Resume PDF or Word: The Best File Format in 2022 (2023)

FAQs

Is it better to have resume in Word or PDF? ›

The best format for your resume at the moment is a PDF. A PDF resume is readable by ATS and also keeps your formatting and illustrations in place. You can use an online resume builder like Enhancv which downloads your resume as a PDF.

1. Reverse-Chronological Resumes. The most widely used resume format among job seekers today, reverse-chronological resumes are also probably the easiest for recruiters and hiring managers to understand at a glance—which is itself an advantage.

What kind of file should your resume be for different submission formats? Most employers prefer a Microsoft Word document or a PDF file when it comes to your resume.

If you are sending a resume directly to a contact or hiring manager through email, a PDF is often your best option. You can easily still write your resume in Microsoft Word or Google Docs and save it as a PDF. To save from a Word document, go to File > Save As > and select PDF from the Format drop-down menu.

Most employers will accept either a Word document or PDF file, leaving the decision up to you. Although both file types have their own pros and cons, PDF is usually the better choice. Sending your resume as a PDF file will preserve the formatting and ensure that the document looks exactly the way you intended.

Contrary to popular belief, a PDF is not the most ATS-friendly file type. While PDF files are the best at preserving the design and format of your resume template, it is not compatible with all ATS software.

For the majority of job-seekers, the best resume format in 2023 is the reverse-chronological resume format. This resume format involves listing your resume information (e.g. your work experience and your education) starting with the most recent one and going backward through relevant jobs, degrees, or qualifications.

The reverse-chronological work history format is the most common and is especially ideal for anyone who's on a traditional career trajectory. It lists your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your current engagement and ending with your first job.

“Your résumé should very clearly highlight your education and work experience, and then experiences that are relevant to whatever industry you're trying to break into,” she says. “It's OK if that experience is just from volunteering or a class project.

If you want to create a professional resume using a template, Google Docs is one of the best options to help. Employers often form their first impressions of candidates based on their resumes, so presenting one that is professional and describes your suitability for the role may increase your chances of getting hired.

Why do recruiters want resume in Word? ›

“They typically require you to send a Word document because they want to redact your personal contact information when submitting your resume to their client,” she says. If you send a PDF in this case, the recruiter might not be able to edit it the way they need to.

Employers look at the format of a resume because it helps them to determine how well you've organized the information. A resume that is easy to read allows the employer to find the information they want in a timely manner.

When in doubt, use the Word doc. Word documents are the preferred resume file type for applicant tracking systems (ATSs) because they are easier to parse than a PDF, so if you are applying for a job through an ATS, make your resume a . docx (or . doc).

There are three common resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination.

Choosing the right resume format for you is very important. Different resume formats allow you to choose which professional attributes to highlight. This influences how a recruiter or hiring manager will judge your qualifications. To choose your resume format, start by evaluating your career history and future goals.

The PDF file format is reliable. When you create a PDF file containing any amount of data such as paragraphs, images, vector graphics, tablets, etc., it will always display that data in the exact same way no matter where you are viewing it.

If you need to submit your resume directly to a hiring manager or recruiter via email, consider sending your resume as a PDF unless instructed otherwise. Recruiters format MS Word documents differently depending on what version of the software the company is operating.

One of the biggest advantages of converting your PDF file to Word (DOC/DOCX) is that, by doing so, you will be able to edit the file in all of the many software programs and tools that currently support Microsoft's file formats.

If you need to edit a resume in PDF format you'll have to either convert it back to a Word document to make your edits, or use a PDF editor. You can use Word or Google Docs to convert your resume back into a Word document for free, then you can download it back to PDF.

Important: Your PDF must not be a scanned image

If you can't, then your resume is likely in an image format and won't be read by resume screeners. This includes resumes designed in tools like Photoshop and other design tools, which should be avoided if you are sending your resume online.

How do you edit resume if it is in PDF? ›

Use the "Rule of Three," and people will tend to remember what you said and will likely remember YOU said it. As you wrestle with formulating your very next presentation, pick three stories, three key points or three ideas that best illustrate the message you are attempting to convey.

A good benchmark is between 3-5 bullet points per job. However, you can use as few as 2 bullet points or as many as 12 bullet points for each position as long as it's relevant to the job description. The number of bullet points you use typically depends on: Years of work experience.

Don't go back more than 10 to 15 years

The majority of experts agree that a resume should only include the last 10 to 15 years of employment, and there are several good reasons for this.

Your resume is too long. As you progress in your career, your resume will get longer. But too much information can overwhelm readers and make your resume seem outdated. When an employer reads your resume, they're not looking for a list of everything you've done.

