What is word format resume

Microsoft Word allows you to customize how your resume looks. You can send your resume directly from Word if you have a local email client, such as Outlook, Express or Eudora, installed and set up on your computer

What format should you send your resume in?

When applying to a job online, the best format to send your resume in is usually a Word doc. This format is most easily read by the majority of applicant tracking systems (or ATS)

What does Word format mean?

(Entry 1 of 2) 1 : the shape, size, and general makeup (as of something printed) 2 : general plan of organization, arrangement, or choice of material (as for a television show) 3 : a method of organizing data (as for storage) various file formats.

Should I submit my resume in Word or PDF?

Most employers will accept either a Word document or PDF file, leaving the decision up to you. Although both file types have their own pros and cons, PDF is usually the better choice. Sending your resume as a PDF file will preserve the formatting and ensure that the document looks exactly the way you intended

What format should I submit my resume in?

Adobe PDF file

What is CV formatting?

Curriculum Vitae Formatting Tips CV Length: While resumes are generally one page long, most CVs are at least two pages long, and often much longer. Font Choice and Font Size: There’s no need to use ornate fonts that are difficult to read; Times New Roman, Arial, Calibri, or fonts like these are best.

Does Word have CV templates?

Microsoft Word has resume templates available for users. All you have to do is find one you like, click on it, and start writing. Even though it’s easy to use a template, carefully customize your resume.

What is the best format to send a resume?

Adobe PDF file

Should you submit resume as PDF or Word Reddit?

First of all, it depends on the job posting. Sometimes a job posting will give you instructions on what format they want. Always give them the format they ask for. If they don’t ask for a specific format, give them a PDF as the other commentators suggest.

Should I make my resume in Microsoft Word?

Yes, you should make your resume in Word. Microsoft Word allows you to save your resume as a DOC or a PDF file, which are the two most common resume file formats. If you don’t have Word, you can use Pages or a free option like OpenOffice to save your resume as a Word or PDF file.

How do you send a CV in Word format?

Create and save the resume you want to send in Microsoft Word. Select “File,” “Send To” and “Mail Recipient (As Attachment)” from the Word toolbar (versions prior to 2007). If you’re using Word 2007, select the Office Button, then click on “Send” and “Email.” Your local email client will open

What is Word format resume?

Microsoft Word allows you to customize how your resume looks. You can send your resume directly from Word if you have a local email client, such as Outlook, Express or Eudora, installed and set up on your computer

What resume format is the most commonly used format?

Chronological resumes The chronological resume seems to be the most popular resume format used. This type of resume usually contains an objective and/or career summary statement and a chronological listing (from most recent to past) of all your employers along with related accomplishments.

What is the most commonly used resume format?

Chronological Format

How do I make a good resume on Microsoft Word?

– Open Microsoft Word and pick a template. …
– Write your name and contact information at the top. …
– Write a convincing introduction. …
– Summarize your work experience. …
– Add your education history. …
– List your relevant job skills. …
– Include career accomplishments and awards at the bottom.

What is the best format for a CV?

The best resume format is, hands-down, the reverse-chronological format. Here’s why: It’s very easy to read and skim. Recruiters and hiring managers are familiar with this format, as most people use it

Should I send my resume as a PDF or Word document?

Though there are advantages and disadvantages of using both, you should generally send your resume as a PDF. The most important thing is to follow the employer’s instructions. … If they ask for a Microsoft Word resume, send a Word resume, if they ask for a PDF (or if they don’t specify), send a PDF resume.

How do you get a CV template on Microsoft Word?

– Open Microsoft Word, then click on “New from Template.”
– Then, type “CV” or “curriculum vitae) into the search bar to browse for available templates. …
– Finally, choose the template you want to use, and Word will launch your ready-to-use template.

How do you send a resume in Word format?

Create and save the resume you want to send in Microsoft Word. Select “File,” “Send To” and “Mail Recipient (As Attachment)” from the Word toolbar (versions prior to 2007). If you’re using Word 2007, select the Office Button, then click on “Send” and “Email.” Your local email client will open

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Getting your resume ready can be confusing. There are many
options and lots of conflicting advice. What is the best format for your
resume? Many job seekers wonder.

Whether you’re purchasing resume services or creating your
own resume using a template, it’s important to keep up with resume trends.
Using the best resume format can mean the difference between your resume
getting the attention that leads to an interview or your resume getting
ignored. It’s critical to use the right resume format to get results.

In this article we provide the ultimate guide to PDF vs Word
resume formats. We compare the pros and cons of the two formats. We also discuss other common
questions you might have about organizing your resume. For example, we’ll look at
what resume structure to use or whether to use a template. We’ll also touch
upon the tools that are commonly used to create resumes.

Are you ready? Let’s get started.

What Recruiters Look for in a Resume

To understand what recruiters look for in a resume, it’s
important to first look at what usually happens to your resume after you
submit it. While you may imagine a dedicated human resources professional
carefully reviewing your resume and application as soon as you submit
them, the reality is often quite different.

In most medium to large companies, the first review of your
resume is usually done by Applicant Tracking System (ATS) software. ATS
software scans your resume for keywords and experience the company is looking
for. Resumes that don’t meet the defined criteria are rejected and don’t go any
further in the application process. Resumes that match the criteria are ranked
according to how closely they match. The higher the ranking, the more likely it
is that your resume will be sent on to human HR professionals.

