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Résumé file format: PDF or Word?
Last updated 9 October 2026
Short answer. Send a text-based PDF unless the posting asks for Word. Both formats are readable by most application systems; what causes problems is scanned images, text inside graphics and unusual layouts.
When to use which
- PDF: keeps your layout exactly; the default choice.
- Word (.docx): when the posting or recruiter asks, or a recruitment agency wants to edit it.
Make sure it is readable
- Export from a text editor, don't scan a printout.
- Check you can select and copy the text in the PDF.
- Avoid putting key information in images, text boxes or headers only.
Name the file well
"maria-lopez-resume.pdf" beats "resume_final_v7.pdf". It is the first thing a recruiter sees in a download folder.
Questions
Can application systems read PDFs?
Most modern ones read text-based PDFs well.
Should I send both?
Only if asked; one file in the requested format is cleaner.
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By Vamsi Venkatesh · 2026-10-09