Resume advice
PDF vs. DOCX Resume
When to submit a PDF, when to submit a Word document, and how to keep both clean.
PDF and DOCX each solve different problems. PDF preserves appearance for humans; DOCX is often easier for older systems and recruiters who need to edit or parse text.
Use PDF when
The application allows it and you want to preserve spacing, typography, and page breaks.
Use DOCX when
The employer requests Word, the portal warns against PDF, or you are submitting through a system with strict parsing.
Keep both versions
Maintain a DOCX master and export a text-based PDF after each meaningful edit.
FAQ
Is PDF ATS-friendly?
A text-based PDF can be, but a flattened image PDF is risky.
Is DOCX safer?
DOCX is often a practical default when instructions are unclear, but employer directions should always win.
Pair this guide with a clean editable template, then proof the final file before sending it.
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