Should i send cv as pdf or word

Pdf ensures that the formatting you see on your computer translates directly to what they see. Ultimately, its up to you, but its easy to export a word resume in doc format into a pdf format and vice versa to have both. The format in which you should save your resume and cover letter is often a mere afterthought. Cnbc make it spoke with multiple recruiters who agreed there are a few rules every.

Should i send a cover letter as a pdf or word file. Is it better to send a cover letterresume as a microsoft. Depending on your intention, this may or may not be a good thing. The answers complicated, but to help you make the best, most educated. Mar 21, 2019 if you want to ensure that the document can be read, you may want to send two copies of each, one in word and one in pdf format. Is it better to send a cover letter resume as a microsoft word document or pdf. This is a topic that is close to our hearts and one that brings about passionate debate in. Related links choosing the right format to send your resume when to use a plain text resume.

The pdf format ensures that the recipient receives the document exactly as you saved it. There is a bunch of contradicting information on the web giving readers bad advice. Sending the wrong file format could be harming your chances of getting your resume noticed. How do i upload a cover letter and resume as one document. Most employers want a microsoft word document or a pdf file of your resume. On the one hand, says career coach alex durand, leaving your resume in any word processing format exposes you to the possibility that someone might inadvertently alter it. All you need to know about the right format to send your resume and cover letter when applying for a job, whether uploading online or emailing attachments. Below well discuss the different file formats and when to use them. Understanding a little about how those systems work can up your chances of your resume making it to a hiring managers deskand an underappreciated part of that is how you format and save the. Heres how to choose the right file format for your resume.

You can always copy and paste text from a pdf if you are going to fill in an online application and then send your full resume in pdf file formatting later when a hiring manager has invited you to do so. Dos and donts of emailing your cv telegraph jobs advice. With word documents that can be opened in compatible applications, you can be sure that your resume will be opened by anyone with a word processor. Whether you want to email or fax your resume, paste it into a job board, or post it on the web, it all starts electronically. While most employers prefer word, there are still many employers who prefer job seekers send in a resume in pdf format. So if youre torn between submitting an ms word file or creating a pdf resume, consider the above points. Document portability pdf is considered a neutral document format.

For some reason, i think some companies may not have adobe, so i always send my resume as a microsoft word document, but that is editable. Since job applications do not have to be edited by your potential new employer, the one point that is often denoted as the pdfs weak point does not bear any consequences. Dec 15, 2019 always follow the employers instructions. Once youve perfected your resume and are ready to apply for a job, you may wonder whether to send your resume in pdf or word format. Some people feel it is important to preserve the visual appearance of the resume onscreen and use a pdf file.

The system will require you to cut and paste text from your resume into text boxes online. The problem is resume databases digest pdf files about like a cat digests hair balls not well. That way, itll look exactly as you want it to, no matter what formatting or fonts you have in it, and itll look the same both on the web and on your phone. You should always check the recruiters mail or website for the specifications on the type of resume format to submit. Word or pdf format for my resume this is a very common question i am asked.

Should you send your cv in word or pdf career point kenya. The most important thing is to follow the employers instructions. Pdf image files when you scan your resume and save as pdf are often not compatible with ats. Submitting resume in microsoft word doc format or a pdf. Should i send my resume to companies in pdf format or ms word.

Exactly how to format and save your resume and why it. Should i send my resume to companies in pdf format or ms. To help you make an informed decision on when to use the pdf format, here are 5 things you should keep in mind. Which is the right format to send your cv to a recruiter. Is this simple resume mistake costing you interviews. At times, you will not have to send a resume at all. Jan 01, 2019 with all the different file formats out there many people ask what file format should i send my resume in. Should i send my resume and cover letter as a word doc. I recently decided to upload my resume to indeed resume for ease, and i noticed that it parses my resume completely incorrectly. Should you send your resume in pdf format or in the exact word document you made it in.

Why you should convert your job application to pdf online. If you send your resume in a format that is impossible or even simply difficult for the employer to open, he or she may toss out your application. The file name should state your name and distinguish whether the document is a cv or a cover letter. Unless a company specifies a specific format, you should generally send your cover letter as a pdf. The instructions say that i have to upload all of the required documents as one file. Improve your chances of finding a job, prepare a cv that distinguishes itself from other documents. Lets eat, grandma resume services breaks down the key differences in submitting your resume as a pdf or a word document. You can also convert your pdf to a word document using just microsoft word. Some online applications require plain text only, while some require pdf or word as an attachment.

