Selecting The Ideal File Format For Your Resume

When it comes to submitting your resume, choosing the right file format can be crucial. Not only does it affect how your resume looks to potential employers, but it can also impact how easily your resume can be parsed by application tracking systems (ATS). In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of selecting the ideal file format for your resume.

What file formats should you use?

There are three main file formats to choose from when it comes to submitting your resume: Word documents, PDFs, and plain text files. Each format has its own pros and cons, so let’s take a closer look at each one.

Word Documents

Word documents are the most commonly used file format for submitting resumes. They’re easy to create and edit, and most employers have Microsoft Word installed on their computers, making it easy for them to open and view your resume. However, there are a few downsides to using Word documents:

• Formatting can be inconsistent between different versions of Microsoft Word.
• Some ATS may have trouble parsing the text in a Word document, especially if it contains complex formatting or graphics.
• If the employer uses a different word processing software, the formatting of your resume may be lost or distorted.

PDFs

PDFs are a popular choice for submitting resumes because they preserve the formatting of your document and are easily viewable on any device. They’re also a good choice if you want to ensure that your resume looks the same on the employer’s computer as it does on yours. However, there are a few downsides to using PDFs:

• Some ATS may have trouble parsing the text in a PDF, especially if it contains images or graphics.
• PDFs can be difficult to edit, which can be a problem if the employer wants you to make changes to your resume.
• If the employer doesn’t have a PDF reader installed on their computer, they may not be able to open your resume.

Plain Text Files

Plain text files are the simplest file format for submitting a resume. They don’t contain any formatting or graphics, which makes them easy for ATS to parse. They’re also a good choice if you want to ensure that your resume looks the same on any device. However, there are a few downsides to using plain text files:

• They don’t allow for any formatting, which can make your resume look unprofessional.
• They don’t allow for the use of bullets or other symbols, which can make your resume harder to read.
• They don’t allow for the use of bold or italic text, which can make it harder to emphasize important points.

Which file format should you choose?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors:

• The employer’s preference: If the job posting specifies a preferred file format, make sure to use that format.
• Your resume’s design: If your resume relies heavily on formatting and graphics, a PDF may be the best choice. If your resume is mostly text-based, a Word document or plain text file may be a better choice.
• The ATS: If you know that the employer is using an ATS, it may be best to use a plain text file to ensure that your resume can be parsed correctly.

Conclusion

Choosing the right file format for your resume can be a critical step in your job search. By considering the factors above and weighing the pros and cons of each file format, you can choose the ideal format for your needs.

FAQs

What file format is best for a resume?

The best file format for a resume depends on a few factors, including the employer’s preference, your resume’s design, and the ATS being used by the employer. Word documents, PDFs, and plain text files are all popular choices.

Can I use a Google Doc for my resume?

While Google Docs can be a convenient way to create and edit your resume, it’s generally not recommended to submit your resume as a Google Doc. Instead, export your resume as a Word document or PDF before submitting it.

What should I do if the job posting doesn’t specify a preferred file format?

If the job posting doesn’t specify a preferred file format, it’s generally safe to use a Word document or PDF. However, if you know that the employer is using an ATS, it may be best to use a plain text file to ensure that your resume can be parsed correctly.