How to Send Your Resume: as a PDF or Word Document?

Once you’ve perfected your resume and you’re ready to apply for a job, you may wonder how to submit your resume in PDF or Word format. While there are advantages and disadvantages to using both, you should usually submit your resume as a PDF.

The most important thing is to follow the employer’s instructions. How you submit your resume is usually clearly stated in the job posting. In these cases, follow the directions according to the letter. If they want a Microsoft Word resume, send a Word resume, if they want a PDF (or don’t specify), send a PDF resume.

There were several reasons why sending a Word resume is better in the past. However, most of them no longer apply.

It is important to make the best possible first impression when submitting your resume. PDFs look more professional and less problematic.

Using a resume maker is an effective way to create attractive resumes, whether you use the .pdf or .doc resume format. There are many resume templates to choose from and they save you valuable time.

Advantages of sending a PDF resume

One of the biggest advantages of submitting your resume as PDF is that it ensures that all formatting remains the same. Whether opened on a smartphone, laptop, or other device, the document will look as you designed it.

This is not the case with a resume sent as a Word document. Many PCs and laptops nowadays use alternative software and also people do not have the same Word versions and use different file types (such as .doc or .docx). These inconsistencies can seriously disrupt the formatting.

Usually the margins are of different sizes, a one page resume may float to the next page, fonts may look different (the program may not have the font you choose) or worse, your resume may appear as unsolvable code.

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

Why some recruiters prefer Word resumes

Recruitment companies often ask for resumes as they can be edited. Since they do not want the employer to contact you until they secure the contract, they remove your contact information and add their logo before sharing your resume.

They can also edit your resume by correcting mistakes and adding keywords. This should not be necessary if you have carefully written your CV. Make sure you avoid the most common resume mistakes and read these tips to write a successful resume.

ATS (Automatic Tracking Systems)

ATS is a type of software that scans resumes to make sure they contain enough keywords. In the past, ATSs had trouble reading PDF resumes. However, ATSs have evolved a lot in the last 5 years and more advanced versions of the software can read PDFs.

When a resume is written clearly and neatly, 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, simpler software, they will indicate in the job posting that you must submit your resume as a Word file.How do I send my resume as a Word document?,#How do I send my resume as a PDF?,#How do I convert my resume from PDF to Word?,#Should I send resume as DOC or DOCX?,#Should I upload resume as PDF or DOC?,#What is the best format to send a document by email?,#Can we convert PDF to Word?,#How can I import a PDF into Word?,#Does Windows 10 Convert PDF to Word?,#How do you end a cover letter?,#How do you send your resume via email?,#Can you upload a PDF resume to indeed?,#Why do employers want resume in Word format?,#How do I attach my resume to an online application?,#Is resume the same as CV?,#How do I write an email with an attachment?,#What should I put in the subject line when emailing a resume?,#What do you say in an email when applying for a job?,#How do I open a PDF file in Word 2010?,#Can you convert PDF to Word for free?,#How do I convert PDF to Word without acrobat?,#
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Whichever format you use to send your resume to an employer, make sure it’s ready from scratch. Resumes should be clear, concise and well-structured. Make sure you understand how to write a resume and be sure to include a cover letter if needed.