What File Format Should You Send A Resume?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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What file format should you send a resume? 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.

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Should I send my resume as a PDF or Word document?

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.

Is it OK to send a resume as a PDF?

Recruiters will specify in the job posting which file format you should send your resume; If they didn't, or they gave you a free choice,

always go with PDF

; Avoid sending both Doc and PDF, as this will overwhelm the hiring manager process.

Which format do most employers prefer for resumés?


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.

What should I save my resume as when emailing?

Save as a

Word document or PDF

. Most commonly, a Word document or PDF is going to be your best file format to email or upload a resume. You can save your resume as one of these files as your normal convention.

How do I send my resume in PDF format?

  1. Click on “File” in the upper left-hand corner.
  2. Click on “Save As” in the menu that appears.
  3. When the box appears, click on the drop-down menu beside “file format.”
  4. Choose PDF from the menu.
  5. Click “Save.”

Why do recruiters want your resume in Word format?


Copying and pasting from Word is much easier than PDF in most situations

. 4. Client Requirements – Some hiring companies may have a standard for all to be submitted in Word format for consistency, so the agency recruiter is just following orders.

What is the best resume format for 2022?

There are 3 common resume formats – reverse-chronological, functional, and combination (or, hybrid). The

reverse-chronological

format is the most popular one in 2022, and we always recommend you to go with that one.

What should a resume look like 2022?

  • Pick a classic resume format and font. When it comes to resume format and design, opt for a clean layout. …
  • Don't be afraid to go bold. …
  • Add a skills section with bullet points. …
  • Show how you make an impact. …
  • Add and tweak critical keywords. …
  • Know what to leave off your resume.

Does the format of your resume matter?

One of the most popular misconceptions about resumes is that colorful paper or a flashy look will get your resume noticed above everyone else's. The truth is that

it is the content of your resume that matters more than anything else

and those gimmicks do nothing but cause distractions.

How do I send my resume via email?

  1. Keep it succinct. Introduce yourself, explain why you are writing the email, and outline the documents you have attached. …
  2. Triple-check your message and documents. …
  3. Use a professional email address. …
  4. Send yourself a test message.

How do you email a resume?

  1. Follow the directions from the job ad. …
  2. Attach your resume and a cover letter in the proper format. …
  3. Find the hiring manager's name and email address. …
  4. Use a strong subject line. …
  5. Make your resume email short. …
  6. Finish with a call to action.

Is it OK to send resume in Word format?

Although the PDF is becoming more widely accepted,

submitting your resume in a Microsoft Word format is still the safest bet

. If there is any doubt at all, send a Word doc that is simple, easy to read, and specifically tailored for your career goals.

How do I upload my resume to a job application?

How do I convert my resume to Word format?

  1. Access MS Word Templates.
  2. Make a Resume Header in Word.
  3. Add a Resume Objective/Summary.
  4. Write Your Experience Section in Word.
  5. Add Your Education Section.
  6. Add Skills to a Resume in Word.
  7. Add Additional Sections to Your Resume.
  8. Resume Fonts in Word.

Can resume scanners read PDF?


Word or PDF format are most easily read by most ATS

. And most recruiters will review the actual resume you've attached to your application rather than depend solely on the resume you've input into the ATS.

How do you send a resume in Word format?

Create and save the resume you want to send in Microsoft Word. Select “File,” “Send To” and “Mail Recipient (As Attachment)” from the Word toolbar (versions prior to 2007). If you are using Word 2007, select the Office Button, then click on “Send” and “Email.” Your local email client will open.

Do employers like fancy resumes?

Don't let what you like stand in the way of what works for the hiring system. Instead, work with the hiring system.

Companies don't want glitz and glamor. They want simplicity.

Can a resume be 2 pages?


A resume can be two pages, but most should be one page

. That's true for entry-level candidates and those with less than 5 years' experience. If the job requires Elon-Musk-level accomplishments, or you can't cram your achievements on one page, write a two page resume.

