PDF vs Word document: Which one is better for your resume or CV?
Ready to work on your job application? But do you know the best file format between Word or PDF?
Treat this article as your guide and learn the difference between PDF vs Word and when to use them in 2026.
Explore the ProResumes blogs to gain more guidance on resume writing.
What is a PDF document?
The PDF, which is an abbreviation of Portable Document Format, is known as one of Adobe’s file formats. This format helps in showing a visually consistent version of a document on various devices, software, and systems.
This is why this file type is mostly used for the kind of documents that require sharing without any editing. Moreover, these documents often contain interactive elements, pictures, tables, and text in a single document.
Due to its sustainability, the file format is preferred to share un-editable professional documents by organizations. Moreover, it has the following ISO standards, such as:
- ISO 32000
- ISO 14289 (PDF/UA)
- ISO 16684
- ISO 19005 (PDF/A)
- ISO/TS 32000-2
What are the advantages of using a PDF document for a resume?
Following are some advantages that gives significance to this file format in the PDF vs Word debate:
- The PDF files for resumes can be opened on any device, software, or system without editing the layout.
- The file format offers features like encryption and passwords to protect files from any modification.
- The large PDF documents can be compressed to share them easily without decreasing the quality.
- The version of PDF known as PDF/A is preferred because of long-term accessibility.
What are the drawbacks of using a PDF document for a resume?
Here’s a list of things that reduces the value of this file type in the PDF vs Word debate:
- The files are easily edited and often make it challenging for the owner to update or optimize their resume.
- It doesn’t have elements for collaboration and is not preferred for teamwork. It cannot be edited by anyone even if the job applicant wants them to proofread it.
- The resumes that utilize some interactive elements of the PDF file type often fail during automated screening.
What is a Word document?
A word file or document is created through the software Microsoft Word which is part of the Microsoft Office. It is used as the most preferred format for writing and sharing text.
It is often saved as a .doc or .docx file and also supports the following elements in a text file:
- Images
- Tables
- Charts
Moreover, the word document can be easily edited by using the following kind of software:
- Microsoft Word
- Google Docs
- Apple Pages
- LibreOffice Writer
- OnlyOffice
- Zoho Writer
What are the advantages of using a Word document for a resume?
Read the benefits that gives a leverage to this format among the PDF vs Word choice:
- It opens with a lot of software like Google Docs or OpenOffice.
- It offers pre-made resume templates for job seekers to fill in their information in resume sections.
- It can be easily edited by the recruiting agencies who don’t want to share a specific portion of the candidate’s information.
- It is updated conveniently and is preferred for optimization of resumes.
What are the drawbacks of using a Word document for a resume?
Following are the drawbacks of this file type which make PDF better among the PDF vs Word options:
- The word documents often have shifts in layout and formatting when opened on incompatible devices.
- The Word documents are less protected than the PDFs and are often at the risk of information theft.
- Complexity in the use of elements like graphics, tables, and images in the document increases the file size.
PDF vs Word: What are the major differences?
Here’s a list of differences between the PDF vs Word formats for the job application:
Main Purpose
The main function of a PDF format is to keep the layout of the file intact for resumes. Meanwhile, the Word document is often used for the following things during the creation of a resume:
- Writing
- Editing
- Sharing
Visual Consistency
The structure of the resume in the PDF version stays the same when opened on different devices or systems. However, the formatting in the resume with Word documents shifts according to the device or screen requirements.
Editing or Modification
The PDF files are often edited only by using PDF editing software. Meanwhile, the Word files can easily be edited within Microsoft Word without the need for any other software. Word files can change resume fonts, structure, headings, color, and more.
Security and Protection
The PDF file types have robust security options that prevent the receiver from modifying it due to encryption and passwords. Meanwhile, the word files are rarely protected and much easier to bypass even after the use of passwords.
Storage Requirements
The resumes that utilize elements like applicant’s photo or table can be compressed to reduce file size. However, the resumes that incorporate design elements in the Word file format often require more storage space. Moreover, the Word files can’t be compressed easily without compromising quality.
