This is fine, since my resume is formatted in a fairly flashy manner. Alex durand did not mince words when he told me that the answer is always pdf. Choosing the right format for sending a resume pongo. Should i send my resume and cover letter as pdf or word documents. Some people feel it is important to preserve the visual appearance of the resume onscreen and use a pdf file. Submitting resume in microsoft word doc format or a pdf.
We recommend uploading a file type that is either a word document. At times, you will not have to send a resume at all. 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. 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. Word or pdf format for my resume this is a very common question i am asked. Which is the right format to send your cv to a recruiter.
May 22, 2016 there has been so much debate on this topic and so many different opinions regarding which format is better. Should i send a cover letter as a pdf or word 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. The format in which you should save your resume and cover letter is often a mere afterthought. 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. Word resumes uploaded and not saved to indeed dont work.
However, you will still need to check that your cv can be. The pdf format ensures that the recipient receives the document exactly as you saved it. Leaving your resume in any word processing format exposes you to the possibility that someone might inadvertently alter it. Depending on your intention, this may or may not be a good thing. Is this simple resume mistake costing you interviews.
A pdf is also acceptable but it may be difficult for some ats to process it. Improve your chances of finding a job, prepare a cv that distinguishes itself from other documents. We prefer word, primarily so that we can make any minor changes. Sending the wrong file format could be harming your chances of getting your resume noticed. Once you have your resume ready in word, you can easily convert it to pdf format using the foxyutils word to pdf tool. 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. 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. Creating an uptodate electronic resume is the essential first step in any job hunt. Jan 01, 2019 with all the different file formats out there many people ask what file format should i send my resume in. According to career experts there is no clear cut answer. As mentioned above, pdf should be your format of choice.
If a recruiter was to embellish anything on the cv it would make the cv a misrepresentation of the client, which is illegal. 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. 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. Some online applications require plain text only, while some require pdf or word as an attachment. 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. 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. Very rarely will you ever want to send a pdf of your resume to a hiring manager or recruiter. Well discuss what the best file format is for emailing your resume and cover letter. Oct 16, 20 is it acceptable to submit a cv as a pdf file.
You should always check the recruiters mail or website for the specifications on the type of resume format to submit. Ms word is almost ubiquitous, but not everyone uses it. 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. Is it better to send a cover letter resume as a microsoft word document or pdf. Mar 06, 2008 should i send my resume and cover letter as a 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. Discussion im sending resumes to like 60 companys today and would like to know which way to go. 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. 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. Should you combine your cover letter and resume into one. Otherwise, there is a chance that your pdf will be rendered in a way that looks awful.
Why you should convert your job application to pdf online. Should i send my resume in word format or as a pdf file. Pdf ensures that the formatting you see on your computer translates directly to what they see. I recently decided to upload my resume to indeed resume for ease, and i noticed that it parses my resume completely incorrectly. Heres how to choose the right file format for your resume. But what should i write in body when i attach my cv. Just make sure you update the pdf when you update your profile. Related links choosing the right format to send your resume when to use a plain text resume. 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. Convert a pdf to a word document using microsoft word. Sometimes for different purpose like taking new courses or job they tell to send a cv through email. 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. If you can copy and paste text from your pdf file, youre in good shape. We also have an important tip for you at the end of the article regarding what you name your file.
Converting in word often leads to style and formatting issues, so its not always the most reliable method. Resumes in pdf format are preferable because they are compatible with most systems and will change in appearance from one computer to another. Cnbc make it spoke with multiple recruiters who agreed there are a few rules every. In this blog, well explain why sending an adobe pdf of your newlywritten professional resume can improve your chances of securing an interview. When you must combine cover letter and resume job boards. Below well discuss the different file formats and when to use them.
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. With word docs, you should test the rendering of your document on a couple different versions of word. 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. If you are posting your resume online, there should be instructions on which file format to use and how to upload your resume. If you send the incorrect format, not all hiring managers are forgiving and may not take the time to notify you. The reason is that pdfs can be viewed on many operating systems, including mobile, without disturbing the overall formatting. For example, indeed suggests uploading a word document.
If youre sending your resume as a pdf, make sure it is not saved as an. Cv or simonwilliamscv, this looks professional and makes it easy for recruiters to find the correct file. Send it as a ms word doc or adobe pdf which is read only. The cv covers your education as well as any other accomplishments like publications, awards, honours etc. They cant do this with a pdf if it is a word doc that has been scanned. 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. Should you send your resume in pdf format or in the exact. I tried editing it via skydrive and the formatting broke. Should you send your cv in word or pdf career point kenya. If thats the case, you may want to send your resume as a pdf. Pdf files are less vulnerable to viruses than word documents. Though popular belief states that pdf files are optimal because of their ability to preserve formatting, they are not always your best.
