PDF or Word for Your Resume: Which One Is Best?

PDF resumes have long been the standard. But recently, Word resumes have gained more popularity, sparking plenty of passionate debates and strong opinions. It begs the question: Should you submit your resume as a PDF or Word document?

The stakes feel high. Get your resume format wrong and you risk jumbled formatting or, even worse, a document that’s completely inaccessible and illegible.

That’s why there’s no shortage of hot takes on resume format. However, there are also plenty of myths about resume file formats that are due for some busting (yes, an applicant tracking system can scan a PDF format). Case in point, this recent DM from a misinformed job seeker to a Teal employee:

If you're struggling to know whether to send your resume as a PDF or Word doc, this guide breaks down what to consider when choosing between the two options.

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Not sure which format to choose? Use Teal to make a free resume that's ATS-friendly and easily export it today.

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Understanding resume formats: PDF vs. Word

It’s easier to make a more informed choice about your resume file format if you understand a little about each of the most common file types: PDF documents and Word documents.

An overview of PDFs

PDF is an abbreviation that stands for portable document format. This format was developed by Adobe to ensure documents are displayed consistently across a variety of platforms and devices.

That’s one of the biggest benefits of PDFs: they preserve the layout and formatting of a document, regardless of the different devices, software, or operating systems used to view them. While it’s possible to create an editable PDF file, most PDF documents are read-only—meaning the content is locked so people can view the document but not edit it directly. 

An overview of Word documents

A Microsoft Word document (colloquially referred to as a “Word doc”) is a file type created using Microsoft Word. It’s saved as either a .doc or .docx file and it’s not as static as a PDF. Formatting of Word documents can vary depending on the device or version of the software the recipient is using, causing the text and images to move around the page.

Unlike PDF format, Word documents are typically meant to be shared and edited. That means they’re not read-only by default and viewers can edit the document directly. However, converting files within Microsoft Word is simple, so you can easily export your resume created in Word as a PDF.

Comparing PDFs and Word documents

Word documents and PDF files share similarities, but there are also distinct differences in terms of their edibility and security. Here’s a quick comparison of the two:

Pros and cons of using PDF for resumes

Now for the big question: What’s the best file format for your resume? 

The short answer is that, in most cases, you should default to a PDF version of your resume. However, it’s also worth checking the job description for any specific instructions about what file type you should choose before you upload your resume. You should be reviewing the job posting carefully anyway as you tailor your resume. 

If you don’t see anything mentioned, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each type to help you make an informed decision.

Advantages of PDF resume

When thinking about file types, PDFs are the best resume format for a few reasons: 

• Formatting integrity: The original formatting and layout of your resume are preserved and appear consistent across all different devices and platforms, cutting down on pesky formatting issues that make the wrong impression.
• Professional appearance: A PDF resume looks more polished and final, as your formatting will stay consistent. Plus, the document won’t show the red squiggly lines that show up in Word resumes to call out errors or misspellings (and frustratingly, those often appear on correct words and phrases because Word doesn’t recognize a lot of industry acronyms or proper nouns).
• ATS compatibility: One of the biggest myths about PDF resumes is that ATS software can’t read them. While applicant tracking systems can’t read images (which you shouldn’t include on your resume), most modern ATS have no problem scanning the text content of a PDF.
• Accessibility: Your resume can be opened using various software applications and operating systems, ensuring it’s accessible to the hiring manager, regardless of what device or software they’re using.
• Security: Because it’s read-only, your document won’t be edited (whether accidentally or intentionally) by any hiring managers. You can also password-protect or encrypt a PDF file for extra security if needed. 

Disadvantages of PDF resume

That said, there are a few drawbacks to sending a PDF version of your resume:

• File size: PDFs are usually larger files than Word documents, which can be a problem if there’s a limit to the file size you can upload with a job application.
• Editability: If you only have a PDF version of your resume, it can be challenging to revisit and edit that file yourself (unless you also saved the Word document or Google Docs version to return to). 

Pro Tip: To get around the editing drawbacks of PDF, you can import your PDF resume into Teal’s Resume Builder, edit it there, and save different versions.

Pros and cons of using Word for resumes

While a PDF format usually reigns supreme in this resume debate, it’s smart to do your due diligence and also consider the perks and pitfalls of saving your resume in a Word format. 