Interactive Elements
The PDF formats have interactive features for resumes such as clickable links and media use. Similarly, the Word file also allows the use of editable sections and the use of authoring features.
Printing Output
The PDF resume files typically stay the same after getting printed for physical resume submission. However, the word file resumes are often inconsistent during printing due to layout shifts.
What is the difference between a .doc and .docx file format?
Do you know that the .doc and .docx formats are slightly different from each other? These are both Microsoft Word document file type which differ in the following ways:
Origin
The .doc format is used by the Microsoft versions launched before 2007. Meanwhile, .docx is a part of the Microsoft Word 2007 version.
Format
The structure of .doc makes it incompatible for data extraction purposes. Meanwhile, the structure of .docx is built with XML format which is convenient for usage.
Compatibility
The .doc file type can be opened with the older MS Word versions. Meanwhile, the .docx file type needs the software version which supports the XML format.
Size
The .doc file types are heavier due to lack of compatibility for compression. Meanwhile, the .docx files use a packaging supported by ZIP format.
Usage
The .doc version of Word files is ideal for older documents. However, experts prefer the use of the .docx version for contemporary files and professional documents like resumes.
Features
The .docx files are optimized with all the features used in the latest version of MS Word. Meanwhile, .doc files are only compatible with features associated with MS Word version before 2007.
Data recovery
The data recovery option is quite hard for the .doc files. Meanwhile, it works smoothly for .docx files due to their XML design.
PDF vs Word: Rules to follow while submitting your resume
Here’s a list of guidelines that the job applicants should consider while choosing the format among PDF vs Word:
Follow job description’s instruction
The first thing is to research the file type requirements for a resume in job description. Job applicants should submit the format required by the employer otherwise they might get unselected.
For example: If you’re doing a job search through a recruiting agency, then you must provide a Word file which is editable.
Pro Tip: In case you are unable to find the requirements through job description, contact the company.
Choose either the PDF or Word file type
It is important to use the Word or PDF format for your resumes instead of other file types. The employers often don’t have the software to review your resume with different file types resulting in instant rejection.
Take advantage of online form submission
Many organizations allow you to add your information manually in online forms along with resume file attachment. This is your chance to add any information that the resume lacks or use any kind of file format among PDF or Word.
Decide according to submission method
Consider the submission method to choose the right file type for your resume. If your resume can be directly submitted to the recruiter, then use the PDF format for visual consistency.
However, if you have to submit it online for automated screening, use a Word version unless you’re sure of the organization’s requirement.
Research the ATS system of the target company
Lastly, you can conduct research regarding the ATS software used by your target companies. This might be a time-taking process but will help you prepare your application accordingly and impress the recruiter as well.
PDF vs Word: Which one is the best?
Still wondering which one is the best among PDF vs Word?
Both formats are supported by recruiters and the modern applicant tracking systems (ATS). However, sometimes the best version depends on the recruiter’s requirements.
If you’re unable to select a file format among PDF vs Word, get help from ProResumes. The resume writers will help you analyze and select the best suited format according to your application and company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do ATS prefer Word or PDF?
The applicant tracking system (ATS) worked better with Word documents for resumes in the past. However, now the majority of modern ATS scanners parse both PDF and Word documents easily.
Moreover, PDFs that don’t utilize the formatting from Adobe Illustrator are ATS-friendly and work best for resumes.
Q. Which format do most employers prefer for resumes?
It varies according to the kind of organization and employer you’re targeting your application. If you apply through a recruiting agency, then you are expected to submit Word documents that are editable.
Q. Why is Microsoft Word document preferred for resumes over Google docs?
The Microsoft Word documents are preferred over Google Docs because they are readable for the automated scanners. The Google format is often incompatible with different devices and messes up the formatting of the resume as well.
Moreover, many applicants share links of Google docs files for resumes which are considered unprofessional by recruiters.