How to Send Your Resume: As a PDF or Word Document?

It could be a challenge to secure a new job. The job search can seem like a simple job application process, passing an interview and getting the job. Searching for a job may seem easy on paper, but it’s much more complicated than these 3 steps in reality.

Last Reviewed: April 2026 | Sources: DrJobPro Hiring Data Q1 2026.

The first and the most ignored step is sending your resume in the right format. You may be surprised now that PDF is not the only accepted resume format. Does this affect the HR decision to hire you?

Yes, the format affects, and there
are some distinctions, advantages, and disadvantages of preferring one form
more than another.

So, which format should you use?
Understanding which scenarios work best makes things more straightforward to
select the right format for each job application.

Keep the following tips in mind while
deciding the best resume format:

1. Check the job ad if it requires a particular format, follow it.
2. Save your resume as a PDF to be read through various systems if you use
   more old templates, fonts, and word processors.
3. Sending your resume as a PDF is more professional and more competent.

How to Save the Resume as A PDF
or as A Word File?

To save your resume, you’ve two
key options: a PDF or a Word document. There are many ways you can create your
resume, whether by writing from scratch or by using ready templates. Most job
seekers nowadays go for online resume builders to select a resume style and fill
in their details.

You may have limited options for
saving a resume while using an online resume builder or template. You can save
your resume within certain days, or it will be removed. So, ensure that you
utilize your trial days in downloading your resume in every available format so
that you could edit easily without missing any details once you need.

When to use a PDF Format?

You want to create a positive impression when submitting your resume to a prospective employer. Sending your resume as a PDF will help ensure that your resume loads correctly and that your future employer quickly reads it with no obstacles.

You don’t want to lose everything
by sending a stunning resume that doesn’t open or shows an error message when
the recruiter tries to open it.

Macs and PCs have numerous
programs to launch documents, and usually, document formats do not transmit
between devices properly, so it’s crucial to send your resume as a PDF file.

Besides, there are other
considerations why the smart idea is to submit a resume as a PDF. PDFs make it
much more challenging to modify your resume, and they also make your resume
looks professional.

When to use a Word document?

Employers may also like the resume
to have a word document type. If the job ad explicitly demands a version of
your CV for a text or word document, do not submit a Pdf version. For the
reasons listed, an employer may need a Word document version:

• Hiring managers may need to edit the resume to take out personal
  information to make the recruiting process equitable.
• The company may use old software forms
• Hiring managers may need to add some notes to your resume that are
  relevant to your application.

Although the common is having a
PDF resume, you should have both versions of your resume, PDF and Word
document, for many reasons.

You may experience a frustrating
online job application process, and to escape it, you have to type your resume
in an online text box. How you’ll type all your resume details if it’s a PDF?
Having a word document will make it easy to copy/paste the content and end this
ongoing process.

Moreover, A Word document will
make it easy for you to make edits quickly without wasting much time changing
your file format and start editing.

Finally, how to Send Your
Resume: as a PDF or Word Document?

It can be challenging to write a
resume, and it can be challenging to guarantee that it remains in great shape
from your machine to your recruiters. It is crucial to know the types of
formats you can save your resume, so you can be confident that your hiring
manager will use your resume effectively and efficiently.

If you’re ever unsure which format
is better and the job ad has no specifics, submit it as a PDF. You should
proofread your resume and ensure that it is error-free before sending, no
matter what its format is, and if you want to submit it as a text document,
consider reading it on a different device than the one on which you create it.

With these tips, you’ll be confident that you’re sending the right resume format, and you’ll ensure that you’ll shine among other applicants by demonstrating your skills and professionalism.  

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the key insight on How to Send Your Resume: As a PDF or Word Document??

This guide is based on current DrJobPro hiring data and regional labour market research updated for 2025.

How do I find relevant jobs?

Browse DrJobPro at drjobpro.com/jobs — filter by location, salary, and experience level.

Is this advice current for 2025?

Yes. All data is reviewed quarterly using live hiring data from DrJobPro.