful resume quickly with the help of AI and our customizable templates.

Julia has recently joined Kickresume as a career writer. From helping people with their English to get admitted to the uni of their dreams to advising them on how to succeed in the job market. It would seem that her career is on a steadfast trajectory. Julia holds a degree in Anglophone studies from Metropolitan University in Prague, where she also resides. Apart from creative writing and languages, she takes a keen interest in literature and theatre.

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10 Awesome Resume Tips From The People of Reddit

Depending on what you’re visiting the site to find, Reddit can be…a mixed bag. The best part of Reddit: anyone can weigh in on any topic. The worst part of Reddit: anyone can weigh in on any topic. That means you get great information and advice mixed in with people who don’t know what they’re talking about, or are just there to stir up problems. If you’re looking for resume tips, we’ve reviewed some of the burning questions on /r/resumes , and found some awesome advice there. Let’s look at some of the greatest hits:

1. How can I make my resume pop?

Three words: simplify, simplify, simplify . Making your resume easy to read (set headers, brief explanations, clear bullet points) can help get you in the “to interview” pile and out of the “tl;dr” pile.

2. What should I include in a resume when I’ve never had a job before?

This Redditor suggests emphasizing academic accomplishments (GPA, relevant classes, degree), volunteering experience (after all, it is experience), and technical skills.

3. How do I list multiple positions at the same company?

If the jobs were dramatically different, you can separate them out and treat them like separate jobs. If they’re similar positions, concentrate more on the top-line accomplishments and skills.

4. Should I include a cover letter even when it’s not requested?

This Redditor recommends going for it. It’s a way to give more information about yourself, and can help you stand out in a very crowded applicant pool.

5. Should I use a traditional resume format or a creative one?

It can be tempting to want to use a fun new format, but realistically, traditional is best . The creativity points you score for using something unorthodox might be canceled out by the disruption to the reader’s usual evaluation process.

6. All of my experience so far is from working at my family’s business—will this help or hurt?

Basically, experience is experience , and as long as you have the skills and experience you need for the new job, you should be good to go.

7. I have 20 years of experience. Should I do a two-pager?

Not if you can help it. If you can, condense the most important highlights into one resume page . The one-page rule is about readability and the reader, not about the writer’s experience.

8. How do I list colleges when I didn’t graduate?

This can be tricky—people don’t graduate for a variety of reasons, but you still want to include that you attended college on your resume. Try using words like “attended,” or “took X credits toward a Bachelor’s degree.” Just don’t suggest that you have a specific degree if you don’t, because that can land you in very hot water. Spin is okay. Lying isn’t.

9. In this digital age, do I still need to include my physical address in the header?

Short answer: yes . It’s tradition, but it also might be a factor for resume scanning programs to see whether candidates are local.

10. Do I mention why I quit my last job?

One Redditor puts it very succinctly: “First you get the date, then you tell them you’re divorced.” You don’t want to set off any red flags before you even get an interview. It’s fine to keep it vague in a resume or cover letter, though you should be prepared to talk about it in an interview if necessary. (And always, always keep it opinion-neutral. An interview for a new job is not a venting exercise for the last one.)

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About the author.

Kate Lopaze

Kate Lopaze is a writer, editor, and digital publishing professional based in New York City. A graduate of the University of Connecticut and Emerson College with degrees in English and publishing, she is passionate about books, baseball, and pop culture (though not necessarily in that order), and lives in Brooklyn with her dog.

More From Forbes

Work from home or anywhere: flexjobs ranks 30 companies for remote jobs.

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Looking for remote work that will allow you travel the world or just work from home? You’ve come to the right place.

Since 2019 , I have been celebrating companies that offer fully remote or work-from-home jobs that will allow you to work from anywhere. (You can also check out the reports from 2023 , 2022 and 2020 here.) For 2024, I once again tapped into FlexJobs , which releases an annual ranking: Top 30 Companies for Work-From-Anywhere Jobs .

And even though data shows that Americans are returning to the office , this list is more relevant than ever. “Our data has shown that 95% of working professionals desire some form of remote work , and 63% of workers rank remote work options as the most important aspect of their job, ahead of salary, work-life boundaries, and having a good boss,” Keith Spencer, career expert at FlexJobs, told me in an interview. “The desire for the freedom and flexibility that remote work offers is clear, and a job that would allow you to live and work from wherever you want would provide a level of freedom that is, understandably, incredibly appealing to many.”