Advantages of Word resume

• Editability and collaboration: You don’t want a hiring manager to be able to edit your document. But, if you’re submitting your resume to a trusted friend or career coach for help and feedback, a Word document is easier for them to edit. They can add suggestions to your resume directly and collaborate with you on your content.
• File size: If there’s a limit on the file size you can use, a document in Word format is generally smaller than a PDF. Alternatively, you can always condense the file size of a PDF resume if needed.

Disadvantages of Word resume

• Formatting: Word docs are prone to formatting discrepancies when opened on different devices and software, which can make your resume look sloppy or even illegible.
• Compatibility: For someone to open a Word file format, they need to either open it directly within Microsoft Word (and not everybody has that program) or import it into Google Drive. But, doing so can cause even more problems with the layout and formatting.
• Version control: When you make a few small tweaks to your resume but accidentally hit “Save” rather than “Save As” you override the content of your previous document. Keeping track of different versions of your resume is tricky with Word—you either lose past ones or end up with dozens of different files. 

Pro Tip: Teal’s Resume Builder can help you easily manage all of the different versions of your resume and then export a PDF with the click of a button.

If you have your sights set on using Word, check out these Microsoft Word templates to navigate around the limitations and pull together a polished and professional document. 

Satisfying the robots: The role of ATS in resume screening

You might’ve heard about applicant tracking systems (ATS) before. They’re usually positioned as some sort of mysterious and ominous threat to your success while job searching. But dig a little deeper and you’ll realize that this tool isn’t all that sinister.

An ATS is a type of software hiring teams use to quickly evaluate job applicants. From reporting to sourcing, there’s a lot it can do. However, when job seekers talk about it, they’re usually referring to its resume parsing ability. 

Resume parsing is how resumes are standardized and sections are separated by an ATS to evaluate candidates. When a resume is submitted, the ATS scans through the document to pull out relevant information the employer is looking for and create a profile for each applicant. Essentially, think of this software as the first filter—it checks each resume and application and selects the ones that meet the criteria specified by the employer. 

With an ATS, actual human recruiters end up with a smaller pile to look through, which is why this software has become increasingly popular. An impressive 70% of large companies use an ATS and 94% of recruiters agree that it’s had a positive impact on hiring processes. 

As an applicant, you want to make it past the ATS and get in front of a real person. That’s why creating an ATS-friendly resume is so important. So, what’s better for most application tracking systems? A PDF or Word resume?

According to longtime recruiter and current Director of Recruiting at Teal, Mike Peditto says either format can work, but neither is outright wrong (unless the job application specifies a file type):

"You can find people who argue both sides of this as the only correct side. It doesn’t matter in almost any system, if it does they will tell you to submit a certain type. That said, PDF is generally safer because formatting won’t get messed up but sometimes Word looks different in different versions.”

‍In the vast majority of cases, either one will work. While some people claim that PDFs are unreadable by this software, that’s no longer the case—most modern tools have no trouble reading either file type. For that reason, defaulting to a PDF is your best bet to appeal to ATS while also reaping the other benefits of this format. 

Making the right choice: PDF or Word for your resume?

At the end of the day, choosing a certain file type shouldn’t be what makes or breaks your job search. As long as it’s legible and your formatting doesn’t become a major mess, your file format won’t be the determining factor in whether your resume lands you in the recycling bin or an interview seat.

While it’s not the most important factor in your job search, it’s still worth careful consideration. If you’re struggling to make your choice, here are a few other aspects to think through so you can send your resume with confidence:

Questions to ask to determine with resume file format to submit

Does the job post include directions for submitting your resume?

• Follow the employer’s instructions for resume file format if specified.

Do you need someone else to be able to edit your resume?

• If yes, Word. (But consider converting your final version to PDF before submitting to a potential employer.)

Do you need the formatting to stay consistent?

• If yes, PDF

Do you need your document to be ATS-friendly? 

• If your answer is yes: PDF or Word

Create your best resume with Teal’s Resume Builder

If you’re still stressing over resume formats, Teal’s Resume Builder can ease your worries with options to easily convert your Word resume, PDF resume, or even LinkedIn profile.

See how well your resume matches a job description by attaching a saved job and then making strategic changes to boost your chances of getting past ATS. Then analyze your resume to find areas you can improve and refer to the expert guidance and suggestions to make your document even stronger.

When you’re ready, you can export a PDF of your resume with a click of a button. If you need to revisit a past resume, it’s easy to find with all versions of your resume saved directly in the platform and linked to the related job posting.

Tackle your job search with confidence using a resume builder that makes resume editing and exporting easy. Get started with Teal for free today.

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