So, your resume needs to do two things. It needs to:

• pass through ATS software
• leave a good impression for human readers

As you can see, ATS software plays an important role in the
recruiting process. Can you bypass a company’s ATS software and get your resume
looked at by a human professional? The answer is…maybe.

If you’re applying to a job listing online or through the
company’s website, odds are that your resume will pass through their ATS software.
However, if you know someone in the company through networking, you may be able
to bypass the ATS software. If your contact is willing to vouch for you and
send your resume directly to the hiring manager, you can often get your resume
in front of a human without going through the ATS process.

To learn more about how to make your resume attractive to a
human recruiter, review this tutorial:

In most cases, though, the ATS software plays an important
role in whether your resume is considered for a position. It’s important to use
the best resume format to pass through an ATS software screening.

PDF Resume Format vs Word Resume Format

You may wonder what resume format to use when applying for a
position online. The number one rule is to read the job listing carefully and
to follow any instructions in the listing.

If the listing says to attach a resume in .docx format, use
a Word resume format. If the listing asks applicants to attach a PDF file, use
a PDF resume format. If the job listing asks you to cut and paste resume text
into the body of an email (I’ve seen listings that request this), do it.
Following instructions is important.

But what if you have a choice? What if the online
application form accepts resumes in various formats? Is one format better than
the other?

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of the PDF resume
format versus the Word resume format. Here’s a handy table to help you compare the advantages of the two formats:

Word Resume Format — Pros	PDF Resume Format — Pros
One of the most widely accepted word processing tools. Many organizations use it.	File can be opened easily regardless of platform by using a free reader.
Even other word processing tools can import this format.	Looks the same regardless of the system it is seen on.
Preferred by headhunting agencies because it allows them to improve or brand the resume.	Keeps resume from being changed accidentally or on purpose.
ATS scanning software can easily find keywords and criteria matches.	Newer ATS software can accommodate most PDF files (but not PDF image files).
Many HR departments prefer .docx files.	Resume PDF files do not usually have software viruses.

Also, let’s look at the disadvantages as well:

Word Resume Format — Cons	PDF Resume Format — Cons
Information could be changed in a misleading way or accidentally deleted.	Older ATS software may not find keywords in PDF files.
Could contain a software virus.	Some ATS systems may miss parts of resumes formatted in PDF.
Appearance may change if opened in another tool or on a different platform than the one it was created on.	While quite commonly used, not everyone has a PDF reader or want’s to download one.

As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to
both Word format resumes and PDF format resumes. It’s a good idea to keep an up to date version of your resume in each format so that you can provide whatever a job
opening requires.

Other Formats

You may be wondering about other resume formats. Here are
some resume formats that are sometimes used:

• HTML — Some job-seekers design an HTML resume to
  show that they are web-savvy. They may even publish it on their own site. An
  advantage to this format is that employers can access it any time they want and
  the link can be shared during networking.
• RTF — To get around compatibility issues, some
  job applicants prepare their resumes in rich text format (RTF). While RTF is
  compatible with most platforms and ATS systems, it may leave you with limited
  formatting options.
• Graphic Image — Another tactic to draw attention to your resume is to create a graphic image. It may be an infographic or other
  graphic design. This is especially common for creative professionals. However,
  ATS systems may have difficulty recognizing the text in an image.

A non-traditional resume works best when it is presented directly
to a human who can review it. If you’re planning on submitting a
non-traditional resume format, it’s a good idea to also include a more
traditional format as well.

To learn more about creative resumes, study this tutorial:

More ATS Format
Considerations

When looking for the best resume doc format that works with an
ATS, keep in mind that ATS software may not read text inside images. While some ATS systems will use optical character recognition (OCR) software to extract text from images, it isn’t reliable. So, if you are
submitting a resume into an online system, it’s best to avoid using logos, photos, or other graphic images.

You should also be careful when creating a PDF format
resume. Some PDF format resumes are created by using a document scanner to
create an image of a paper resume. ATS software won’t reliably scan this type of
resume doc. 

If you decide to use a PDF format resume, the best way to
create it is through Word, InDesign, or another word processor using the export feature. 

While ATS software continues to improve with optical recognition, it’s better to use actual text in your resume doc and to stick with easy to read, common fonts like Arial, Helvetica, Verdana, or Times New Roman.

Headers and footers in a document can also confuse the ATS.
It’s best to avoid using them if you can. 

While resume format is important, so is how you organize your resume.
This article would not be complete without an overview of the various ways that
you can organize your resume.

How Should You Organize Your Resume?

There are basically four ways that you can organize your
resume. The four types of resume organization are:

1. Chronological Resume — This resume format lists
   your current and past jobs in the order that you had them. The most recent job
   is listed first and the oldest job is listed last.
2. Functional Resume — Instead of listing your past
   jobs in the order that you had them, a functional resume lists your job skills.
3. Combination Resume — A combination resume
   combines some of the features of a chronological and functional resume.
4. Creative Resume — A creative resume is an
   unconventional resume structure which is designed to capture an employer’s attention. It
   could be a graphic, a chart, or even a website or video.

Each type of resume organization is discussed in detail in
these tutorials:

When you suspect an ATS will be scanning your resume, does
it matter how it’s organized?