This is your new office—in paradise. FlexJobs has issued a new report with the 30 best companies for ... [+] work-from-anywhere jobs.

Adding to the appeal: “With growing RTO mandates and increased restrictions on remote work options shaping today’s job market, work-from-anywhere roles continue to be one of the most desirable arrangements for job seekers craving a better work-life balance,” says Spencer.

What surprises a lot of job seekers, though, is that not all remote roles provide the ability to work on the go. Given that many remote jobs require a specific geographic location , FlexJobs is sharing this list to help connect workers with employers embracing work-from-anywhere arrangements.

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And in case you’re thinking that these positions are freelance, think again—most of the work-from-anywhere remote jobs are full-time staff positions, complete with benefits.

This year, FluentU—an online education company that offers innovative language immersion through real-world video content—is at the top of the list. “They have a mission-driven approach and are 100% remote with a workforce distributed around the world, which likely makes them attractive to many job seekers,” says Spencer.

Another thing going for FluentU: the popularity of the language learning industry and FluentU’s historical track record of posting a high number of work-from-anywhere job listings, including some opportunities that entail part-time, flexible schedule and freelance arrangements. “It shows a consistency of remote offerings and commitment to flexibility that has also contributed to its top spot on our list this year,” says Spencer.

On this year’s list, Spencer says that there was some shake-up among the top 10. FlexJobs also saw 16 employers return to the list, including Chainlink LINK Labs, Wikimedia Foundation and Finixio. The reason? “It was due to their steady commitment to providing work-from-anywhere arrangements,” says Spencer. “Additionally, we once again saw career categories like computer and IT, marketing and writing and editing secure top spots on our list and noted continued growth with job titles like customer success Manager and translator.”

Another interesting trend in working from anywhere: Some countries are offering digital nomad visas . “These longer-term visas, which do tend to come with certain stipulations, provide remote workers with the opportunity to stay in different countries longer than a typical tourist visa, with some even lasting up to a year or two,” says Spencer.

The top company for remote work from anywhere jobs in 2024 is FluentU, an online education company ... [+] that offers language immersion through real-world video content.

Top 30 Companies For Remote Jobs In 2024

Below you’ll find the top 30 companies on the FlexJobs survey, ranked in order from highest to lowest for volume of work-from-anywhere job listings.

1. FluentU : This online education company offers language immersion through real-world video content.

2. Static Media : This company delivers engaging content across a broad spectrum of topics, from blockbuster movies to the secrets of the universe.

3. Kraken : This digital asset platform offers spot trading, margin trading, parachain auctions and more.

4. Chainlink Labs : This internet company is developing smart contracts in an aim to reinvent what makes a trustworthy agreement.

5. Veeva : This is a provider of cloud-based software and services for the life sciences industry.

6. Invisible Technologies : Founded in 2015 to help overworked, stressed-out people, Invisible Technologies offers custom operations support to scaling small and midsized businesses.

7. Wikimedia Foundation : This nonprofit organization is dedicated to fostering the growth, development and distribution of free, multilingual content

8. Finixio : This global digital marketing firm is on a mission to drive customers and targeted traffic to its brands.

9. Oyster HR : This hiring and recruitment software startup has a mission of enables companies everywhere to hire people anywhere.

10. Canonical : This company offers a variety of services to help organizations become more efficient in their operations while reducing overall costs.

11. Remote Technology, Inc. : This company empowers companies to pay and manage contract and full-time workers around the world.

12. Study.com : This company aims to reduce the financial burden of attending a traditional college.

13. Magic Media & Entertainment Group : This computer games company is on a mission to be at the forefront of artistic, game development and technology services.

14. Superside : This company is on a mission to deliver design at scale to enterprise teams.

15. Yodo1 : This gaming services company helps developers and studios around the world market, manage and monetize their games.

16. Outliant : This product development and consulting company provides technical end-to-end services to help companies grow digitally.

17. Cozymeal : This is an internet company offering an online marketplace through which users can find cooking classes, catering services and team-building activities, as well as connect with local professional caterers and chefs.

18. Nethermind : This company’s mission is to combine talent from around the world to solve some of the most complex blockchain problems.

19. Sourcegraph : This is a large-scale code-source engine and intelligence tool.

20. Verra : This is a nonprofit organization that specializes in environmental services and is on a mission to deliver higher standards for a sustainable future.

