Word or PDF?
This article shows you what format you should use for applications and resumes. In the course of an application procedure, every jobseeker is faced at some point with the question of the format in which the CV should be sent to the (hopefully) future employers. If the documentation is sent in the wrong file type, this may already prevent you from getting the job. After all, how is a company supposed to assess you if it cannot receive your CV? Moreover, it makes a bad first impression if difficulties already arise at this point. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of the most common formats, with some advice on which format to use. This guarantees you a smooth, problem-free application process.
File size
A WORD document is usually twice as large as a PDF. Accordingly, problems may arise if you want to send your CV by e-mail or have to upload it on a company’s website. In this case the PDF has a clear advantage.
Compatibility
When you send your resume to a company’s human resources department, you usually don’t know what hardware is being used here. Because whether PC or Mac, makes a decisive difference in the question whether they can read the format there. The WORD format has also at this place the disadvantage compared to PDF. PDF documents can be opened regardless of the operating system, so you are definitely on the safe side.
Popularity in the HR departments
Another important point is popularity and dissemination in the HR departments. What’s more popular here? Here the WORD format still predominates. Many HR professionals are used to receiving CVs in this format and know how to deal with them.
Readability through automatic data processing
Another point for using a WORD document is readability through automatic data processing. If you are applying to a company where you have to upload the CV directly on the company website, you should definitely upload the document in Word format. Unlike PDF, this can be processed automatically.
Conclusion
In direct comparison, both the well-known WORD format and documents in PDF now have advantages. The PDF format shines above all with its operating system-independent compatibility and a much more convenient file size. If you provide your resume in WORD format, you are likely to be met by recruiters who can handle it. Also you are on the right track if you need to upload it directly to the company’s website. So the conclusion is: Convert your resume to PDF as well as to WORD to be on the safe side.
How to create a Word and PDF file (On Mac and Windows)
Mac Open your document in the Pages Mac application. This is the Mac equivalent of Word. If you work with your Mac, this is probably your first choice. Here are the steps you need to take to export your document to Word and PDF. Choose “File“ -> Export to and then select the format. Windows Open your resume in Microsoft Word. Perform the following export steps to get your file in the desired format. Click the file tab -> Choose „Export“ -> Choose „Change file type“ -> Click the „Save as“-icon