But despite what statistics say about pdf being the favored format, its still a good idea to find out what your potential employer prefers and submit your resume in that format. Though there are advantages and disadvantages of using both, you should generally send your resume as a pdf. Ill tell you straight away that im a recruiter so i know all the recruiter explanations for why candidates should send their resumes in microsoft. Top career experts even sway on this one so its obvious that there is no clear cut answer. Ten years ago, i would not have thought twice about submitting a resume as a pdf. If you send your resume in a format that may not only be difficult but maybe even impossible to open by the employer, your application will most probably. However, you will still need to check that your cv can be. Resumes in pdf format are preferable because they are compatible with most systems and will change in appearance from one computer to another. Send it as a ms word doc or adobe pdf which is read only. Some pdf format resumes are created by using a document scanner to create an image of a paper resume. With pdf, you have to make sure that youre using pdf base fonts or websafe fonts. Once ive fixed it, if i send it as a pdf file, the formatting should be locked in place. Word resumes uploaded and not saved to indeed dont work. May 25, 2018 name the file as a combination of your name and cv, for example simon.

Dec 14, 2016 linkedin premium gives you the ability to send a set number of emails to people outside of your network, lets you see who posted available jobs, how many people are applying, and a wealth of other information. Convert a pdf to a word document using microsoft word. Should i send my resume and cover letter as pdf or word documents. Should i send my resume and cover letter as pdf or word. How to know if your resume should be a pdf or word the muse. Dos and donts of resume file formats get interviews. Well discuss what the best file format is for emailing your resume and cover letter. Should i send my resume in word format or as a pdf file. With word docs, you should test the rendering of your document on a couple different versions of word. Very rarely will you ever want to send a pdf of your resume to a hiring manager or recruiter.

Dos and donts of resume file formats alesia benedict, cprw, jctc. A cv or resume can be send in format what recruiter had mention or asked to send. Once you have your resume ready in word, you can easily convert it to pdf format using the foxyutils word to pdf tool. Why you should convert your job application to pdf. Most resume databases will reject pdf files and most recruiters.

If the company wants the resume as a pdf file, then do not send it as a word document. Here are reasons why you should choose word document format for your cv. Should you upload your resume as a pdf or word document. Opinions differ among career professionals of whether or not using pdf resumes is the best format. Regardless of whether you choose to send your resume as a pdf or ms word doc, be sure it matches any instructions given in the job posting. If youre sending your resume as a pdf, make sure it is not saved as an.

Often times, employers will specify which format they prefer, and you should always choose the format theyre asking for. If youre sending it to a large company, stick to word. Oct 16, 20 is it acceptable to submit a cv as a pdf file. Why your resume should be a pdf and not a word doc linkedin. However, every recruiting company has their own preference and they may always specify in the job description what format they want you to use. But sending your resume as a pdf is a bad idea because many companies upload resumes into an online database, and those databases generally cannot read pdf files. In other cases, you will send your resume directly to a human.

Leaving your resume in any word processing format exposes you to the possibility that someone might inadvertently alter it. Also, should i send them as one file or two separate files. Alex durand did not mince words when he told me that the answer is always pdf. Mar 15, 2010 i just need to know which one appeals better to the employer. This is fine, since my resume is formatted in a fairly flashy manner. If a recruiter was to embellish anything on the cv it would make the cv a misrepresentation of the client, which is illegal. Quite contrary, all the advantages of the pdf speak for its usage as the number one goto file for your job application. Choosing the right format for sending a resume pongo.

Having a standard pdf version of your profile is a convenient alternative to send in. May 22, 2016 there has been so much debate on this topic and so many different opinions regarding which format is better. Otherwise, there is a chance that your pdf will be rendered in a way that looks awful. They cant do this with a pdf if it is a word doc that has been scanned. We recommend uploading a file type that is either a word document. In this blog, well explain why sending an adobe pdf of your newlywritten professional resume can improve your chances of securing an interview.

The best format to send your resume in is usually microsoft word. A pdf is also acceptable but it may be difficult for some ats to process it. Oct 03, 2019 it is often the last thing you think about when writing a resume, but the file format you select for your resume is important. They will likely indicate whether you should email your resume as an attachment or pasted into the body of the email and what file type to use, e. I tried editing it via skydrive and the formatting broke. Converting in word often leads to style and formatting issues, so its not always the most reliable method. Photos, graphics or logos in your cv may also be blocked by vigilant virus and spam filters. Jun 21, 2016 i ll tell you straight away that i m a recruiter so i know all the recruiter explanations for why candidates should send their resumes in microsoft word format. As mentioned above, pdf should be your format of choice. In this case, you can convert your linkedin profile to a pdf resume and submit it. When i attach a pdf of my resume to a job that i apply for. If you decide to use a pdf format resume, the best way to create it is through word, indesign, or another word processor using the export feature.