21. Carry1st : This is a mobile game publisher that has grown into the top company of its kind in Africa.

22. Consensys : Since 2014, this blockchain and web3 software company has been at the forefront of innovation, pioneering technological developments within the web3 ecosystem.

23. Hypixel Studios : This is a team of globally based gaming developers whose community-oriented games are designed to engage both players and content creators.

24. Screen Rant : Based in the Montréal suburb of Saint-Laurent, Québec, Canada, Screen Rant is an online publication that covers movie industry news in the United States.

25. Crimson Education : This fast-growing company aims to transform education by providing advanced technology and holistic advisory services that connect students and professionals to the world’s best educational opportunities.

26. e2f : This innovator in data and language operations provides customizable tech solutions for digital content.

27. Xapo Bank : This financial company provides services related to Bitcoin BTC .

28. Cash App : This financial services company has a platform and app that offer users an alternative to traditional banking by providing ways to send, spend, save and invest money, stocks, Bitcoin and more.

29. Scopic Software : This virtual software company develops custom software applications and turning ideas from the theoretical stage into rich and customized solutions.

30. Binance : This cryptocurrency exchange integrates digital technology with finance to provide clients with access to digital currency trading pairs.

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Watch CBS News

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous without special glasses? Eye doctors explain.

By Sara Moniuszko

Edited By Allison Elyse Gualtieri

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 8:54 AM EDT / CBS News

The solar eclipse will be visible for millions of Americans on April 8, 2024, making many excited to see it — but how you watch it matters, since it can be dangerous for your eyes. 

A  solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light . When the moon blocks some of the sun, it's a partial solar eclipse, but when moon lines up with the sun, blocking all of its light, a total solar eclipse occurs,  NASA explains . Either way, you need eye protection when viewing.

"The solar eclipse will be beautiful, so I hope that everyone experiences it — but they need to experience it in the right way," said Dr. Jason P. Brinton, an ophthalmologist and medical director at Brinton Vision in St. Louis.

Here's what to know to stay safe.

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous?

Looking at the sun — even when it's partially covered like during an eclipse — can cause eye damage.

There is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation, said  Dr. Yehia Hashad , an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb.

"A very small dose could cause harm to some people," he said. "That's why we say the partial eclipse could also be damaging. And that's why we protect our eyes with the partial as well as with the full sun."

Some say that during a total eclipse, it's safe to view the brief period time when the moon completely blocks the sun without eye protection. But experts warn against it. 

"Totality of the eclipse lasts only about 1 to 3 minutes based on geographic location, and bright sunlight suddenly can appear as the moon continues to move," notes an eclipse viewing guide published in JAMA , adding, "even a few seconds of viewing the sun during an eclipse" can temporarily or permanently damage your vision. 

Do I need special glasses for eclipse viewing?

Yes.  Eclipse glasses are needed to protect your eyes if you want to look at the eclipse.

Regular sunglasses aren't protective enough for eclipse viewing — even if you stack more than one. 

"There's no amount of sunglasses that people can put on that will make up for the filtering that the ISO standard filters and the eclipse glasses provide," Brinton said.

You also shouldn't look at the eclipse through a camera lens, phone, binoculars or telescope, according to NASA, even while wearing eclipse glasses. The solar rays can burn through the lens and cause serious eye injury.

Eclipse glasses must comply with the  ISO 12312-2 international safety standard , according to NASA, and should have an "ISO" label printed on them to show they comply. The American Astronomical Society  has a list  of approved solar viewers.

Can't find these, or they're sold out near you? You can also  make homemade viewers ,   which allow you to observe the eclipse indirectly — just don't accidentally look at the sun while using one.

How to keep kids safe during the solar eclipse

Since this eclipse is expected to occur around the time of dismissal for many schools across the country, it may be tempting for students to view it without the proper safety precautions while getting to and from their buses. That's why some school districts are  canceling classes early so kids can enjoy the event safely with their families.

Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, vitreoretinal surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai, said parents should also be careful because it can be difficult for children to listen or keep solar eclipse glasses on. 

"You want to actually, in my opinion, kind of avoid them even looking at the eclipse, if possible," he said. "Never look directly at the sun, always wear the right eclipse sunglasses if you are going to look at the sun and make sure that those are coming from a reliable source."

Brinton recommends everyone starts their eclipse "viewing" early, by looking at professional photos and videos of an eclipse online or visiting a local planetarium. 

That way, you "have an idea of what to expect," he said. 

