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. ATS is software which the majority of companies now use to screen your resume.
The resume the ATS processes as a good match for the position are sent forward or recommended to the hiring manager. Other resumes are scored poorly by the ATS for lack of keywords, experience mismatch, or complicated formatting. Always send a Word document to ensure your resume goes through. Join more than 1 million people who have already received our complimentary resume review. In 48 hours, you will know how your resume compares.
The name you give your resume is also an important factor to consider when sending out your resume. Recruiters or hiring managers will sometimes go back to search the database for your resume. You want to ensure that they find your resume easily when they type in your name.
It also comes off as professional! Your file format is another important factor to consider when sending out your resume. The last thing you want is for it to be rejected by a resume screener. 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. The ZipJob team is made up of professional writers located across the USA and Canada with backgrounds in HR, recruiting, career coaching, job placement, and professional writing.
The documents you need to apply to jobs faster. Advanced features to secure your next interview. Use the file type specified in the job description Not all companies will specify.
What are the most common file types for resumes? Your best options for a resume: PDF vs Word The two most common resume formats are best suited for two different purposes. The best format for a job application When applying for a job online, the best format to send and upload your resume in is usually a Word document. The best file format for attaching your resume On the other hand, many job seekers pass out their resumes like business cards while job searching.
Expert Tip If you aren't sure what resume format to use, this guide walks you through the three most popular resume formats for American and Canadian employers. Get a Free Review Upgrade Resume. Send us your resume now. Is your resume working? Find out with a free review from ZipJob. An employer quickly going through your resume might inadvertently alter it in the process and never realize that they've done so. In some cases, this accidental change could end up omitting certain qualifications or messing up the formatting.
A PDF can help you ensure you preserve the work you put into polishing your resume. If sending your resume as an attachment in an email, it is usually safer to attach it as a PDF. This is because this file format is less prone to viruses, which makes it less likely to get flagged as suspicious by the employer's email provider. Related: How to Email a Resume. There are plenty of benefits to sending your resume as a PDF.
With that said, there are situations in which you might want to opt for a different format. Here's how to decide which format to choose for your resume:. Read the job posting closely. The employer may have included directions about what type of file format to use. Identify the application process in place for applying to this position.
The type of file you'll need to choose may depend on the way your application is structured. Consider contacting the employer to make sure.
If there are no specific instructions and the job description does not state that applicants should avoid contacting the employer, call to ask what the preferred format is. Use your best judgment. If you are unable to contact the employer, use the information in this article to make the best choice about which format to use.
Here are some situations in which you could benefit from using a PDF file format:. Some job descriptions will provide clear instructions for what to submit with your job application. Read these instructions closely and triple-check that your application has met every single requirement requested. Emails with attachments from unknown senders can be flagged as spam or potentially threatening emails. However, PDFs are much less likely to contain a virus, so if you're sending your application via email, attaching a PDF is an easy way to ensure your email makes it into the employer's inbox.
If you're applying through an online application system, it can be beneficial to upload your resume as a document so that the system can scan it easily. However, if there's a section for attaching additional documents, include a PDF version of your resume here. This way, it will be readily available when your application passes the automated screening and reaches the employer. While the PDF is fast becoming the preferred format, there are some situations in which it might be preferable to submit your resume in a different format.
Continue reading to learn more about the different formats you can choose from and when you would use them:. Submitting a Word document is preferable in situations when the employer specifically requests a document or when you're uploading your resume to an applicant tracking system, which scans your resume for keywords that the employer may be looking for.
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