When it comes to resumes, there are a lot of choices out there. From PDFs to Word documents, from RTFs to JPGs, the options can seem overwhelming. But which file type is best for resumes? Let’s dive into the most popular file types and explore their pros and cons so you can make an informed decision about your resume.
PDF Files
Portable Document Format (PDF) files are probably the most common type of file used when it comes to submitting resumes. It is an incredibly versatile format, as it will open on any computer, regardless of platform or operating system which makes PDF files parse easily with resume parsers such as HireAbility’s ALEX Resume Parser. Plus, PDFs also provide a great way to display data in a clear and organized manner. And as an added bonus, since this format is non-editable, your resume will not look any different depending on who views it – which means recruiters will get the same experience each time. The only downside? PDFs do not allow for easy edits if you need to make changes quickly before submitting your resume.
Word Documents
Word documents are probably the second-most popular file type for resumes. They are easily editable and customizable – so much so that some employers prefer Word documents over anything else because they allow more flexibility when it comes to formatting a resume. They can also be easily converted into other formats such as PDFs if necessary. However, because this type of file is editable, there is always a risk that formatting could be changed unintentionally or lost completely if not saved correctly. Also, Word documents can be quite large in size and slow to open on certain devices or operating systems. When sending a Word document for a job application, make sure you save it as a .docx file instead of .doc so that employers can open it easily regardless of the version of Microsoft Office they have installed on their computer.
Google Docs (GDOC)
Google Docs offer an interesting alternative to Word documents since they give you access to all of Google’s powerful collaboration tools such as comments, chat windows, built-in search function etc. Plus, since Google Docs is cloud based–recruiters can access your resume from anywhere in the world without having to download any special software or programs first. This can make it easier for recruiters or hiring managers to review your resume without having to download any files. However, there is no guarantee that a recruiter will have access to these features; some companies may not use them at all. It might be wise to save your Google Doc resume as a PDF file before sending it out.
RTF Files
RTF stands for Rich Text Format and is another popular option when sending out resumes since it provides more formatting options than plain text files but still looks consistent across different systems like PDFs do. On the downside, while RTF file can be opened by Word and Google Docs, it may not work well with certain programs versions or devices. Further, some employers may not be familiar with this format at all and thus will not accept them as applications.
JPG Files
JPG files are great for images such as photographs rather than text-based documents like resumes, but some people do use them when sending out applications because they provide an easy way to upload their resume without worrying about compatibility issues with different versions of Microsoft Office or other software programs needed to open certain types of files (e.g., Adobe Acrobat). However, JPG files are not recommended because they cannot be edited easily and they might not get through resume parsers that are a part of any ATS or job board. The quality of parsed results will depend heavily on the image quality. Additionally, search engines cannot index text inside JPG files which means employers may have difficulty finding your resume online if you choose this format over something more widely recognized like a PDF or Word document file type.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best file type for your resume depends on your individual needs and preferences as well as those of your potential employers! Generally speaking though, most employers and recruiters prefer PDFs since they are secure from tampering and look consistent across different systems – but Word documents also offer a great option that is widely accessible and editable too! If you are unsure which format should work best for your resume, try testing out each option before submitting your application so you can see how each looks on various computers or mobile devices.