He also recommends the foundation  Prevent Blindness , which has resources for families about eclipse safety.

What happens if you look at a solar eclipse without eclipse glasses?

While your eyes likely won't hurt in the moment if you look at the eclipse without protection, due to lowered brightness and where damage occurs in the eye, beware: The rays can still cause damage .

The harm may not be apparent immediately. Sometimes trouble starts to appear one to a few days following the event. It could affect just one or both eyes.

And while some will regain normal visual function, sometimes the damage is permanent. 

"Often there will be some recovery of the vision in the first few months after it, but sometimes there is no recovery and sometimes there's a degree to which it is permanent," Brinton said. 

How long do you have to look at the eclipse to damage your eyes?

Any amount of time looking at the eclipse without protection is too long, experts say. 

"If someone briefly looks at the eclipse, if it's extremely brief, in some cases there won't be damage. But damage can happen even within a fraction of a second in some cases," Brinton said. He said he's had patients who have suffered from solar retinopathy, the official name for the condition.

Deobhakta treated a patient who watched the 2017 solar eclipse for 20 seconds without proper eye protection. She now has permanent damage in the shape of a crescent that interferes with her vision. 

"The crescent that is burned into the retina, the patient sees as black in her visual field," he said. "The visual deficit that she has will never go away."

How to know if you've damaged your eyes from looking at the eclipse

Signs and symptoms of eye damage following an eclipse viewing include headaches, blurred vision, dark spots, changes to how you see color, lines and shapes. 

Unfortunately, there isn't a treatment for solar retinopathy.

"Seeing an eye care professional to solidify the diagnosis and for education I think is reasonable," Brinton said, but added, "right now there is nothing that we do for this. Just wait and give it time and the body does tend to heal up a measure of it."

Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. Previously, she wrote for USA Today, where she was selected to help launch the newspaper's wellness vertical. She now covers breaking and trending news for CBS News' HealthWatch.

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Solar eclipse 2024: Follow the path of totality

Solar eclipse, how to keep pets safe during the solar eclipse, whether at home or on the road.

Rachel Treisman

A dog tries on eclipse sunglasses in London in 2015. Experts say pets don't need eclipse sunglasses — in fact, quite the opposite. Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP hide caption

A dog tries on eclipse sunglasses in London in 2015. Experts say pets don't need eclipse sunglasses — in fact, quite the opposite.

The solar eclipse is a can't-miss event for millions of Americans, whether or not they'll be viewing it from the path of totality . But what does it mean for our many furry friends?

Dr. Rena Carlson, the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, got a firsthand view of how animals responded to the total eclipse in 2017.

Her veterinary practice, in Pocatello, Idaho, closed down for several minutes so staff members could watch the eclipse outside, along with many of their dogs.

What you need to know to watch Monday's total solar eclipse

"Honestly, the animals were probably more anxious because of our excitement than anything else," she remembers.

Carlson says while certain dogs may exhibit some of the behaviors they normally do when it starts to get dark outside, the eclipse is unlikely to directly affect pets in a significant way.

But things like crowds and traffic can, which is why experts recommend leaving animals at home to be safe.

Carlson says there are steps that their humans should take to look out for them on such a hectic day — especially if anyone involved is traveling .

Thinking of taking a last-minute drive to see the eclipse? Here's what to know

"My bigger worry is there was so much traffic and so many people coming through our area that a drive [that] typically would take us two hours took over eight to 10 hours," Carlson says. "So if you're traveling with your dog, please be prepared for long wait times."

Here are some expert tips for protecting your pet during the eclipse, whether they're right in the thick of it or waiting for you at home.

Consider: Should Fido come or stay?

The first step is to decide whether your pet even needs to come with you for outdoor eclipse viewing, whether it's close to home or out of town.

Most of the time, Carlson says, the answer is no.

"It's quite an amazing phenomenon for us to experience," she explains. "And so that can be pretty stressful when dogs are with large crowds and a lot of noise, they don't quite understand the excitement. They're going to be much more nervous about 'What's going on?' and 'How should I react?' "

She says the same guidance applies to all pets, even though cats and birds are not as likely to be traveling in the first place.

"They're going to be better off at home, in their normal environment," she adds.

Prepare for commotion and contingencies if you're traveling

If you do decide to bring your dog, plan ahead for what to do if things get overwhelming.