For most candidates, a resume should be only one page. Be brief and concise with anything you write on your resume. Customize your resume for the job you're applying for and include only relevant experience. If you've done everything right, you shouldn't get past one page.

Google Docs offers more file format compatibility compared to Word. You can download the document in formats such as HTML, TXT, ODT, RTF, EPUB, and PDF.

What is one advantage Microsoft Word has over Google Docs? ›

Files on Google Docs are stored as one type, although you can download a file in different formats, including DOC, DOCX, PDF, RTF, plain text, and HTML. Microsoft Word offers a wider variety of file formats to save your documents.

Yes, it's just fine to use resume templates, if you use them wisely. They aren't as “evil” as some people claim them to be. In fact, sometimes resume templates can be quite helpful.

Don't Use First Person Pronouns

A resume is written without a subject. There is never a time to use “I," "me," "mine" or "ours” in a resume. Instead, you typically start with the verb or action such as, “Writes resumes for professionals seeking career changes.”

Most resumes should be between one and two pages long. But, some can be three pages or more.

1. Reverse-Chronological Resumes. The most widely used resume format among job seekers today, reverse-chronological resumes are also probably the easiest for recruiters and hiring managers to understand at a glance—which is itself an advantage.

For most people, the reverse-chronological resume format is the best option. This means listing your work experience and education in reverse-chronological order, i.e. starting with the most recent position and working backwards through previous jobs or degrees.

The chronological resume (also known as the reverse-chronological format) is the most popular format and the best resume format for experienced candidates. The chronological resume emphasizes your work history section, where you list information about current and past jobs with the most recent job first.

What kind of resume do employers prefer? ›

Chronological Resume

This is the most common type of resume format and is generally preferred by most hiring managers. A chronological resume leads with your work history, which should list your current and previous positions in reverse chronological order.

Here's what a resume should look like:

Single line spacing. 1-inch margins on all four sides. Lots of white space to give readers some breathing room. Big section headings.

Microsoft Word is commonly used to create professional documents and communications. You should include Microsoft Word on your resume if you are comfortable drafting letters, reports and memos with the program. You might also highlight Microsoft Word skills in: Creating designs or mock-ups for printed materials.

Yes, you should make your resume in Word. Microsoft Word allows you to save your resume as a DOC or a PDF file, which are the two most common resume file formats. If you don't have Word, you can use Pages or a free option like OpenOffice to save your resume as a Word or PDF file.

A candidate who takes care of details such as sending a resume in PDF format will always be preferable to someone who doesn't. PDF is typically what you'll submit your resume as when sending it to potential employers.

And no, it's not good to build your resume using a MS Word template! You should definitely steer clear of any resume templates you can find out there on the internet unless you are applying for minimum wage jobs. Resume templates found on MS Word were not built to be ATS friendly and do not pass companies filters.

“They typically require you to send a Word document because they want to redact your personal contact information when submitting your resume to their client,” she says. If you send a PDF in this case, the recruiter might not be able to edit it the way they need to.

If you want to create a professional resume using a template, Google Docs is one of the best options to help. Employers often form their first impressions of candidates based on their resumes, so presenting one that is professional and describes your suitability for the role may increase your chances of getting hired.

A resume is written without a subject. There is never a time to use “I," "me," "mine" or "ours” in a resume. Instead, you typically start with the verb or action such as, “Writes resumes for professionals seeking career changes.”

If you need help creating a resume or cover letter, start with one of the dozens of professionally-designed resume and cover letter templates that are available in Word. Go to File > New. In the search box, type Resume or Cover Letter. Double-click the template you want to use.

Should you convert your resume to PDF? ›

If you need to submit your resume directly to a hiring manager or recruiter via email, consider sending your resume as a PDF unless instructed otherwise. Recruiters format MS Word documents differently depending on what version of the software the company is operating.

Sending a PDF eliminates the risk of viruses. Saving your CV as a PDF file ensures that the formatting stays as is, and no changes can be made to the document.

Most employers want a Microsoft Word document or a PDF file of your resume. Some employers may request a plain text (. txt) version, without any fancy formatting or design.

Employers look at the format of a resume because it helps them to determine how well you've organized the information. A resume that is easy to read allows the employer to find the information they want in a timely manner.

Yes, it's just fine to use resume templates, if you use them wisely. They aren't as “evil” as some people claim them to be. In fact, sometimes resume templates can be quite helpful.

Choosing the right resume format for you is very important. Different resume formats allow you to choose which professional attributes to highlight. This influences how a recruiter or hiring manager will judge your qualifications. To choose your resume format, start by evaluating your career history and future goals.