As anyone who has ever applied for a job knows, there are few things more important than your resume. Your resume is more than just a list of jobs you have had and skills you possess. It’s a statement about who you are, your work ethic, and your competence. That’s why it’s so important to proof your resume and make sure you get it right, and why so many people spend so much time ensuring that their resume looks as good as possible. These considerations often lead to a common question: Is it better to send a resume in Word or PDF? Generally speaking, a PDF is absolutely better. Here’s why.
Is It Better To Send a Resume in Word or PDF: Professional Look
Part of the reason that these documents are used so frequently is that they are more professional. While there’s not necessarily anything wrong with sending a naked, unconverted word document, it is still better to send a PDF document because it has an added layer of professionalism to it. You can also add certain security features to the document, which may be necessary, depending on the job you are applying for.
It’s Industry Standard
Remember, not everyone has Microsoft Word, but virtually everyone can open a PDF file on their computer or their phones. PDFs have become the go-to file type for sending or receiving numerous types of documents, spreadsheets, presentations, or more. They typically look better, allow for easy conversions, take up less space on the phone or in a network, and are easy to navigate.
Mobile Access
Word is not always easily accessible on a mobile device – it really depends on the type of phone that the user has. The worst-case scenario is that someone cannot read your resume until they get back to their computer, but that’s a problem. You want someone to read your resume as soon as you send it, and you want them to think that you took the extra step to make it as easy as possible to be read. As such, PDF files can be formatted so they are sharp and easy to read on the phone. Word documents may not be able to be opened by someone trying to read the file from a mobile device. Take the extra step, and make the conversion.
Is It Better to Send a Resume in Word or PDF – Price
One more important point to make: You will never have to pay for a PDF reader. Yes, more high-quality readers with advanced features – Adobe Acrobat – will charge, but that is for the added benefits that these readers come with. There are numerous free PDF readers for both your computer and mobile device that make a document easy to read and at no charge.
How to Convert a Document to PDF
Thankfully, it is relatively easy to convert word to PDF. Indeed, there are many such examples. One of the best ways to do so – and often the easiest – is to use Adobe Acrobat. This makes the process easy, as you can click a couple of buttons to make the conversion. It also comes with advanced features, like passwords and limitations on who can access the document.
Your resume is what will get your foot in the door for a job interview, and creating the best first impression with your resume is absolutely vital to your career advancement. That’s why making a conversion from Word is so vitally important: Doing so will ensure that you look great when applying for a new job.