That includes bringing extra food and water in case the journey takes longer than expected, and getting them out of the car for walks or bathroom breaks if you're stuck in traffic.

Once you're at your destination, Carlson says, "always be thinking about" how to keep your pet safe and comfortable. Keep them on their leash, make sure they're hydrated and pay attention to their body language.

For April's eclipse, going from 'meh' to 'OMG' might mean just driving across town

"You know your pets' behaviors better than anybody else," she says. "And so watch for any kind of a change in how they're reacting."

Signs of distress may include panting, pacing and whining. If you notice any of these behaviors, Carlson advises removing your pet from the situation as soon as possible, because "the more worked up they become, the harder it is to calm them down."

"I know there's a lot of activity going on and there's a lot of things to see, and excitement," she adds. "But if you have ... a pet with you, make sure you're really paying attention to them and watching their signs of stress so that you can respond appropriately."

How to make the most of next week's solar eclipse

If you're traveling sans pets, make sure there's someone back home you can call to feed and let them out while you're away, especially if there's a chance you may get home later than normal.

The ASPCA recommends keeping pets busy with a food puzzle toy or other form of enrichment while you're away. But Carlson says not to worry more than usual about leaving your pet alone that day.

"They're not going to be worried about the eclipse happening," she says. "They're just going to think it's a normal day where you're gone."

Don't waste your eclipse glasses on your pet

Any human who plans to look directly at the eclipse needs to wear special sunglasses , except for those few brief minutes when the moon is fully blocking the sun. Pets, however, do not.

"They're outside every day and don't look up at the sun, so there's no reason to think they're going to do that at this point," Carlson explains.

In fact, trying to put glasses on your pet — even for a photo opp — could likely do more harm than good, Carlson says. It could stress dogs, leading them to paw them off and even chew them up.

Why watching the 2024 total solar eclipse might change your life

"Keep the glasses for yourself, because we're the ones that are going to be looking up at the sun and need that protection for our eyes," she says. "They're just going to be looking around like they normally do every day and feeding off of your emotions and your excitement."

Dr. Lori Bierbrier, the senior medical director of ASPCA Community Medicine, told NPR over email that while it's unlikely that animals will look right at the sun, their eyes could be damaged if they do so long enough.

Symptoms of eye damage include squinting, closing one eye or pawing at their eyes, redness, inflammation or cloudiness and watery eyes or discharge. She recommends contacting your vet as soon as you notice them.

Everything you need to know about solar eclipse glasses before April 8

But what about vet offices that are closed for the eclipse — as Carlson's briefly was — or hard to get to on the day of the eclipse?

Carlson says you should be aware of heavy traffic and figure out back roads you can take.

Ideally, worried pet owners could call their vet to explain the situation and get advice first. Carlson says that's just one example of why strong client-patient relationships are so important.

"Whether there's an eclipse or not," she says, "emergencies happen."

More resources to enjoy the eclipse

• Sharing the eclipse with tiny humans?  Check out these  kid-friendly total solar eclipse learning guides  from Vermont Public's  But Why,  and this great explainer from KERA Kids on  the difference between a solar and a lunar eclipse .
• Feeling whimsical?  Here are three ways to  sprinkle a little magic into your eclipse experience .
• Plan to wander into the wild for the best view?   Here are some tips from outdoor experts.
• Tips from Bill Nye  on the best ways to enjoy the eclipse.

NPR will be sharing highlights here from across the NPR Network throughout the day Monday if you're unable to get out and see it in real time.

• total solar eclipse
• 2024 eclipse
• animal safety

Don't have glasses to watch today's solar eclipse? Here are 7 safe alternatives.

The 2024 solar eclipse has finally arrived! This afternoon, millions will have their eyes on the sky to witness the celestial event.

Many locations giving away or selling solar eclipse glasses are out of stock, so you may not find a pair within the next few hours.

People are also reading: Where to buy solar eclipse glasses, according to the experts

Don't panic though − there are alternative forms of eye protection you can use instead.

Watching the light pass through tree leaves. Peering into a modified cereal box. Angling a kitchen colander. You can view the solar eclipse using these safe, alternative methods and more.

Live updates: Everything you need to know for today’s solar eclipse

Tree leaves project mini solar eclipses

A fun way to view the eclipse is by watching the light pass through tree leaves. Sunlight will project mini eclipses onto the ground as the light passes through gaps in the leaves.

You will be able to track the progress of the eclipse from start to finish, and see a cool natural effect.