It could. Many career experts believe that using a
non-traditional resume structure (such as a functional resume or a combination
resume) could make it difficult for the software to find your employment
information. If you don’t want your resume to be rejected by ATS software, it’s best to save
these resume structures for interviews and networking.

On the other hand, a non-traditional resume format and organizational
structure could give you an advantage at a small company or a startup where
resumes are still being screened by humans.

Here is a list of some other resume mistakes that could
cause your resume to be rejected even after it has passed ATS screening:

We’ve talked a lot about the best resume format and how to
organize your resume. Let’s discuss what tools you can use to create your
resume.

What is the Best Resume Creation Tool?

If you’re creating a Word format resume, clearly Word is a
good choice. You may also be able to create your resume in another word
processor and export it to a .docx format. If you decide to do this, review the
exported resume carefully to make sure that your formatting remains consistent. 

Learn how to make a resume in Word: 

If you are creating a PDF format resume, you have other
options including:

• Illustrator
• Photoshop
• InDesign

One of the advantages of using these tools to create your
resume is that you have more graphic formatting options and greater flexibility. An
Illustrator resume, a Photoshop resume, or an InDesign resume is more likely to
impress human reviewers.

Graphic artists and other creatives, in particular, need to
pay special attention to how their resume looks. Employers who hire creatives
often expect a more eye-catching creative resume format. Making a visually impactful resume, can also make you stand out from a crowd of applicants, when a person is reviewing resumes.

Where to Find Resume Templates

If you don’t have time to design a professional-looking
resume yourself, a resume template could be the answer. The right template can
save you hours of design time. Most templates can be customized to your needs.

You can find professional resume templates at Envato Market (GraphicRiver) that allow you to save the resume in your choice of resume format:
Word, PDF, and more.

Here is a selection of some of our best creative resume
templates:

There are great for when you’re emailing a contact for a new job at a startup, networking in person, or want to make a creative impression when applying.

What is the Best Resume Format for You?

Choosing the best resume format and deciding how to organize
your resume can be confusing. There are several options available. It’s
important to keep in mind who you are sending the resume to. With a little
preparation, you can choose the right resume format for your needs.

Use this article as a guide to answer your questions about
the best resume format for your needs. Here are some key points:

• Make You Resume Scannable — As you are creating your resume, remember that if you’re applying to an online job listing it will likely be scanned by a machine using ATS software for keywords before
  it is reviewed by a human. Ensuring that your resume is in a format that is
  machine scannable can keep it from being rejected.
• Keep it Organized — The way that your information is organized on
  your resume is also important. Organize your information in a way that makes
  sense for you, keeping in mind ATS software.
• Use the Right Tools — Using the right tool and template to create your
  resume can also help your resume to have a more professional appearance. A
  template can also save you hours of design time if you don’t have well-developed design skills.
• Have Multiple Resume Versions Ready — Many job-seekers create two versions of their
  professional resume. Consider creating one resume for online job applications
  and another for situations when you know that a human will review your resume.
• Follow Application Instructions — When applying to an online job listing, always
  follow the instructions for which resume format to use. Employers know which
  format they prefer and not following directions could cause your resume to be
  rejected.

You’re now ready to choose the best resume
format for your needs. Whether you choose a PDF format resume or a Word format
resume depends on you. Regardless of your choice, best wishes on your job hunt!

A resume communicates a candidate’s qualifications to the hiring managers, recruiters, and employers and acts as their USPs, helping them stand out from the crowd in the sea of applicants.

Apart from the elements of your resume, one of the crucial factors that affect it; is its format: PDF or Word. As both are commonly used, while creating one, you must have gotten confused about whether to prepare a resume in Word or PDF format. 

We understand it can be tricky to find the one that works best. So put down all your worries and keep reading to find out which one to prefer: PDF or Word for resume.  

What Is a Resume?

A resume acts as a calling card to test the potential opportunities of a candidate. An updated resume helps you prepare for the interview, and its accessibility gives you a sense of security to seek a job or change jobs in time.

The primary purpose of your resume is to introduce yourself to employers and recruiters, present your skills and qualifications, and ultimately secure an interview.

A high-quality resume should include the following;

• Your personal information
• Objective
• Education/community activities, and work-related experience
• Awards and honors
• Activities and hobbies
• Hard skills and soft skills
• References (3–5 people)

Best Resume Format: PDF or Word

So if you think about what file type to save your resume as. Should it be in Word or PDF? Then you must know the advantages of both formats: PDF and Word.

Advantages of a PDF Resume

PDF is a non-editable format, so editing it is less convenient; however, being in intact form, it can be shared across different platforms without changing the file type. Besides, these files have multiple benefits to saving resumes as PDFs:

• Convenient to create, read, and use by all
• Graphic integrity to display the exact same content and layout regardless of the OS
• Multi-dimensional to integrate different contents like text, images, vector graphics animations, videos, 3D models, and more
• Compact size with unlimited information
• Easy to exchange while retaining complete control over the image quality
• Easy to set different access levels for protecting content and the whole document with watermarks, digital signatures, and passwords

Advantages of a Word Resume

Word is an editable format, and everyone who can access the file can make direct changes to the Word file. That explains why it is still a mainstream resume format. But when sharing a Word file, the content can easily be distorted, so people cannot guarantee the document’s integrity. So what makes Word your chosen resume format?