Unless a company specifies a specific format, you should generally send your cover letter as a pdf. With pdf, you have to make sure that youre using pdf base fonts or websafe fonts. So if youre torn between submitting an ms word file or creating a pdf resume, consider the above points. Watch the video below for more information on indeeds resume. Specifically, what format should you send via email to a recruiter, hiring manager, or anyone in the hiring process on your career journey. The other issue with pdf is that the files are not easy to edit. If you want to send a featureheavy cv, you can save it in pdf format, which will preserve the layout. Lets eat, grandma resume services breaks down the key differences in submitting your resume as a pdf or a word document. 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.
This is a topic that is close to our hearts and one that brings about passionate debate in. Aug 03, 2018 your pdf is now saved as a word document, so pop it open in word and get to editing. 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. Some employer websites and job sites specify in which format you should send your resume. When i attach a pdf of my resume to a job that i apply for. 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. Is it better to send a cover letterresume as a microsoft. Exactly how to format and save your resume and why it. If the potential employer does not have word, they may not be able to open your document without. 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. Are resumes that i attach directly from my computer to send to a potential employer automa. Why your resume should be a pdf and not a word doc linkedin.
Should a cv be sent to the recruiter in a word or a pdf format. I just need to know which one appeals better to the employer. When you apply to jobs, should your resume be in pdf or word format. Most resume databases will reject pdf files and most recruiters. Should you send your resume in pdf format or in the exact word document you made it in. Also, should i send them as one file or two separate files. Ats software wont reliably scan this type of resume doc. Opinions differ among career professionals of whether or not using pdf resumes is the best format. How do i upload a cover letter and resume as one document. Here are reasons why you should choose word document format for your cv. When uploading your resume, make sure that the file is textbased. Dos and donts of emailing your cv telegraph jobs advice.
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. In other cases, you will send your resume directly to a human. Jan 29, 2018 lets eat, grandma resume services breaks down the key differences in submitting your resume as a pdf or a word document. How to know if your resume should be a pdf or word the muse. 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. 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. On the one hand, its hard to find fault with that reasoning, but on the other, it seems that theres a bit of gray.
Top career experts even sway on this one so its obvious that there is no clear cut answer. A cv or resume can be send in format what recruiter had mention or asked to send. 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. Should you upload your resume as a pdf or word document. Mar 15, 2010 i just need to know which one appeals better to the employer. There is a bunch of contradicting information on the web giving readers bad advice. Share your resume in pdf format, unless the job post or recruiter you are responding to specifically asks for a different format. If youre sending it to a large company, stick to word. The system will require you to cut and paste text from your resume into text boxes online. Photos, graphics or logos in your cv may also be blocked by vigilant virus and spam filters.
Dos and donts of resume file formats alesia benedict, cprw, jctc. Should i send my resume to companies in pdf format or ms. Ten years ago, i would not have thought twice about submitting a resume as a pdf. Should i send my resume to companies in pdf format or ms word. In this case, you can convert your linkedin profile to a pdf resume and submit it. 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.
Document portability pdf is considered a neutral document format. Quite contrary, all the advantages of the pdf speak for its usage as the number one goto file for your job application. Once youve put the final touches on your resume and are ready to apply for a job, the big question becomes, do you save and send it as pdf file or a word file. The file name should state your name and distinguish whether the document is a cv or a cover letter. Some pdf format resumes are created by using a document scanner to create an image of a paper resume. Should i send my resume and cover letter as a word doc. 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. However, every recruiting company has their own preference and they may always specify in the job description what format they want you to use.
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. Often times, employers will specify which format they prefer, and you should always choose the format theyre asking for. The instructions say that i have to upload all of the required documents as one file. While most employers prefer word, there are still many employers who prefer job seekers send in a resume in pdf format. May 25, 2018 name the file as a combination of your name and cv, for example simon. Name the file as a combination of your name and cv. Nov 14, 2017 pdf image files when you scan your resume and save as pdf are often not compatible with ats. 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. The answers complicated, but to help you make the best, most educated. Having a standard pdf version of your profile is a convenient alternative to send in. Pdf image files when you scan your resume and save as pdf are often not compatible with ats. The problem is resume databases digest pdf files about like a cat digests hair balls not well. Send your resume as a pdf, not a microsoft word doc. 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.
Should a cv be sent to the recruiter in a word or a pdf. If you send it as a doc and they are using a different program or even different version of the same program, your formatting can be off and look unprofessional. To help you make an informed decision on when to use the pdf format, here are 5 things you should keep in mind. Most employers want a microsoft word document or a pdf file of your resume. We recommend sending the pdf version of your whenever possible, provided the pdf of your resume is built from a ms word file. Once ive fixed it, if i send it as a pdf file, the formatting should be locked in place.
Should i send my resume and cover letter as pdf or word. The best format to send your resume in is usually microsoft word. Dos and donts of resume file formats get interviews. Dec 15, 2019 always follow the employers instructions. One of the documents i am submitting the writing sample is in pdf format the others are word files. The most important thing is to follow the employers instructions. Copying and pasting is possible if the word file is saved as a pdf. Why you should convert your job application to pdf. If the company wants the resume as a pdf file, then do not send it as a word document.
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