Use a colander to show the solar eclipse

Similar to leaves, you can use a colander to project mini eclipses. The light will pass through the small holes in a colander to create a dazzling sight of tiny eclipses on the ground or on a canvas.

Senior lecturer and astronomy coordinator at UT Sean Lindsay likes this method as it's a more direct and safe way of showing the progress of an eclipse.

More: What time is the total solar eclipse on April 8? Search your ZIP code for a viewing guide

Create a pinhole projector to see the solar eclipse

With a  pinhole projector , sunlight travels through the pinhole to create a small image of the sun. The projector makes it safe to observe the solar eclipse if you don't have eclipse glasses.

All you need to do is take a piece of cardboard, cut an inch square in the middle, tape foil over the square and poke a small hole in the foil. Afterwards, angle the cardboard so the light travels through the hole and onto another piece of cardboard to show an image of the sun.

Warby Parker provided a guide on how to  DIY your own pinhole projector , or check out  NASA's video tutorial .

How to turn a box into a pinhole projector to view the eclipse

Another way to make a pinhole projector includes a box, tape, scissors, foil and paper.

Find a cardboard box you can comfortably place over your head. Cut a square hole on one end of the box and tape the foil over it. Poke a small hole in the foil. On the opposite side, tape a piece of paper inside the box.

Once its ready, turn your back to the sun and place the box over your head. Angle the box so the light goes through the hole and projects onto the paper. Now you can see the eclipse.

Watch: Can't watch Monday's total solar eclipse in-person? Watch our livestream here.

Convert a cereal box into a solar eclipse viewer

You can also make a pinhole projector using a cereal box.  NASA provides instructions  on how to craft one.

Empty the contents of the box and place a white piece of paper or cardboard at the bottom. Cut both ends of the top leaving just the center flaps. Tape the center to keep it closed. Cover one of the openings with foil and poke a small hole into the foil, but leave the other side open.

Once the cereal box is ready, you will need to turn away from the sun, angle the box so sunlight goes through the hole and peer into the box from the opening. The light will project an image of the sun onto the bottom of the box.

Turn a shoebox into a solar eclipse viewer

The cereal box method  works with shoeboxes , too.

Cut a small hole on one end of the shoebox and tape foil over it. Poke a small hole in the foil. Tape a small piece of paper inside the shoebox on the other end.

You can cut a hole to look into either on the foil side or on the long side of the shoebox near the paper for a closer view. When it's ready, close the shoebox and angle it so the sunlight passes through the pinhole, down the length of the shoebox and onto the paper. It will project an image of the sun inside.

Use your hands to view the solar eclipse

Take both hands and  overlap your fingers  with one hand vertical and the other horizontal. Your fingers should cross over each other and form square gaps.

Now, angle your hands so sunlight hits them. Sunlight will pass through the gaps like pinholes, projecting mini eclipses onto the ground or a canvas.

Are you in the path of totality?

Can't see our graphics? Search your ZIP code for a complete eclipse viewing guide

Is it safe to look at a total solar eclipse? What to know about glasses, proper viewing

If you have your eyewear to take in monday's eclipse, here are some last-minute things to consider to ensure you're good to go..

The much-anticipated solar eclipse will finally enshroud thousands of miles of North America today in its long, narrow shadow. By now, those who plan to witness it should have their plans in place .

Travel has been completed. Schedules have been coordinated around the anticipated moment of totality. And proper eyewear is, of course, in your possession. Right?

We at USA TODAY have published no shortage of articles guiding you away from scam eclipse glasses and to the safest, most reliable options – some of which were even free. But if you need a last-minute refresher – or a crash course to catch you up on a topic you entirely missed – we're happy to oblige.

If you don't have your eclipse glasses by now, it may be too late. But some vendors, including Warby Parker , and even public libraries, have offered eclipse glasses giveaways , so be sure to check your local area before the historic event rolls into town.

And if you do have your eyewear to take in Monday's eclipse – the last one of these incredible astronomical events in North America for 20 years – here are some last-minute things to consider to ensure you're in good shape.

Solar eclipse 2024 live updates: See latest weather forecast, what time it hits your area

Can you go blind by looking at the solar eclipse?

Staring at the sun is  unlikely to completely blind you , but its powerful rays can still burn and  damage your retinas if you don't take proper safety precautions to view  solar eclipses .

That's why eyewear is recommended if you plan to look up at the sun Monday to witness the solar eclipse, which most of the country will be able to experience in some way.