• Easy to create business documents, presentations, proposals, plans, etc.
• It helps use advanced features to save the hassle of performing tedious tasks
• It lets you write in multiple fonts and sizes and use borders and bullet formatting
• Helps add graphics, spelling and grammar checks
• Allows auto-formatting and creates a table of contents
• With collaboration tools, it gets easier to integrate Word with OneDrive and internet-enabled features

When to Use PDF and Word Resumes

Not all resumes end up with hiring managers or recruiters. So whether you create a resume in PDF or Word format, it can play a crucial role in your interview selection.

You can send a document as a PDF when you are sending it (via email) directly to a recruiter or hiring manager. PDFs retain their appearance without the margins and alignments being off, regardless of the software (the Word version) or computer the other uses.

However, Word format can be your best resume format if you submit it through LinkedIn, a company website, or different online portals, as it would be screened through Applicant Tracking Software (ATS), making it easily searchable. Besides ATS compatibility, a DOCX file ensures maximum readability.

Spoiler: Simple and Free Resume Templates

Whether you prefer a PDF or Word format, you might still be confused about the best resume format in 2023. Here are a few websites to help you create a resume using ATS-friendly formatting.

#1. Canva

Canva is an excellent source of free and creative yet simple resume templates. Besides being a user-friendly platform, the site has multiple impressive and modern resume samples and free resume template download options.

In addition, editing these templates is fast and effortless. Though it allows you to download your resume in PDF format, many templates are not scannable by ATS systems, increasing the risk of your resume being rejected.

#2. Zety

Zety is another website that provides a free template for simple resumes. It is an online resume builder with more than 15 blank templates for resumes. Moreover, it offers features to leverage the writing process.

In addition, the site has easy-to-follow prompts with multiple resume examples and designs to choose from. Zety also leads you through the resume-building process with tips and pre-written content available at a click.

How to Save PDF as Word: SwifDoo PDF

If you have no idea which file type to choose for your resume, keep your worries at rest, as the SwifDoo PDF software is a pro at dealing with such situations. The program is a comprehensive PDF editor and converter that can help you seamlessly create a resume in PDF format or Word. Instead, it can convert your PDF to Word or vice versa in a few clicks.

Besides conversion, SwifDoo PDF is an expert in editing and annotating your documents. So you can modify the PDF text or add text boxes to a PDF easily.

Apart from the SwifDoo PDF desktop version, an online version is also available for the conversion process anytime on the go. In fact, this tool can do other tasks as well, such as creating, merging, compressing, highlighting, etc.

Effortless Conversion Process: How to Send a Document as a PDF

Regardless of your query concerning how to send a document as a PDF or save a PDF as Word, SwifDoo PDF helps you with both options effortlessly. Here’s how.

Step 1: Download the SwifDoo PDF software or open the web version.

Free Download

Step 2: Click Convert PDF at the top of the site’s main interface.

Step 3: Click PDF to Word from the left column and hit the Add Files option in the center.

Step 4: Select to open a PDF file, choose an output path for converted files, and click Start.

Once done, you can export the file and use it freely as a Word document, and vice versa, with SwifDoo PDF.

Final Thoughts

All of us want our resumes to be neat, clear, and ATS-friendly to secure an interview. While finding what goes on a resume can be challenging, deciding whether to produce it in PDF or Word format can be an even tougher nut to crack. But we have eased your stress here.

Fortunately, no matter if you want to create a resume in PDF or Word, SwifDoo PDF can handle them all in an exemplary manner. Besides creation, the software helps beginners edit their PDF or Word resumes with a few clicks.

Креатив: @aalsekoo

На первый взгляд, это все равно, что выбирать между фильмами: «Звёздные войны» и «Звёздный путь».
Если вы не закоренелый фанат, то зададите вопрос: «Какая разница? Космические люди что-то делают в космосе и носят с собой светящиеся мечи. Верно?»

---

А вот и нет. В «Звёздном пути» светящихся мечей нет.

Так же и с форматами PDF и Word.

Возможно, вы думаете: «Какая разница, главное ведь содержание».

Но это не так.

Различия есть, и выбор правильного формата часто имеет решающее значение при трудоустройстве.

Зная плюсы и минусы каждого формата, вы безошибочно донесете информацию до HR.

Содержание:

1. Автоматическая система оценки
2. Как вы узнаете, что Doc или Pdf резюме пройдет ATS
3. Плюсы и минусы DOC и PDF
4. Преимущества резюме в PDF
5. Заключение

Автоматическая система оценки

Почему правильный выбор формата (PDF или Word) так важен?

Некоторые компании получают в среднем двести пятьдесят откликов в ответ на одну открытую вакансию.

Поток заявок большой, поэтому большие компании прибегают к помощи программного обеспечения.

Оно помогает менеджерам по найму экономить время и отбирать подходящие кандидатуры без вмешательства человека.

Такое ПО называется «Системой отслеживания кандидатов» (Applicant tracking system, ATS). Иногда ее называют системой автоматической оценки резюме.

Искусственный интеллект сортирует резюме по релевантности, проверяет соответствие заявки ключевым словам из объявления о вакансии.

Если вы сделаете все правильно, ATS не просто пропустит вас, но и присвоит вашей заявке высший приоритет.

