Edited: March 15th, 2019.

Share your resume in PDF format, unless the task post or recruiter you are responding to specifically asks for a different format. Resumes in PDF format are preferable because they are uniform with most systems and will modify in appearance from one computer to another.

Should I send my resume as PDF or Doc?

PDF vs DOC vs DOCX

Some companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) which are programs used to automatically scan for specific words inside resumes. When this method is used, only the resumes that get in through this showtime automated pace are reviewed past an actual person, usually the HR representative. In the past, these systems could non process PDF files, so the full general wisdom was to submit a .doc file instead. However, this is no longer the case.

First, consider that simply very large companies use these systems. Well-nigh modest and medium-sized businesses practice not automate the start phase of vetting of your resume, making such precautions unnecessary. In instance a company does use a system that can't procedure PDF files, they will probably include a notation in the job mail service – one more reason to read those posts carefully.

Present job applicants also share a lot of data on sites such every bit Glassdoor or Reddit. It's e'er a skilful idea to research a company thoroughly before applying to a position; you might find useful tidbits near resume' formatting in your search.

If a friend or acquaintance works or used to work at the visitor you lot are applying to, inquire them whether they know what format the HR department prefers for resumes.

Lastly, consider paying for LinkedIn Premium and emailing visitor representatives directly if you're withal in doubt. LinkedIn Premium gives you lot the ability to ship a fix number of emails to people outside of your network, lets you lot see who posted available jobs, how many people are applying, and a wealth of other information.

As mentioned above,PDF should be your format of choice. If you observe that information technology'southward non accepted at a specific company, then use the .doc format, but avoid .docx. Although .docx has been the default format for Give-and-take documents since 2007, some people may withal exist using older versions of Word or other software that volition not read this relatively newer format.

WORD to PDF and PDF to WORD

Always write and design your PDF in Word, or a similar programme. Even if yous are in a creative field, such as spider web or graphic design, you'll want your resume to exist legible by ATS. If you pattern your resume in Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or some other graphic design program, you will terminate upwardly with an image file that can be converted into a PDF file but will non pass a machine scan for specific words. Use Give-and-take to write your resume and utilise your creative skills to build your portfolio. Your portfolio won't exist machine scanned, but still catechumen all JPG to PDFs if you lot're going to share your portfolio as an attachment or as downloadable files, as PDF files are more than attainable. You can merge PDF documents and also shrink PDF files (fifty-fifty compress multiple PDF files at the same fourth dimension) to create one PDF presentation.

Once you have your resume fix in Word, you tin can easily convert it to PDF format using the FoxyUtils Word to PDF tool. Maybe y'all're not starting from scratch and take an older resume yous'd like to update, just it's simply in PDF course. Simply convert it from PDF to Word, edit information technology, and and so covert it to PDF format again. Brand sure to check the PDF file after the final conversion. There may be a few things that appear slightly dissimilar that you'll desire to go back and tweak in the original .md file before converting it again.

In some cases, a recruiter might enquire you lot to submit a Word document and so they can edit it for you. While recruiters tin be very helpful and they are probably merely going the actress mile to help you get the job of your dreams, ask her to share the terminal edited copy with you before she submits information technology. In the end, y'all are the one responsible for the way your chore history is communicated in your resume.

UPLOADING YOUR RESUME vs. EMAIL ATTACHMENTS

In that location are ii main means to submit your resume when applying for a chore: through an online portal, or by e-mail. Either mode, never skip the cover alphabetic character!

I oft find that at that place is no skilful identify to write a encompass letter when applying to a task through an online portal: words cannot be hyperlinked in the box provided, the formatting of each paragraph is weird, or at that place isn't even a box provided to write a cover letter of the alphabet! Regardless of whether a cover letter is required or optional, you should always submit one. Echo after me: I will e'er submit a encompass letter! When applying through a web portal, if the site provides a infinite to write the cover letter in plain text, copy and paste your embrace letter of the alphabet and include hyperlinks in parentheses. Also, always as well upload a hyperlinked PDF version of your encompass letter. Some web portals will prompt you to upload a cover alphabetic character and provide a separate prompt/box to upload your resume.In that example, prepare two PDF files (a one-page comprehend letter and a ane-page resume) and submit both separately within the aforementioned application.

If the web portal doesn't have a separate upload box for your embrace alphabetic character, merge the ii PDF files (Larn how to combine PDF files by reading this article), your comprehend letter and your resume, to create a two-page PDF certificate. Then upload that document to the resume field.

If you are applying for a job by email, the same rule applies: ever submit a cover letter of the alphabet with your resume. If you are responding to an email, or emailing an employer or recruiter awaiting your application, I recommend copying and pasting the cover letter in the torso of the email so your cover letter of the alphabet substantially becomes the email itself, with a few tweaks. Include all hyperlinks, then attach your one-folio resume to the email in PDF format. Include a line at the showtime of your email that says yous attached your resume and make sure the attachment sends successfully.

If you lot are responding to a task post past e-mail, copy and paste both comprehend letter and resume in the body of the e-mail. You'll have to work on your resume's look and experience. I recommend sending a test e-mail to a few friends who use different computers and programs to make sure your resume transfers correctly. Also attach a two-folio PDF file that includes your cover letter and resume. Include a line in the electronic mail that mentions that y'all have fastened the PDF files. If y'all cannot make your resume await "good" past copying and pasting it in the email, I suggest using the aforementioned arroyo as in the previous scenario: use your cover letter every bit the trunk of your email and attach your one-folio resume in PDF format.

If you have two PDF files, you can employ Merge PDF to merge them into one document. Remember to compress the PDF as well, so it isn't too large, peculiarly when sending it past email. If you find yourself needing to transport two smaller dissever files, use Dissever PDF instead. Don't forget that if you are a FoxyPremium subscriber, or on your free trial, you tin take reward of Workflows to seamlessly merge and compress your files. As a back-up, information technology'southward always a good thought to upload all of your resume files to Dropbox or Google Bulldoze, that way you can e'er access and upload them to FoxyUtils, no matter what computer you happen to be using.

NAMING YOUR FILES

One last note: the style you name your files matters! A good format is: Name_LastName_CoverLetter_Resume or a variation of this, e.thousand. FirstNameInitial_LastName_Resume_Company. Make it very piece of cake for your potential employer or recruiter to find your files and to know what they are. You should tailor each resume and encompass letter to the specific visitor and position you lot are applying to…but that's another topic for another mail service.

Happy job hunting!