In the face of the sun's powerful rays, regular sunglasses made of cheap plastic and polycarbonate material just aren't going to cut it. Astronomers and other experts instead emphasize that skygazers intent on viewing the upcoming total solar eclipse do so with  specialized eyewear  crafted to  protect their sensitive retinas  from permanent damage.

Even viewing any part of the bright sun through camera lenses, binoculars and telescopes without a specialized solar filter  could instantly cause severe eye injury , according to the American Astronomical Society.

Often made with a polyester film coated in aluminum, the glasses are highly specialized . Compared to regular sunglasses, proper eclipse glasses are 100,000 times darker to block nearly all visible, infrared and ultraviolet light and protect our sensitive retinas when looking skyward.

As another point of safety, don't look up while driving , please.

How to know when it's safe to view the eclipse without glasses

A  total solar eclipse  offers the unique opportunity for skygazers to  witness the spectacular astral display  with the naked eye – but only when the time is right.

Hundreds of cities in  13 states are along the path of totality  for the eclipse, which will move across North America from southwest to northeast . When the moon moves completely in front of the sun and blocks its light for a brief period of time, you'll know it's safe to fully take in the dazzling display.

That moment is what is called "totality," whereby uncharacteristic darkness falls and all but the sun's outermost layer known as its corona makes a rare appearance to us here on Earth,  according to NASA .

How to make sure your eclipse glasses aren't fake

In the rush to acquire  some coveted eclipse glasses  before April 8 , you may have inadvertently fallen victim to the  fakes and imitators proliferating online retailers .

While plenty of legitimate certified eyewear was widely available – and may still be – less-scrupulous manufacturers try all sorts of methods and tricks to get your attention and make you believe the product you're about to buy is the real deal.

For instance, many vendors began making the grand (and entirely made-up) claim that their products are endorsed by NASA.

As the space agency  reiterated to USA TODAY , NASA highly recommended that skygazers get a pair of certified eclipse glasses before the total solar eclipse  charts a 115-mile-wide path of totality  blanketing much of North America in  uncharacteristic darkness . But it does not approve  any particular brand of solar viewers, despite what many vendors may claim.

The responsibility of guiding American consumers to the safest eclipse glasses is largely left to the American Astronomical Society.

The organization maintains  a curated list of approved vendors  of solar eclipse glasses that it updated to give priority to North American manufacturers ahead of the total solar eclipse. Products you purchase that are listed on that site are guaranteed to be  in compliance with  the highest international safety standards.

Those standards are set by the International Organization for Standardization, which only vouches for solar eclipse glasses that are dark and strong enough to filter out a certain amount of the sun's harmful light.

The astronomical society also provides some  helpful tips  for how to spot counterfeit glasses.

No eclipse glasses? Welding lenses, pinhole projectors among alternative viewers

While certified solar eclipse glasses are the preferred method for viewing the eclipse, alternative methods do exist that don't necessarily sacrifice one's safety.

Many people, particularly blue-collar workers, may be tempted to turn to those welding lenses they have sitting in their workshop.

But beware: The most common welding goggles and helmets aren't typically strong enough to adequately withstand the sun's powerful rays and protect your vulnerable eyes.

Any welding lenses weaker than a Shade 12 filter – a number that indicates the level of protection offered – just aren't going to cut it when it comes to gazing upward in anticipation of the moon blocking all but the sun's outermost layer.

It's also not too late to buy some welding lenses, which Tractor Supply is promoting for sale at its 282 stores along the path of totality as a viable option for viewing the eclipse.

Another simple method is to create your own pinhole projector to project the sun onto a nearby surface. The American Astronomical Society offers helpful  instructions  to set them up.

And one final note: As you make your eclipse-viewing plans,  these interactive maps  should help you chart the time and duration for when totality would occur in cities along the path.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

No solar eclipse glasses? Use a Saltine or Ritz cracker, pasta strainer or slotted spoon

If you don't have solar eclipse glasses for april 8, 2024, check your kitchen if you have crackers, a pasta strainer or slotted spoon, you can see the eclipse..

• In Florida, expect to see a thin or fat crescent shape Monday, April 8, 2024, during the Great American Eclipse.
• In Florida, it's referred to as a partial solar eclipse, which starts at 12:35 p.m. CDT through 4:20 p.m. EDT Monday, April 8, 2024.