А значит, как только живой рекрутер увидит ее, он позвонит вам в первую очередь.

Особенно если вы указали дополнительные навыки и умения, подходящие для конкретной должности.

Итак, если вы потратили время, на адаптацию резюме к требованиям вакансии, добавили ключевые слова, то вы уже на шаг впереди других кандидатов.

Такие анкеты практически гарантированно попадают в первые строки рейтинга. Однако это значит, что остальные отклики так и не дойдут до эйчара и так и не будут прочитаны.

«Какое отношение это имеет к типу файла?», — спросите вы.

Несмотря на развитие технологий, ATS не всегда корректно распознает специальное форматирование.

Именно поэтому важно, чтобы вы отправили правильный файл.

Например, иногда возникают проблемы с чтением последних версий Adobe Acrobat или с распознаванием табуляции в Word.

И хотя программы отбора кандидатов совершенствуются, ваша задача убедиться, что вы используете подходящий шаблон.

Как вы узнаете, что Doc или Pdf резюме пройдет ATS

Крупные компании всегда используют ту или иную форму программного обеспечения для отбора или оценки кандидатов. На этом базируется основной поиск подходящего человека на открытую вакансию.

Вы когда-нибудь заполняли заявку вакансию онлайн, а затем прикрепляли к ней свое резюме?

Если да, то ATS, скорее всего сканировало ваши данные.

Если обращаетесь в крупную фирму со штатом от 100 человек, будьте уверены, что работодатель обработает заявки с помощью ATS.

Малый бизнес и стартапы получают гораздо меньше откликов, и проводят меньше живых собеседований, поэтому реже пользуются дополнительным ПО.

Однако стоимость таких решений постепенно снижается и нередко даже небольшим компаниям становится выгодно автоматически оценивать кандидатов перед тем, как приглашать на живое собеседование.

АТС пропустит вас к рекрутеру если:

• Резюме соответствует описанию должности
• Применяются подходящие ключевые слова
• Тип файла соответствует системе отслеживания кандидатов

Если отправляете свое резюме в PDF, убедитесь, что сохранили его не в виде изображения

Как понять, что Adobe Acrobat читаем? Попробуйте выделить и скопировать текст. Получилось? Значит, все в порядке.

А вот документ «картинкой» обычно не распознается программой.

Значит ли это, что вашу заявку сразу отклонят? Конечно, нет.

Хотя нераспознанные анкеты в конце концов и попадают на стол к живому человеку, их, как правило, никто не читает.

В крупных компаниях у рекрутеров и так достаточно заявок, а в небольших коллективах соответствие современным требованиям составления резюме и вовсе считают показателем компетенции человека.

Плюсы и минусы DOC и PDF

А что нужно «живому» рекрутеру – Microsoft Word или Adobe Acrobat?

Здесь все зависит от конкретной ситуации.

Для начала проверьте, предъявляет ли работодатель конкретные требования к формату файла. Обычно об этом говорится в объявлении о вакансии или на официальном сайте компании.

Если работодатель дает конкретные инструкции, следуйте им.

Если же вы отправляете резюме по электронной почте непосредственно рекрутеру или никаких конкретных инструкций нет, используйте формат PDF.

Почему?

Потому что так у вас меньше всего шансов потерять форматирование, шрифты и текст.

Плюсы Adobe Acrobat:

• Универсальность. Файл Adobe Acrobat откроется на любом компьютере, будь то Mac, Windows или Linux.
• Обратная совместимость. ПДФ, созданный в последних версиях программы совместим с более старыми версиями.
• Форматирование не потеряется. То, что вы видите у себя на экране, увидит и работодатель. Это касается всех отступов, цветов, шрифтов, заголовков и т.д.
• Файл легко защитить паролем от изменений.
• Выбор Adobe Acrobat дает вам больше творческой свободы – вы можете использовать визуальные шаблоны, цвет, настраивать границы и отступы.

Минусы Adobe Acrobat:

• При сохранении «картинкой», у некоторых ATS возникают проблемы с распознаванием текста.

Плюсы Microsoft Word:

• ATS легко распознает ключевые слова.
• Еще остались люди, которые предпочитают документы, сохраненные в doc.

Минусы Microsoft Word:

• Ваше форматирование может потеряться, если файл откроют на другом компьютере, особенно если там не окажется установленных шрифтов, или файл откроют в предыдущей версии Word
• В некоторых компаниях вместо Word используют бесплатные текстовые редакторы, например, OpenOffice, которые гарантированно искажают форматирование.
• Любой человек может изменять или удалять текст намеренно или случайно
• Использовать творческие или дизайнерские задумки крайне тяжело. Например, иконки, эмодзи или дизайнерские элементы.

Если вы понимаете, что вас ждет АТС, используйте PDF, но придерживайтесь следующих правил:

• Никаких диаграмм, графиков, изображений и текстовых полей.
• Не используйте специальные символы для разделения информации, кроме стандартных на клавиатуре ( — / *).
• Не вставляйте изображения, например, JPG, PNG и другие. Конечно, кроме вашей фотографии. Перед отправкой убедитесь, что текст читаем, он выделяется и копируется.

Иногда вам не придется отправлять резюме работодателю. Например, некоторые компании просят вставить текст в готовую онлайн форму на сайте.

