Reaching Resume Nirvana: A Question of Format

by Dawn Mondo on August 1st, 2013

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Candidates often want to know the best resume format to use when emailing a recruiter, hiring manager. The answer is simple; use whatever format your audience needs. Usually this means using Microsoft Word format.

Some candidates think a PDF is the best resume format because they can use fancy graphics and unique formatting to stand out. This just isn’t the case. You should spend your time polishing the content of your resume instead of adding fancy graphics. Align it with the job description of the target job. You will stand out, and be selected, too.

Unless it’s specifically requested, you shouldn't send a PDF instead of a MS Word document to a hiring manager or recruiter. Here’s why:

  1. The employer probably uses an applicant tracking system (ATS). This means they digitally import your resume into a candidate database to analyze against the job description. This process is most compatible with MS Word files.
  2. A PDF file includes metadata elements and is a proprietary format specifically designed for security of documents. There’s a good chance this will conflict with the employer’s ATS.
  3. PDFs can be difficult to open and usually require paid software to edit. The more difficult you make it for a recruiter or hiring manager to access your resume, the more likely they are to eliminate you as a candidate and reduce their candidate list.
  4. MS Word is nearly everywhere. Most people have a copy of Microsoft Office, and most corporations use it as their standard. Alternatively, Google Docs is free to anyone, and reads and edits MS Word Docs.
  5. Your recruiter is your agent and advocate. They won’t be able to tweak your resume, fix spelling errors, or make the other refinements necessary to get you in the door if your resume is a PDF.

When choosing the best resume format, think of the recruiter’s and hiring manager’s workflow, time and process requirements. PDF documents make it hard for them to quickly consume your resume or cover letter. Using the right format may give you the edge you need to be recognized as the best candidate for the employer.

Photo: Shutterstock

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