If you need to change the file type of your resume, there are several easy and free ways to do so. Converting Your Resume From Doc to PDF and Vice Versa However, in the last five years or so, the technology has improved immensely and PDFs can be read just as easily as Docs. In the past, some ATS software had trouble reading PDFs, so it was highly recommended to submit your resume as a Word Doc. Only resumes that pass this initial screening are sent on to the hiring manager. The vast majority of companies now use applicant tracking system ( ATS) software like Lever, Greenhouse, or Taleo to manage job applications and screen resumes as they come in. Otherwise, you run the risk of sending a file that’s unopenable because the recipient doesn’t have the necessary software. While you may choose to create your resume in other programs that create their own file type like Photoshop, InDesign, Pages, and so forth, you should always convert it to a Doc or a PDF before you submit it with a job application - except, of course, if the employer has asked for a specific file type from one of those programs. Unless the employer is using a version of Microsoft Word from earlier than 2007 (which is highly unlikely), your Docx resume will work just fine. Both Doc and Docx files are often referred to collectively as Doc files, so if the job listing asks for a Doc and your newer version of Word gives you a Docx, don’t worry - your Docx is just a newer, more efficient Doc. Doc versus Docx Filesĭocx files are simply the later iteration of Doc files that are used by Microsoft Word 2007 and all newer versions. Fortunately, many tools allow you to download or save your resume as a Doc format even if you don’t use Word to create it.Įspecially if you’ll be sending your resume to friends or family for feedback or if you plan to apply for jobs through a recruiter, opt for a Doc file. It’s also more difficult to create a resume in Microsoft Word than it is to use other resume creation tools. But, unless you or the employer are using a very old version of the program, you likely won’t have a problem. In most cases, this only causes slight variations in format, font, or colors, but in some cases it can cause catastrophic jumbling of the document. However, the disadvantages of Docs include that they may look different if the potential employer has a different version of Microsoft Word than you. They can be opened by many programs, and employers can highlight and otherwise mark up your resume as they read it. ![]() Word Documents, on the other hand, are easier to edit and are generally preferred by most employers. If an employer asks you to submit your resume by attaching it to an email or uploading it to their online application site, a PDF is a good choice to preserve formatting. If that happens, employers will be asked for a password when they try to open the file and they’ll likely skip to the next applicant. PDFs are also lockable, so be sure not to inadvertently lock your resume PDF. PDFs are not as easy to edit as Word Docs, which is good in the sense that your resume won’t become accidentally changed or corrupted as it changes hands, but it also means that employers and recruiters will have a harder time making notes, highlighting key components, or suggesting changes. That means that your careful formatting and layout will remain intact, and a PDF can be opened and viewed on the vast majority of operating systems and browsers. Portable document format (PDF) files are primarily meant for viewing rather than editing - they are essentially an image of the document, so you know it will look the same for anyone that opens it. If that’s the case, the format you use is up to you. ![]() However, not all employers will specify what file type they want. If they ask for a PDF and someone submits a Doc, the employer may immediately skip over that application entirely. Some employers may include a resume file type preference as a screening technique for reading comprehension, attention to detail, and whether applicants can follow instructions. ![]() Read the entire listing carefully to see if the employer mentions a preference. Of course, if the job posting includes specific instructions about which resume file type to submit, you should always follow those directions. There are multiple possible resume formats as outlined below, but Word Docs and PDFs are by far the most popular and effective options in almost all cases. ![]() This article will cover the pros and cons of both Doc and PDF resume formats and help you decide which file type to use for your specific job search situation.
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