Но чаще всего вам придется отправлять резюме напрямую менеджеру по подбору персонала на электронную почту.

Adobe Acrobat – отличное решение на все случаи. Если вы конечно хотите сохранить форматирование.

Используйте визуальные шаблоны, иконки, инфографику и не бойтесь, что что-то потеряется. А если вы устраиваетесь дизайнером, то PDF – возможность сходу продемонстрировать ваши навыки дизайна и верстки.

Преимущества резюме в PDF

1. Резюме в формате Adobe Acrobat – гарантия того, что документ останется в том виде, в котором вы его направили HR.
2. Бывают ситуации, когда рекрутер, открывая файл в doc случайно меняет текст: удаляет или перемещает его. Такие ситуации далеко не в вашу пользу.
3. А текст в Adobe Acrobat останется неизменным. Кроме того, вы можете задать пароль и запретить изменять и даже распечатывать вашу анкету. Это особенно полезно, если вы отправляете заявку в компанию с сомнительной репутацией или на вакансию, где ведется массовый набор.
4. Еще одна особенность резюме в Adobe Acrobat в том, что создать его можно с помощью Photoshop или InDesign, что дает вам гораздо больше свободы творчества. Такое решение подойдет дизайнерам, иллюстраторам, верстальщикам и т.д.
5. Используя конструктор myresume, у вас всегда есть возможность скопировать и вставить текст в онлайн-заявку, если это просит работодатель, а затем отправить файл по электронной почте, чтобы напомнить о своей кандидатуре напрямую HR.

Заключение

С появлением программного обеспечения системы отслеживания кандидатов помните, что такая маленькая деталь, как формата файла, нередко оказывается решающей.

Но это не повод забывать про форматирование: используя визуальные шаблоны, дополнительные шрифты, иконки и инфографику, у вас гораздо больше шансов выделиться среди других кандидатов.

А чтобы вся эта красота не потерялась – используйте конструктор резюме и PDF.

И еще: Внимательно изучайте требования вакансии, перепроверяйте каждое предложение и действуйте, исходя из конкретной ситуации.

Автор статьи

Светлана Свиридова

Карьерный консультант, хэдхантер, бизнес-тренер.
Сертифицированный бизнес коуч: профилактика выгорания, работа с конфликтными ситуациями на работе

МЕГАподборка компетенций

И что делать, если вы подписали NDA

The perfect resume format for 2023 has to pass applicant tracking systems. Show off your value as a future employee. And help recruiters make the right decision—invite you to the interview.

Pick the wrong one, and you’ll annoy those little bots and their human overlords—

But which resume format is best?

Most importantly, how to pick the proper resume format for you?

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.

An example of a well-formatted resume made in our builder—See more resume examples here.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Resume Formatting
2. Examples of Well-Formatted Resumes You Can Use
3. The Three Main Resume Formats
1. Reverse-Chronological
2. Skills-Based / Functional
3. Hybrid / Combination
4. Recap: How to Pick the Best Resume Format for You
4. Make Sure Your Resume Format Beats the ATS Resume Test
5. Bonus Resources (Templates, Layouts, Examples, and Extra Tips)

1

Resume Formatting

Here are the simple, standard rules you have to follow when formatting a resume.

(Feel free to skip this section if you simply want to pick a format and start working on your resume.)

For a professional resume, follow these 10 resume formatting steps:

How to format a resume?

1. Set one-inch margins on all four sides.
2. Pick a 11 or 12pt resume font and stick to it.
3. Create a proper resume header format for your contact details.
4. Divide your resume into legible resume sections: Contact Information, Resume Summary, Work Experience, Education, Skills.
5. Use bullet points to talk about past jobs.
6. Be consistent with your resume formatting (stick to the same date format: for example 11–2018, or November 2018.)
7. Use single or 1.15 line spacing.
8. Add an extra space before and after each section heading.
9. Make your resume as long as it needs to be.
10. Don’t use photos on your resume. Unless the job description specifically asks for them. You’re looking for a job, not a date!

What about the proper file format?

• Usually, a PDF is your best bet: it makes sure your resume layout stays intact across all devices.
• Some companies require resumes sent as MS Word (DOC or DOCX) files. Pay attention to the job ad, if they want you to send a DOC resume, you have to play by their rules.
• To stay on the safe side, have your resume available in both PDF and DOC file formats.
• Avoid file formats with no text layer, such as JPG or PNG, or files dedicated to graphic software (PSD, INDD, or AI).

To learn more about ideal file formats for resumes, see: PDF? DOC? What’s the Best File Format for a Resume

Enough theory, though. Here are two examples of the bad vs the good way of how to format a resume. We’ve created the sample resume format on the right in our builder.

3

The Three Main Resume Formats

There are three main resume formats—reverse-chronological, functional, and combination. The first one is the most popular and useful in 2023, as it presents relevant information in the ideal order: from the most recent job to the oldest. While we strongly recommending this one, you can pick the type of resume that best fits your career.

Those 3 common resume formats can also be named: 

• Reverse-chronological, chronological or standard resume format.
• Functional or skills-based resume format.
• Combination, hybrid or chrono-functional resume format.

The main difference between them is the chief focus.

What does it mean for you?

That you have to know the correct order of sections on each of the standard resume formats.

