A PDF of your resume is a copy of a document that was created in another word processing app, such as Word or Google Docs, and then saved in the PDF format.
It’s a common format for sending your resume to potential employers, and is often requested by hiring managers.
It’s a popular choice for job hunters, as it looks professional, is easy to upload, and is compatible with a variety of applications and operating systems.
You can also easily create a PDF of your resume using a resume builder like resume.io for the most convenient solution. But if you already have a resume in another format, you can still convert it.
To convert a Word doc to PDF:
- Click on the file tab of an open document.
- Select “Save As” instead of “Save.”
- Name the file in the file name box.
- Select “PDF” in the Save As Type drop down menu.
- Click save when you are finished.
If you’ve created your resume in Google Docs, save it this way:
- Create your document in Google Docs.
- Click File>Download, then select PDF.
Alternatively, to email a Google Doc as a PDF:
- Open your resume in Google Docs
- Click on “File” in the menu bar.
- Select “Email,” then “Email this File.”
- Enter the recipient’s address, the subject line, and message.
- Make sure you’ve selected “PDF” in the file type box.
- Click “Send” to send your resume as a PDF.
Pros and cons of a PDF format
If a job description specifically states to send your resume as a PDF, then there really is no debate as to the format you’ll use: follow the directions and send it as a PDF. However, if you have a choice, it’s important to take some time to decide if PDF is the best format to use to save your resume.
PDF is a great choice, but it’s not without its drawbacks. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of saving your resume as a PDF so you can make the best choice for your situation.
Pros
- Preserves Formatting: the layout of your resume remains intact, ensuring consistent viewing across different devices and software.
- Widely Accepted: Recruiters can open PDFs easily on almost any device or platform.
- Optimized for ATS: PDF resumes can be parsed accurately by most modern Applicant Tracking Systems, making them a safe option.
Cons
- Editing Limitations: PDFs are not as easily editable as Word documents, making last-minute changes more challenging (unless you’re using resume.io’s Resume Builder, in which case this isn’t an issue).
- File Size Considerations: Graphics-heavy PDFs can have larger file sizes, which may be difficult to upload on some job application platforms (again, not an issue with our Resume Builder).
- Can’t track changes: Unlike Word, PDF doesn't allow for tracking changes you’ve made in your resume.
Why use a Resume Builder instead of editing elsewhere
While you’re free to create and edit your resume in Adobe, Microsoft Word, or Google Docs and then export as a PDF, it may not be the optimal choice.
Instead, consider resume.io’s Resume Builder, which has all the tools you need to create a professional-looking resume, all in one place.
Why choose the Resume Builder?
- Multi-format resume options: save your resume in your choice of formats, including PDF.
- AI-generated phrases: use our expert-approved, pre-written phrases to effectively highlight your skills, experience, and accomplishments.
- Optimized resume formats: ensure your resume sails through the ATS with no issues.
- Automatic summary generator: generate a top-notch professional summary that gets you noticed.
- Professionally-designed resume templates: choose from a variety of professional, eye-catching templates to show off your skills.
- Automatic spell checker: don’t worry about typos; the resume builder takes care of it for you, ensuring your resume is mistake-free.
Job-specific example PDF resumes
Resume.io has a variety of professional, eye-catching resumes that can be easily downloaded as a PDF file, ensuring your skills and experience are placed front-and-center. Wondering which template might be right for you? Here are a few examples that are available in the Resume Builder:
ATS-Friendly - Shanghai Template
Ideal for ATS scans with minimal graphics and clean, simple formatting. Great for professionals who want to let their experience speak for itself.
Picture/Simple - Boston
A visually appealing, multi-column layout that includes space for a profile photo. Perfect for professionals who want to convey their professionalism and organization.
Creative - Lisbon
This is a visually-effective design for professionals in creative fields who want to stand out from the crowd. This design is exclusive to Resume Builder and not possible to create in a Word or Google docs format.
Is it better to send a resume as PDF or Word and Google Docs?
While it depends on what the employer is requesting, if you have the choice, it’s best to send your resume as a PDF.
Why? These days, most current ATS programs parse PDF resumes more easily, increasing the chances that your resume is “green-flagged” and gets into the hands of an actual hiring manager.
It’s also more easily read by a variety of apps, operating systems, and platforms (such as tablets, phones, and laptops).
Why else is a PDF the best choice for your resume?
- It looks more professional: a PDF is less likely to have issues with margins, spacing, or fonts.
- It can’t be altered or changed: PDFs are “read only,” so you know that a hiring manager won’t accidentally lose or delete information.
- High compatibility factor: PDFs can generally be opened by a variety of operating systems and software.
- Maintain document formatting: a PDF will look the same to the person receiving it, and won’t have issues with the formatting getting corrupted when opened.