Resume in PDF or Word: which format should you send?
Both PDF and Word resumes are widely accepted. The right choice depends on what the employer asks for and whether your file contains real, readable text.
When to use each
Follow the job post or portal instructions first. If it asks for DOCX, send DOCX. If it accepts either, a text-based PDF keeps your layout identical on every screen, while a Word file is easier for a recruiter or agency to edit.
Most applicant tracking systems read both. Problems usually come from scanned PDFs, text inside images, or complex layouts, not from the file type itself.
Check the file before sending
Open the PDF and try to select the text. Open the Word file on another device to confirm fonts and bullets look right. Keep the size small and avoid passwords.
- Name it clearly: “Firstname Lastname - Company - Role.pdf”
- Text is selectable and copies in reading order
- Links to LinkedIn or portfolio work
- One file, not a zip or several pages as images
Get both formats from one resume
Waywright, a free AI resume optimizer, downloads every tailored resume as both an ATS-friendly PDF and a Word file with the same content, and suggests a file name with your name, the company and the role. An account is required.
Put the checklist into practice
Upload your resume and paste a job description. Review the generated draft and approve the changes before downloading. Waywright is free to use. An account is required.
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