Resume Document File Formats for File Upload
You take your resume written, formatted, and tailored just the way you want it. Now it'south time to click salve...but what file format are y'all supposed to utilize?
In that location are almost every bit many answers as at that place are options for files! When the stakes are getting your resume noticed vs sending an unreadable document, you want to be certain to choose the correct file blazon.
We've got y'all covered!
This postal service includes the latest advice from ZipJob'southward professional resume writers. This article covers a variety of situations, and when you should modify what file blazon y'all ship. Earlier we become started though, at that place is one exception that should always come up first.
Apply the file blazon specified in the chore description
Not all companies will specify. All the same, if the chore posting description includes something about "delight transport your resume as a PDF zipper to hr@yourdreamjob.com," then you should always send your resume every bit a PDF to that email.
Read the job description thoroughly to come across if the employer prefers a certain file blazon. You should e'er send the format the employer asks for.
In the rest of this article, we'll go through which resume format to send if there are no instructions.
What are the most common file types for resumes?
The nearly common resume formats are:
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Adobe PDF
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Microsoft Discussion .doc or.docx
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TXT (Plain Text)
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HTML
Of these options, the top two (PDF and Word documents) are by far the nearly common.
Your all-time options for a resume: PDF vs Word
The 2 about common resume formats are best suited for two different purposes.
one. The all-time format for a chore application
When applying for a task online, the best format to ship and upload your resume in is usually a Give-and-take document. This format is virtually 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, yous can exist confident that almost all ATS scans tin read a .doc file.
Why take the risk of getting disregarded because of your format? Submit your resume as a Word document.
2. The best file format for attaching your resume
On the other hand, many job seekers pass out their resumes similar business cards while job searching. If you are sending a direct message to someone and attaching your resume, you lot may want to send it as a PDF. This will preserve your formatting and expect the same beyond computers.
All the same, take note: sending your resume as a PDF does NOT mean it's a skilful idea to use a creative or graphic resume format. Computers, hiring managers, and recruiters all prefer traditional, single column resumes that tin can exist rapidly understood.
Here are some boosted tips for sending your resume out correctly.
What to know well-nigh sending a resume in PDF format:
Many job seekers prefer sending a PDF as information technology keeps the formatting the same for whoever views it, and that it's compatible across nigh operating systems.
Here are some problems with sending your resume in a PDF format:
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The employer or recruiter might want to brand a change, note, or highlight on your resume to organize it. If you're sending your resume to someone for a review, the "suggest edits" characteristic on Word is quite valuable!
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A PDF tin exist locked--prissy for security, and not so good if the password doesn't arrive with the file.
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The receiver may non take the correct software to open a PDF file (less of an issue for a hiring professional, more than of a concern for sending your resume to someone in your network who offered to take a wait or laissez passer it forth).
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Although this issue is now rare, some Applicant Tracking System (ATS) may take difficulty reading a PDF file. (More than information on ATS and your file format below). For example, a two-column resume format might exist read from left to right, despite that information existence unrelated.
Should yous send your resume every bit a PDF?
A PDF is acceptable for many employers...simply you're meliorate off sending a .dr. if it'due south one of the ninety%+ big companies using an ATS. If you're sending your resume to a recruiting bureau, a .doc is preferred because it's easier to brand edits to your resume.
Expert Tip
What to know virtually sending a resume as a Word md:
A Word document is the easiest file type to edit, giving it a huge advantage. It's also possible to proceed your Discussion document keen and organized, giving information technology a strong advantage over TXT files.
A Microsoft Word certificate is the safest bet for submitting your resume. Here are the reasons why you should ever submit a Discussion document:
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There have been surveys done that show employers and recruiters prefer a Microsoft Word document over PDF.
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A Microsoft Give-and-take certificate is easily opened by many programs and devices.
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An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) could easily read a resume
Should you lot send your resume in Microsoft Word?
Yes, sending your resume in Word is the safest bet. Employers adopt it and it tin can easily exist screened by ATS.
Microsoft doc vs docx
A previous version of this article recommended a .doc over a .docx. This is unlikely to brand much of a difference in 2021, since all versions of Give-and-take made after 2007 will open either .doc or .docx files without a problem.
Can I ship a resume equally HTML and TXT (Plain Text) files?
HTML and TXT formats should generally never be used when submitting a resume.
The only fourth dimension y'all may want to use a TXT format would be for job board submissions that don't allow you to attach your resume.
To relieve your resume as a TXT file, simply follow the same steps nosotros outlined above regarding Docx and Doc. After y'all click relieve as, choose "Plain Text" or "TXT" when y'all salve information technology.
Applicant Tracking Systems and your file format
ATS is software which the majority of companies now utilize to screen your resume. The resume the ATS processes every bit a adept match for the position are sent forwards or recommended to the hiring manager.
Over 76% of resumes submitted aren't considered, and an incorrect file type may exist one of the reasons why. Other resumes are scored poorly by the ATS for lack of keywords, experience mismatch, or complicated formatting. Always ship a Word document to ensure your resume goes through.
Also note that a PDF may exist locked, meaning that an ATS would exist unable to browse the text in your resume.
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Terminal notation: what to proper name your resume file
The name you give your resume is also an important factor to consider when sending out your resume. Your resume should be named a combination of your proper name and "resume."
For example:
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Scott.Brett.Resume.doctor
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ScottB.Resume.doc
Recruiters or hiring managers volition sometimes go back to search the database for your resume. You want to ensure that they detect your resume easily when they type in your name. It likewise comes off as professional person!
Be sure to employ your proper noun and "resume."
Summary
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 than widely accustomed, submitting your resume in a Microsoft Word format is still the safest bet. If there is any uncertainty at all, ship a Discussion doctor that is unproblematic, piece of cake to read, and specifically tailored for your career goals.
Related posts:
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How Many Resumes Should You Be Sending Out?
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Best Skills To Put On Your Resume
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ten Tips To Become Your Resume Past Applicant Tracking Systems
Source: https://www.zipjob.com/blog/pdf-vs-word-for-sending-your-resume/