Should you send your resume as a pdf

There were a number of reasons why it was better to send a Word resume in the past. However, most of them no longer apply. It is important to make the best possible first impression when you send your resume. In some cases, an employer will state that they require a resume PDF in the job description.

It will be easier if you have a copy of your resume saved as a PDF so you can send the correct format immediately. Even when the employer does not explicitly request that you send your resume …. Key Takeaway. Or docx. The choice is yours. The ATS will parse your resume in search of resume keywords, so the text will be sucked into the system, and your resume formatting will be lost anyway.

Especially if the formatting is on the creative side. Do what your audience needs. Nearly always, this is Microsoft Word format. Very rarely will you ever want to send a PDF of your resume to a hiring manager or recruiter.

But when it comes to applying on lots of company websites, you might want to opt for the Word route. Many companies use applicant tracking software ATS that more readily scan Word documents. For example, you may have submitted a PDF on an online job listing only to find that your experience looks scattered and inscrutable once the system digests it and spits it back out.

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.

Then create a PDF from that Word document. The safest and most common file format for a resume to use when transmitting your career collateral electronically is an Adobe PDF file. Create and save the resume you want to send in Microsoft Word. No, size 11 font is not too small for a resume.

In fact, size Because some fonts are slightly smaller than others, always check that your font is readable no matter the size. Your resume is no place to use difficult-to-read cursive, handwriting-style, or calligraphy fonts. A resume can be two pages , but most should be one page. Unless an employer specifically asks for you to include your cover letter and your resume in the body of your email, send them as separate email attachments. You should always write a real cover letter and attach it to the email.

PDF reader can be download free from Internet on computer or mobile devices. In other words, the PDF document can be read freely by everyone.

PDF file allows you to protect your document with a password. You can password protect the PDF file from printing, editing, and copying. Bottom line: PDF is an ideal format for distributing formatted documents.