Should i send resumes in pdf

As ZipJob explains :. When applying to a job online, the best format to send your resume in is usually a Word doc. This format is most easily read by the majority of applicant tracking systems or ATS. While it is more and more common for companies to invest in more sophisticated ATS software that will parse your resume , you can be confident that virtually all ATS scans can read a.

This happens more often with recruiters, who like to offer edits to resumes that can better augment your chances of getting a job.

I generally get by with PDFs, but one general best practice remains true across the board for everyone: submit the format that the employer is asking for.

However, most of them no longer apply. It is important to make the best possible first impression when you send your resume. Also, as job finding experts like LinkedIn 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. There are numerous resume templates to choose from and they save you valuable time. One of the big advantages of sending your resume as a PDF is it ensures all the formatting remains the same. The document will appear as you designed it , whether it is opened on a smartphone, laptop or any other device. This is not the case with a resume sent as a Word document. These inconsistencies can seriously mess with the formatting.

In this case, make sure that you send it as a. An applicant tracking system, also known as an ATS, is a type of program that scans your resume for certain keywords and data. If, however, the application asks you to manually input your resume information and also attach a resume, you can safely choose whichever format you prefer because the ATS will scan the information you typed.

The attached resume is simply there for when a human looks at your application. Related: 3 Best Resume Formats in with Examples. Although less common than PDFs and Word documents, Google Docs offers a convenient file format because it can be viewed online anywhere.

Moreover, if you send the link and later notice that you had a typo or mistake in your resume, you have the opportunity to correct it. Your employer will always see the most recent version of your resume when they click the link.

Another option is to create an online resume for yourself. This allows you to get very creative with formatting and create a very attractive resume. Like a Google Doc, it also allows you to update your resume even after you send it, ensuring that your potential employer always sees the most recent version. Another advantage of the online resume is that employers can find you even if you have not applied for a job with their company.

This creates the potential for employers to reach out to you with job opportunities. This is especially recommended for people applying to positions that require creativity or advanced computer skills.

Not only are you displaying your skills and qualifications, but you're also demonstrating your ability to make a website or use a content management system. The exact process involved in creating a PDF file will depend on where you are doing it. Below, you will find a short step-by-step explanation for how to create a resume PDF in different programs and on different systems:. The resume PDF you just created will be saved in the same folder that the Word document version of your resume is saved in.

Related: 6 Universal Rules for Resume Writing. A PDF version of your resume will appear in the Downloads folder on your computer or wherever you have set your downloaded files to be stored by default. The PDF version will be saved in the same folder your current resume file is saved in. Here are a few quick tips to make sure you are always choosing the best resume format to send for each application:.

Always read through the job description and instructions carefully. Often, the preferred resume file format will be mentioned near the bottom of the description but can appear anywhere, so read through it carefully a couple of times to make sure you haven't missed anything.

For convenience, you should just have a folder with your resume saved in a variety of formats. This way, you can readily select whichever format you need without spending time converting it into the right format. If no specific file format is mentioned, use the information in this article to determine which format is the best choice. For example, if you are applying through an online application, your safest option might be to use a Word Doc.

However, if you are sending your resume in an email, a PDF is usually a better choice. Expertly designed formatting looks great to a recruiter, but it can make it difficult for the automated system to decipher. Create a simplified version of your resume, free of complicated formatting, to use for online applications.

However, keep a version with your advanced formatting so that you can send it when you know it's going directly to a human. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume.