When you’re considering writing (or updating) your CV, you probably think of Word. After all, it’s widely used, intuitive, and helps you create professional, easy-to-edit documents.
It’s a must-have skill in today’s workplace, so chances are you already have a good handle on how to use it.
It’s also simple to create eye-catching CVs: there are a variety of templates that you can use to customise your information according to your industry and experience level.
Some features of using Word to craft a CV include:
● Pre-formatted templates
● Spelling and grammar check
● Design tab
● Built-in themes
● Centre/Right tabs and grid lines
Word templates are preformatted with common CV sections such as “Work experience” “Education,” and “Skills” as well as a pre-designated area for your contact information.
It allows you to create a basic, no-nonsense CV that can be edited a small amount if necessary, although it lacks the supportive features of a CV Builder like resume.io.
To access CV templates in Word:
1. Click on File and select New.
2. Choose Browse templates to view the available options.
Alternatively, you can:
1. Open a new document and select More Templates.
2. Go to CVs and Cover Letters to find a variety of basic templates to choose from.
Pros and cons of Microsoft Word format
Even though it’s pretty ubiquitous in today’s workplace, using Word isn’t necessarily the “be all and end all” of creating a CV, and you shouldn’t use it without giving it a bit of consideration.
While it’s a great tool with a lot of options for formatting and customisation, it does have its drawbacks. Let’s take a look at why Word can work for you, and why you might want to give it a second thought before jumping in.
Pros
● High software compatibility with most operating systems, which means recruiters and job boards can access Word documents and read them easily.
● A variety of customisable templates can be formatted to meet your needs.
● Offline availability to access your CV and make easy, quick edits.
● Generally, ATS-friendly CVs allow them to pass through the system with a minimum number of issues.
Cons
● Moderate probability of format corruption, depending on the operating system or version of Word on the recipient’s computer.
● Some Word templates are not ATS-optimised and may be disregarded by the system due to their use of columns, graphics, or certain fonts.
● Can be edited or changed by another party.
● High probability of duplication. Since Word use is so common, your CV may look exactly like many others.
● It doesn’t always keep up with current trends. Word may include out-of-date or old-fashioned templates.
Why use a CV builder instead of editing in Microsoft Word
If you decide that creating a CV in Word is not for you, you have options. You can use a CV Builder, which walks you through the steps of building a great CV, making it quick, easy, and stress-free.
Benefits of using a CV Builder include:
● Modern CV templates that are recruiter-approved.
● Saving valuable time, doing the work for you in minutes rather than hours of tedious formatting.
● Helpful CV Builder tools such as content and formatting suggestions.
● AI-based professional summary generator to help you create your summary in no time.
● Tailored skill suggestions to personalise your CV for each job you apply for.
● Customisable formats based on your needs and skills.
● Easy downloads to Word (or PDF) without the need for further editing.
● Streamline your job hunt by creating tailored versions of your CV to send to different employers.
● A variety of ATS-optimised CV templates to help you sail through any company’s ATS.
Is it better to send a CV as PDF or Word?
While you should always follow the directions in a job posting, in general, sending your CV as a PDF is the better choice.
The main reason is that a PDF is “read only,” meaning it can’t be edited or corrupted by the recipient’s software, ensuring that the CV will be viewed exactly as you formatted it, whether it's viewed on a laptop, tablet, or phone.
Additionally, if the company you’re applying to uses a current ATS, PDF documents can usually be read (or “parsed”) more easily.
Other benefits of sending a CV as a PDF include:
● No “wavy” red or blue lines under words that the dictionary doesn’t recognise.
● Looks more professional and polished.
● Can be password protected if necessary.
● Less likely to be flagged by a hiring manager’s email security, as PDFs are less prone to viruses.
Even if you choose to submit your CV as a PDF, it is helpful to have a Word version available so that you have whatever format the employer requires on hand without having to take the time to create a new CV.