Have a look:

3 Resume Format Examples

The Three Standard Resume Formats: Resume Structure

As you can see:

• The chronological resume format focuses on work experience.
• The skills-based resume format is based on, well, skills.
• The hybrid / combination resume format highlights both your experience and skills, linking the skills in the skills summary to real-life experience that shows how you gained them.

What’s the best format for your resume?

 

That depends on your career path so far.

• Looking for a job in your industry in which you have lots of experience? Go for the reverse-chronological resume format.
• Eying a creative gig where your portfolio of projects and broad skills set are more important than the work history? Pick a functional resume format.
• Applying for a highly specialized position for very experienced senior candidates? A combination resume format will be perfect for you.

Let’s discuss that on some real-life examples.

Meet three job seekers: Frank, Thomas, and Christian.

Their resumes and how these correspond with their careers will guide you through the process of picking a good resume format for your situation.

Frank is an electrician. He’s been working in his field for over 15 years.

He’s been with the same company (having gotten promoted from journeyman to master) since 2007.

Frank found an interesting opening for a master electrician position with a big, international corporation. The responsibilities listed in the job ad are very similar to his current duties and tasks.

To get recruiters’ attention, he needs to highlight his career progression and proudest professional wins. That’s why Frank wrote a reverse-chronological resume. Scroll down to see it!

Thomas is an entry-level PR specialist. He’s been doing a lot of freelancing and participating in minor projects but has little full-time experience.

He graduated in 2017. He’s worked as a part-time PR Intern since then and done a lot of side gigs and non-profit projects to build his portfolio. He’s also a prolific blogger.

Thomas wants to apply for a full-blown role as a Content Marketing and PR Specialist with a tech company with a relaxed culture. He’s never done a similar job before, but he has all the necessary skills.

If Thomas wants to get the job, he needs to showcase his portfolio and present the wide variety of his skills. The functional resume format is a great pick for him. Scroll down to check his resume out.

Christian is a Senior IT manager. He’s held leadership positions with the biggest IT companies in the world.

Not only is Christian a master programmer, but also an effective leader.

Someone from Christian’s professional network let him know about an unlisted, highly-specialized position as the Head of IT with a huge IT company that designs mobile apps.

To get there, Christian needs to prove that he has comprehensive technical knowledge, as well as team-building and leadership skills. Christian went for a combination resume format.

Now, it’s time to see their actual resumes and explain how different job seekers can make the most of each of the most common resume formats.

1. Reverse-Chronological

For starters, here’s a sample reverse-chronological resume format created in our builder.

Reverse-Chronological Resume Example

Want to save time and have your reverse-chronological resume ready in 5 minutes? Pick from 20+ resume templates, adjust, customize, and have a stunning chronological resume in no time.

Create your resume now

The reverse chronological resume format is useful to virtually all job seekers. That’s why this is the most popular US resume format.

Recruiters are familiar with it so it makes their job easier: helps them spot all relevant information in a flash. It’s also a really simple resume format to use.

Here’s how to structure a resume in reverse-chronological order.

Reverse-Chronological Resume Order of Sections

1. Contact information
2. Resume Summary or Resume Objective
3. Work Experience
4. Education
5. Skills
6. Additional Resume Information

The reverse chronological resume format puts emphasis on your work history because that’s what’s most relevant for hiring managers. It’s considered the traditional resume template.

Its key part is the work experience section. Here’s how to write it:

Reverse-Chronological Resume: Work Experience

1. Start with your current or most recent job.
2. Follow it with the one before it, then the one before and so on.
3. In each entry list: your position, the name of the company, and the dates worked.
4. Under each job, put up to 5 bullet points. But don’t just list duties. Focus on achievements.
5. Use action words. “Supervised” instead of “responsible for supervising.”
6. Quantify whenever possible. Numbers pop!
7. At the bottom, add a “Key Achievement” subsection. Describe your proudest professional win.
8. Don’t list all your professional responsibilities and accomplishments. Focus on what’s important for this particular position. Tailor your resume to the job description.

Like Frank, the candidate from our example did:

Work Experience Entry Example

Not sure if the rev-chron resume format is your best shot? See the handy table below.

Chronological Resume Format Pros and Cons

Pros and cons of the reverse chronological resume format

PROS	CONS
Recruiters are familiar with it. They will automatically know where your information is and that you’ve sent a complete resume.	It will require tweaking. You will need to make some extra effort to catch the recruiter’s eye.
It’s guaranteed to go through an Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) resume test.	If you have large gaps in your work history, the recruiters will notice them immediately.
The reverse chronological resume format highlights the peak of your career.	It’s not an ideal format of a resume for career changers.

Pro Tip: You should also know the difference between a CV vs a resume, depending on what part of the world you live in they can have a format that’s much the same, or completely different. So make sure you choose the right one.

For more information on how to make the most of the standard reverse-chronological format of a resume, go here: Reverse-Chronological Resume Examples That Get Jobs

2. Skills-Based / Functional

Here’s a functional resume example created in our resume builder.

Functional Resume Example

Want to save time and have your skills-based (functional) resume ready in 5 minutes? Pick from 20+ resume templates, adjust, customize, and have a stunning skills-based resume in no time.

Create your resume now

A functional resume format focuses on your skills and abilities. That’s why it’s also called the skills-based resume format.

It lets you emphasize what you’re good at and takes the pressure off of your work experience.

