Submit resume in PDF or Word? Why format matters for ATS

You've spent hours perfecting your resume, but did you know that over 75% of resumes are rejected before a human ever sees them? The culprit? Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) - and the wrong file format can be your downfall.

The ATS Problem: Why Your Resume Gets Lost

Applicant Tracking Systems scan your resume to extract information like your name, experience, and skills. Here's the catch: not all file formats are created equal when it comes to ATS compatibility.

PDF vs Word: The Verdict

Quick Answer:

Word (.docx) is generally SAFER for ATS systems - but with important exceptions.

• Use Word (.docx) when the job posting doesn't specify a format
• Use PDF when explicitly requested or when preserving exact formatting is critical

Why Word (.docx) Works Better for ATS

1. Text Extraction is Easier
Word documents store text as plain, structured data. ATS systems can easily parse:

Headings and sections
Bullet points and lists
Tables and formatting

2. Universal Compatibility
Almost all ATS systems (Workday, Taleo, Greenhouse, Lever) can read .docx files without issues.

When PDFs Fail (And How to Fix It)

PDFs can be problematic because:

Image-based PDFs (scanned documents) are completely unreadable by ATS. Your resume will be auto-rejected.

Common PDF Problems:

Text in headers/footers may be ignored
Multi-column layouts confuse parsers
Tables can scramble your information
Custom fonts may not render correctly

Need to Convert? Do It Here (Free, No Sign-up)

If you have your resume in the wrong format, don't panic. Convert it right here in seconds:

Choose file

Click to browse or drag and drop (video or document)

Pro Tip: After converting, always open the file and check that your formatting stayed intact. Look for missing bullet points, scrambled dates, or misaligned sections.

The Safe Strategy: Submit Both (When Possible)

If the application system allows multiple file uploads:

1. Upload .docx as your primary resume (for ATS parsing)
2. Upload PDF as a "backup" or in the cover letter section (for human reviewers who want clean formatting)

Final Checklist: ATS-Proof Your Resume

✅ File Format: Use .docx unless PDF is explicitly requested
✅ File Name: Use "FirstName_LastName_Resume.docx" (not "resume_final_v3.docx")
✅ Fonts: Stick to standard fonts (Arial, Calibri, Times New Roman)
✅ Layout: Single column, clear headings, no text boxes or images
✅ Keywords: Match job description terminology exactly
✅ Test It: Open your file in Google Docs to see if text is selectable

What If They Specifically Ask for PDF?

Some companies (especially in creative fields like design, marketing, or tech startups) prefer PDFs because:

• They want to see your exact formatting and design choices
• They're using modern ATS systems that handle PDFs well
• They value brand presentation and visual consistency

In this case: Always follow their instructions. If they ask for PDF, give them PDF. Use the converter above to switch from Word to PDF if needed.

Common Questions

Q: Can I use Google Docs format?

A: No. Always export to .docx or PDF before submitting. Many ATS systems cannot open Google Docs links or .gdoc files.

Q: What about Pages files (.pages) from Mac?

A: Never submit .pages files. They're only readable on Mac/iOS. Export to .docx or PDF first.

Q: Should I password-protect my resume PDF?

A: Absolutely not. ATS systems cannot open password-protected files. Your application will be auto-rejected.

The Bottom Line

Default to Word (.docx) for maximum ATS compatibility, but always read the job posting instructions carefully. When in doubt, you can't go wrong with a clean, simple .docx file with standard fonts and single-column layout.

And remember: the converter above is always here, completely free, no email required. Convert as many times as you need until you get it right.

Good luck with your job search! The right format is just one piece of the puzzle, but it's an important one that many candidates overlook.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We support video formats including WebM, MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, and FLV, as well as document conversion between PDF and Word (DOCX). You can freely convert between all supported formats.

Converted files are temporarily stored on the server and automatically deleted after 1 hour. After downloading, they are immediately saved to your browser's download folder.

The maximum file size is 500MB. Larger files may take longer to convert. For stable conversion, we recommend files under 100MB.

Yes, all files are securely processed and automatically deleted after 1 hour. Files are used only for conversion purposes and are not shared with third parties.

Yes, it's 100% free. No sign-up required, and there are no hidden costs. Feel free to use it anytime.

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