Why you should ALWAYS send your resume as a PDF!

Here’s why:

1. A PDF Preserves Your Formatting Exactly

Word documents can look different depending on:

• The version of Microsoft Word being used

• The viewer’s device (Mac vs. PC)

• Installed fonts

A beautifully formatted résumé in Word can appear misaligned, stretched or messy on someone else’s computer.

PDFs lock in your layout, so it appears exactly as you designed it. Thus, no surprises!

2. PDFs Look More Professional

PDFs appear more polished and intentional.

They signal:

• Attention to detail

• Basic digital professionalism

• That you care about how you’re presenting yourself

Word files can look unfinished or editable.

3. A PDF Can’t Be Accidentally Altered

With a Word document, someone could:

• Accidentally delete text

• Change formatting

• Introduce typos

A PDF is stable and final, exactly what you want when applying for a job.

4. PDFs Prevent Compatibility Issues

Not everyone uses:

• Microsoft Word

• The same operating system

• The same fonts

A PDF opens reliably on:

• Windows

• Mac

• Phones• Tablets

This ensures everyone reviewing it sees the same clean document.

5. PDFs Often Upload Better to Job Application Portals

ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) usually read PDFs smoothly.

Word files sometimes:

• Upload with errors

• Lose formatting

• Have strange characters

• Break when converted automatically

A clean PDF helps prevent those issues.

The ONE Exception to the Rule: (When you should send your resume as a Word Doc):

When an employer explicitly request a .doc or .docx file.

In those cases, follow instructions!

Bottom Line:

Send a PDF because it guarantees your résumé looks perfect, professional, and consistent, no matter who opens it.