I would highly recommend using ms word format only and avoiding sending your resume in pdf format. So while theyll be able to open and read your resume when you send it, they wont be able to add you to their database and search for you should another opportunity arise. Should a cv be sent to the recruiter in a word or a pdf format. If you are posting your resume online, there should be instructions on which file format to use and how to upload your resume. Publish your resume as a pdf with all the formatting, links and images that make it a powerful engaging resume and when youre asked for a word doc send them a simple rich text file rtf of your resume, so they can make the changes they need.

Send your resume as a pdf, not a microsoft word doc. Before sending your cv to your employer, save your document in pdf format you have this option in microsoft word or use the free online cv wizard. Sometimes for different purpose like taking new courses or job they tell to send a cv through email. Also, if a resume is formatted in one version of microsoft word, for example, you cant be sure the person looking at your resume has the same version.

Resumescvs i ve been told by different people including a resume critic and a few recruiters that one is a huge advantage and that the other is what employers hate. But what should i write in body when i attach my cv. When you apply to jobs, should your resume be in pdf or word format. We recommend sending the pdf version of your whenever possible, provided the pdf of your resume is built from a ms word file. For example, indeed suggests uploading a word document. We also have an important tip for you at the end of the article regarding what you name your file. You can merge pdf documents and also compress pdf files even compress multiple pdf files at the same time to create one pdf presentation. We prefer word, primarily so that we can make any minor changes. According to career experts there is no clear cut answer. The reason is that pdfs can be viewed on many operating systems, including mobile, without disturbing the overall formatting. Use the original word file, go to save as, and change the document type to pdf to convert the file instead if youre going this route. If you send a word copy the recruiter could change your resume to touch it up before handing it. If you want to ensure that the document can be read, you may want to send two copies of each, one in word and one in pdf format. Jan 29, 2018 lets eat, grandma resume services breaks down the key differences in submitting your resume as a pdf or a word document.

When you must combine cover letter and resume job boards. Though popular belief states that pdf files are optimal because of their ability to preserve formatting, they are not always your best. Im not sure who defines etiquette for sending resumes, but there are several reasons to send it as a pdf versus. Share your resume in pdf format, unless the job post or recruiter you are responding to specifically asks for a different format. Posted on august 5, 2016 by community business college yesterday morning, a community business college graduate called our job placement office and asked for some resume advice should she send her resume to an employer in the microsoft word format or should she send it as a. Should a cv be sent to the recruiter in a word or a pdf.

Specifically, what format should you send via email to a recruiter, hiring manager, or anyone in the hiring process on your career journey. Name the file as a combination of your name and cv. If you send the incorrect format, not all hiring managers are forgiving and may not take the time to notify you. If you want to send a featureheavy cv, you can save it in pdf format, which will preserve the layout. Are resumes that i attach directly from my computer to send to a potential employer automa. The cv covers your education as well as any other accomplishments like publications, awards, honours etc. Some employer websites and job sites specify in which format you should send your resume.

Discussion im sending resumes to like 60 companys today and would like to know which way to go. I just need to know which one appeals better to the employer. Some people have problems opening pdf files so to be safe i would send the file as both and maybe put in the email that you are sending your resume in pdf and as a word document. Ats software wont reliably scan this type of resume doc.

Just make sure you update the pdf when you update your profile. Ms word is almost ubiquitous, but not everyone uses it. The other issue with pdf is that the files are not easy to edit. Creating an uptodate electronic resume is the essential first step in any job hunt. If you find that its not accepted at a specific company, then use the. Pdf files are less vulnerable to viruses than word documents. Mar 06, 2008 should i send my resume and cover letter as a word doc. If you can copy and paste text from your pdf file, youre in good shape. Watch the video below for more information on indeeds resume. One of the documents i am submitting the writing sample is in pdf format the others are word files. If thats the case, you may want to send your resume as a pdf. When uploading your resume, make sure that the file is textbased. Cv or simonwilliamscv, this looks professional and makes it easy for recruiters to find the correct file.

On the one hand, its hard to find fault with that reasoning, but on the other, it seems that theres a bit of gray. Aug 03, 2018 your pdf is now saved as a word document, so pop it open in word and get to editing. Should you combine your cover letter and resume into one. Nov 14, 2017 pdf image files when you scan your resume and save as pdf are often not compatible with ats. If the potential employer does not have word, they may not be able to open your document without. All you need to know about the right format to send your resume and cover letter when applying for a job, whether uploading online or emailing. When emailing your cover letter and resume, either include the cover letter as an attachment or copy and paste its text into the email message. Sep 20, 2018 once youve perfected your resume and are ready to apply for a job, you may wonder whether to send your resume in pdf or word format.