Should You Send Your Resume in PDF or Word Format?

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Wondering whether to send your resume in PDF or Word format. As a general rule, it’s best to send your resume as a PDF.

Before choosing the format, always check the job posting. Employers often state how to send your resume, and following their instructions matters:

• If the employer specifies a format, follow it.
• If no format is mentioned, send a PDF to preserve your layout.
• Use Word when uploading to an ATS or when a recruiter asks for an editable file.

It is important to make the best possible first impression when you send your resume. Also, as job-finding experts will attest, PDFs simply look more professional and are less problematic to upload.

Using a resume builder is an effective way of creating attractive resumes, whether you use a .pdf or .doc resume format. There are numerous resume templates to choose from, and they save you valuable time.

How Do You Make a PDF Resume?

Creating a PDF resume is quick and straightforward, no matter which tool you use.

Create a PDF Resume from an Existing File

• In Microsoft Word: File → Save As or Export → PDF
• In Google Docs: File → Download → PDF
• In Apple Pages (Mac): File → Export To → PDF

Create a PDF Resume with Our AI Resume Builder

You can also create a PDF resume from scratch or instantly improve your existing resume using our AI resume builder.

Choose from a wide range of professionally designed templates, including:

• Student resumes
• Entry-level resumes
• Professional and industry-specific resumes

How To Send Your Resume

How you are requested to send your resume could decide the format you should use. Here is a quick table explaining the different ways of submitting a resume, and the best format to use:

How you’re applying	Best format	Why it works
ATS / online application portal	Word or simple PDF	Word files and clean PDFs are easier for ATS software to parse. Avoid complex layouts, tables, or text boxes.
Emailing a hiring manager	PDF	A PDF preserves your formatting and looks professional on any device.
LinkedIn Easy Apply	PDF or Word	Use the format requested. If both are accepted, Word may perform better with automated screening, while PDF keeps design intact.
Applying through a recruiter	Word	Recruiters often need an editable file to adjust formatting or remove contact details before sharing.
No format specified	PDF	As a general rule, a PDF resume avoids formatting issues and ensures a consistent presentation.

Advantages of Sending a PDF Resume

Should I send my resume as a PDF? The answer is “it depends”.

One of the main advantages of sending your resume as a PDF is that it preserves your formatting.

• Consistent layout: Your resume looks the same on all devices
• No formatting issues: Margins, spacing, and page breaks stay intact
• Font consistency: Avoids substitutions caused by missing fonts or software versions

The formatting of Word documents can change depending on the software or version used. This can lead to shifted margins and unexpected page breaks. This can make an otherwise polished resume look messy.

If you’ve spent valuable time working on your resume, focusing on the resume format and layout, it would be tragic for an employer to open a messy resume* instead of your well-produced resume. It gives entirely the wrong impression.

Why Some Recruiters Prefer Word Resumes

Recruitment companies sometimes prefer Word resumes as they can be edited. As they don’t want the employer to contact you until they have secured the contract, they remove your contact information and add their logo before sharing your resume.

They may also tidy up your resume by correcting mistakes and adding keywords. If you’ve carefully written your resume this shouldn’t be necessary. Make sure you avoid the most common resume mistakes and read these tips for writing a winning resume. Even one small typo could mean your resume is thrown out by hiring managers.

ATS (Automatic Tracking Systems)

An ATS is a type of software that scans resumes to make sure they contain enough keywords. In the past, ATSs struggled to read PDF resumes.

However, ATSs have improved a lot over the last 5 years and more advanced versions of the software can read PDFs. More importantly, recruitment giants like Deloitte also surveyed employers and found nearly 56% of them were looking to use more digital tools such as this.

When a resume is written clearly and properly, then PDFs are no problem. Read this guide on writing a resume for applicant tracking systems to avoid the most common pitfalls. If an employer is using older, more basic software, they will specify in the job posting that you should send your resume as a Word file.

PDF vs Word

Understanding the key differences between PDF and Word formats can help you decide which is best for your resume.

• 💡 Our expert’s advice

  

  ATS has come a long way, and most are advanced enough to easily parse content from Word and PDF documents. If jobseekers choose to upload a Word document, it is recommended that they avoid text boxes. ATS has a hard time reading content in text boxes.

  I recommend always uploading a PDF version to keep the formatting intact since many people have different versions of Word.

  Chelsea Jay, Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)

Final Thoughts on Resume Formats

Resume formats can significantly impact how it’s received and processed by employers. Ultimately, the choice between sending your resume in a PDF or Word document depends on the specific job application requirements and your personal preference.

Before You Submit Your Resume

Before hitting submit, take a moment to double-check the basics:

• Professional file name (e.g. FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf)
• Opens correctly on both desktop and mobile devices
• Text is selectable and searchable (not an image or scanned file)
• No tables or text boxes to ensure ATS compatibility
• Contact details are visible in the main body of the resume
• File size stays within common limits (ideally under 2 MB)

Make sure you understand how to write a resume, and remember to include a cover letter if required.

FAQs

Is it better to upload a resume in Word or PDF format?

Generally, it’s best to send your resume as a PDF. However, it’s important to consider the context. PDFs preserve formatting across devices, ensuring your resume looks professional and consistent. They are also secure and less prone to accidental edits.

However, Word documents are easier to edit and are often more compatible with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Ultimately, follow the employer’s instructions in the job posting when deciding between PDF or Word for your resume. If no preference is stated, PDFs are generally the safer choice for maintaining your resume’s integrity

Do recruiters prefer PDF or Word?

Recruiters sometimes prefer resumes in Word format because they can be easier to work with:

• Editable: allows changes such as formatting updates or adding logos
• ATS-friendly: information is easier for tracking systems to parse
• Widely compatible: opens smoothly across different devices and software

Others prefer to receive PDFs. If you have any doubts, don’t be afraid to ask which they would prefer.

Is Word or PDF better for ATS?

Modern Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can generally read both Word and PDF resumes effectively. However, Word documents tend to be more consistently ATS-friendly because they are easier for the software to parse and extract information from.

PDFs, while preserving formatting and design, can sometimes pose issues with older or less advanced ATS software.

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