Before your eyes spy the Great American Eclipse or  Total Solar Eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024 , be sure to protect them.

Though Florida is not in the path of totality for the April 8 celestial event , the eclipse can still be seen via protective solar eclipse glasses, shadows on the ground or other creative (and safe) means . Interestingly, you can find some items in your kitchen pantry or the kitchen utensil drawer.

Experts warn people should not look up directly at the sun to avoid blindness or damage to the eyes.

Below is a safety guide on what to do and what not to do to protect your eyes when watching the Great American Eclipse and creative means to view it if you don't have solar eclipse glasses .

When is the Great American Eclipse 2024 ? What are the major eclipses in the US?

The much-anticipated Great American Eclipse is Monday, April 8, 2024, and times vary for max viewing opportunities all across the U.S. (see graphic below).

In case you’re wondering, there are three notable solar eclipses viewable from the U.S., and two of them happened already: the Great American Solar Eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017 , the Great American Eclipse or “ ring of fire ” that occurred Oct. 14, 2023, and now the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024 . Florida was not in the path of totality for any of these. However, and this will be true for the April 2024 eclipse, skywatchers from hundreds of miles outside the path were still able to see a partial solar eclipse from the 2017 and 2023 astrological events.

Can the Great American Eclipse, Total Solar Eclipse 2024 be seen in Florida?

Though Florida is not in the path of totality for the April 8, 2024, Total Solar Eclipse, the eclipse can still be seen via protective solar eclipse glasses, shadows on the ground or other creative (and safe) means.

In Florida, it's referred to as a partial solar eclipse, which starts at 12:35 p.m. CDT through 4:20 p.m. EDT Monday, April 8, 2024,  according to timeanddate.com .

What time can I see 2024 solar eclipse in Florida?

Weather permitting, to see all phases of the total solar eclipse, you must be within the path of totality. According to a map on  greatamericaneclipse.com , the U.S. path of totality for the Monday, April 8, 2024, eclipse covers parts of Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The total eclipse will not be visible from Florida — unless you watch it virtually from a livestream.

In the U.S., totality will begin in Texas at 1:27 p.m. CT and will end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. ET on April 8, 2024. The state of Florida should have a 45% to 75% chance of "maximum partial eclipse," according to Great American Eclipse online. Expect to see a thin crescent shape to a thicker crescent shape.

Florida is not in the path of totality. Is it still called the Great American Solar Eclipse or Total Solar Eclipse?

In Florida, it's referred to as a partial solar eclipse since the Sunshine State is not in the path of totality.

Are 3D glasses the same as solar eclipse glasses?

No! 3-dimensional glasses will not protect your eyes during an eclipse. Do not wear them and look at the sun during an eclipse.

Can I watch the 2024 Great American Eclipse using a cracker?

Yes! Use a buttery round cracker (think Ritz) and a white sheet of paper. With your back toward the sun, hold the cracker up to the paper. Your eyes should be looking away from the sun, which is what’s required for safe, indirect viewing, experts say. The solar eclipse will filter through the tiny cracker holes. Reporter tip: If you don't have a Ritz cracker, a Saltine cracker works just as well.

Can I watch the Great American Eclipse using a slotted spoon?

Yes! Use a slotted spoon with round holes in it. Again, with your back toward the sun, hold up the spoon to the sheet of paper and watch the solar eclipse project an image.

Can I watch Great American Eclipse using a colander or bowl?

Yes! According to Dennis Ward, retired president of Longmont Astronomical Society in Colorado, “Another great projection viewing device is a colander or pasta strainer with holes, not slots.“ Same instructions apply, stand with your back toward the sun, and hold up the colander to the sheet of paper to see the eclipse.

I don't have solar eclipse glasses, a cracker or a slotted spoon. How can I watch the solar eclipse?

If you don't have a pair of solar eclipse glasses, a Ritz or Saltine cracker, a colander or a slotted spoon (serving spoon with holes in it), don't despair. Look to the ground, particularly a white or gray sidewalk, and check out the shadows made by tree leaves. Miniature crescent moon shapes (fat crescents and thin crescents, depending on max viewing time) will show up. You can see this in the Tallahassee Democrat photo above.

Can I wear sunglasses and watch the solar eclipse?

No! We can't stress this enough. It is not safe to look up at the sun during a solar eclipse while wearing sunglasses, no matter how dark the lenses are.

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on  Twitter  or Instagram at  @byjensangalang . Support local journalism.  Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper .