Should I Submit My Resume as a Word Document or PDF?

It’s one of the most common resume questions—and one that has seen some major debate: Word doc or PDF?

The safest format to submit your resume to an Applicant Tracking System is as a Word document (doc.). Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can read this format better than any other format out there. So, why wouldn’t you do the safest thing?

In other words, if you’re going through the traditional process of submitting your resume through a company website or job platform, then go with .doc format.

Now, if you plan to network with your resume, then you should consider keeping a PDF version handy. A PDF has the advantage of maintaining format from system to system. Many times, if an employer has a newer or older version of Microsoft Word, your resume may spill onto a second or third page due to minor formatting nuances. This is a mess if you are networking, so using a PDF is the way to go.

How about that .txt version? I have only experienced 1 occasion in over 5 years of professional writing, where I have needed a .txt version of a resume. My opinion, don’t worry about it. Stick with Word and PDF.

Cheat sheet:

Traditional Resume Submission (website, job platforms) – Word Doc (.doc)

Networking Strategy – PDF

Author: MATTHEW J. DUPEE, M.ED., MBA, MSF, CPRW,