How many jobs should you include on your resume?

How Many Jobs Should You List on a Resume? You should list as many jobs on your resume as you can assuming they are all relevant and you're not going beyond the 10-15 year limit. The number of jobs typically varies

between 7 and 3

.

How far back should your resume go?

Keep it current. Career coaches and professional resume writers advise you focus on the past

10 to 15 years

, for most industries. (Some roles, like those within the federal government or in academia, typically, require more complete career histories.)

What are recruiters looking for in a resume?

  • Keywords pertaining to the job at hand. Are you sitting down? …
  • Concrete examples of your success. …
  • Context about your current role. …
  • Gaps in your work experience. …
  • A clear career trajectory. …
  • Your contact information. …
  • Professionalism in presentation. …
  • Spelling errors.

Why you shouldn't use a resume template?


Using a template will never make you stand out and chances are your application will be cut short due to your resume being the same as every other job seeker's

.

Do employers like simple resumes?

Rather than being distracted by font and designs,

potential employers can easily note your skills and experience with a simple resume

. Additionally, a simple resume clearly highlights your abilities and experience in a minimalist and easy-to-read way.

What should write while sending resume for job?

  • A Clear Subject Line.
  • Greetings.
  • Self Introduction and Objectives.
  • Reasons for Applying.
  • Invitation to Meet in Person.
  • Resume.
  • Professional Signature with Contact Details.

What's the difference between CV and resume?

The CV presents a full history of your academic credentials, so the length of the document is variable. In contrast, a resume presents a concise picture of your skills and qualifications for a specific position, so length tends to be shorter and dictated by years of experience (generally 1-2 pages).

How do you send a cover letter and resume via email?

  1. Follow the Employer's Instructions. …
  2. Save Your Cover Letter and Resume. …
  3. Be Sure to Include a Subject in the Email Message. …
  4. Write an Email Message to Send With Your Resume. …
  5. Add Your Signature to an Email Message. …
  6. Attach Your Resume and Cover Letter to an Email Message.

How do you send an application through email?

  1. Prepare your documents. …
  2. Compose your application email. …
  3. Choose a concise and clear subject line. …
  4. Finish the email with your signature. …
  5. Include your attachments. …
  6. Review, proofread and email your application.

How do you send your resume through Gmail?

How do I send my resume to a recruiter?

  1. Find and enter the recipient's work email address.
  2. Mention the reason for sending your CV in the subject line.
  3. Greet the recipient by name in the email and inform them who you are and why you're sending them your CV.
  4. Close the email politely and give your full name.

How do I convert a PDF to Word?


Open a PDF file in Acrobat DC.


Click on the “Export PDF” tool in the right pane. Choose Microsoft Word as your export format, and then choose “Word Document.” Click “Export.”

If your PDF contains scanned text, the Acrobat Word converter will run text recognition automatically.

How do I format my resume for online submission?

  1. Use long-form and acronym versions of keywords. …
  2. Use a chronological or hybrid resume format. …
  3. Don't use tables or columns. …
  4. Use a screen-friendly, traditional Font. …
  5. Don't use headers or footers. …
  6. Use standard resume section headings. …
  7. Save your file as a .docx or PDF if possible.

How do I attach a PDF to an application?

How do you copy and paste a resume into an application?

To copy your resume, highlight the entire text of your resume and select “Copy” from the Edit menu. Then, switch back to the online job application, click in the box where the company wants you to paste your resume and select “Paste” from the Edit menu.

Can resume scanners read PDF?


Word or PDF format are most easily read by most ATS

. And most recruiters will review the actual resume you've attached to your application rather than depend solely on the resume you've input into the ATS.

How do I upload my resume to a job application?

Rachel Ostrander
Author
Rachel Ostrander
Rachel is a career coach and HR consultant with over 5 years of experience working with job seekers and employers. She holds a degree in human resources management and has worked with leading companies such as Google and Amazon. Rachel is passionate about helping people find fulfilling careers and providing practical advice for navigating the job market.