Here’s how to structure a functional resume:

Functional Resume Order of Sections

1. Contact information
2. Resume Objective
3. Skills Summary
4. Additional Skills
5. Work Experience
6. Education

The two crucial components of a functional resume are the resume objective at the very top and the skills summary. This is how to write them step by step:

Functional Resume: Resume Objective and Skills Summary

1. In the resume objective at the top, briefly explain your motivation for pursuing a given career and discuss the most important skills you’ve mastered so far.
2. If you have one, add a link to your online portfolio, a blog, or a personal website to the resume objective.
3. For the skills summary, pick 4 to 5 skills that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for.
4. Don’t just list your skills. Be specific. Give examples of when and how you applied them. Mention software you’re proficient in and quantify whenever you can.
5. Use bullet points or go for plain paragraphs.

Have another look at how Thomas did it:

Example of a Resume Objective + Skills Summary

But remember—

A functional resume format most likely won’t get you far.

Why?

• Your job titles
• The highest level of responsibility you reached
• Your career progression.

And what does a functional resume do? It throws all of the above out of the window.

For most candidates, using a functional, “skills” resume format is against any sort of logic.

The only groups of job seekers who might entertain using this resume format are:

• Professionals in creative industries.
• Freelancers without a clear career progression, but with a very solid portfolio.
• Military veterans transmitting into a civilian role.
• Ex-CEOs or high-level execs who don’t want to seem overqualified for a lower-level position they need to apply for.

To recap, then:

Pros and Cons of a Functional Resume Format

Skills-Based Resume Format Pros and Const

PROS	CONS
It takes the focus off of your work history and places it on your skills. If you’ve gained your skills through various freelance projects, not full-time employment, this format will let you emphasize those skills.	Most recruiters hate the functional resume format because it’s not easy to scan in quickly.
It’s a good creative resume format for non-traditional industries.	It’s an instant red flag—suggesting that you’re trying to hide something.
It can be used by military transitioners whose detailed job descriptions might be too difficult to understand for non-military recruiters.	It’s very likely to fail the ATS resume scan.

For more information on the only strategy to make the functional resume work for you, see: Functional Resume Template and Writing Tips

3. Hybrid / Combination

Here’s a combination resume example created in our resume builder.

Hybrid / Combination Resume Example

Want to save time and have your hybrid / combination resume ready in 5 minutes? Pick from 20+ resume templates, adjust, customize, and have a hybrid resume in no time.

Create your resume now

The combination resume format combines the resume elements of a chronological resume and a skills-based resume.

Here’s how to structure a hybrid resume:

Hybrid (Combination) Resume Order of Sections

1. Contact information
2. Skills Summary
3. Additional Skills
4. Work Experience
5. Education

This is how to write it:

• Start with listing skills that are most relevant to the job you want to land.
• Underneath each skill, add up to 4 bullet points describing your professional achievements that prove you actually have the skills.
• Focus on quantified and measurable accomplishments.

Remember our candidate, Christian?

In his skills summary, he needs to prove that he is:

1. Great at programming and mobile app development.
2. An inspired leader and mentor.
3. A seasoned business executive.

Example of a Skills Summary for a Hybrid Resume

In a nutshell:

Pros and Cons of a Combination Resume Format

Hybrid Resume Format Pros and Cons

PROS	CONS
Showcases your most important skills and validates them with examples related to your work experience.	It’s suitable for very few candidates: only people with a lot of work experience targeting a very specific position.
A good  format for people with gaps in their resume who, nonetheless, have many years of relevant work experience.	It’s the most difficult resume format to create properly.

As you can see, this is the hardest resume format to make. Learn all you need to know about it here: Combination Resume Template and Writing Tips

4. Recap: How to Pick the Best Resume Format for You

So—

What format should your resume be in?

Here’s a recap of what you’ve learned so far:

Chronological vs Functional vs Combination Resume

Chronological vs Functional vs Combination Resume Format

	Reverse-Chronological Resume	Functional Resume	Combination Resume
Chief focus	Work experience	Skills	Skills and work experience
Work experience section	At the top, relevant	At the bottom, irrelevant	In the middle, relevant
Skills section	In the middle, relevant	At the top, relevant	At the top, relevant
Main advantage	Easy to read, universal	Conceals flaws in work history	Emphasizes and validates skills
Main weakness	Very common, might require tweaking	Suggests you’re hiding something	Suitable for few candidates
Good for	Virtually all candidates	Creative jobs, military transitioners, candidates who don’t want to seem overqualified	Career changers, experienced professionals
Not ideal for	Career changers or employment-gappers with very complicated work histories	Students, experienced professionals, career changers, entry-level candidates	Entry-level candidates, students

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building a professional resume template here for free.

When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.

A disturbing thought:

According to research, 70% of resumes never reach a human eye.

Why’s that?

Because as many as 7 out of 10 large companies use the ATS resume checker (short for “Applicant Tracking Software”).

So—

Make sure your resume format is ATS-friendly.

How to Pass the ATS Scan:

• Place the contact details at the top of your resume
• Avoid fancy graphics
• Save your resume in the PDF format
• Copy all the contents of your resume
• Paste them into a TXT text editor (such as Notepad)
• If the text in the editor isn’t scrambled, your resume is scannable

For more information on how to beat the bots, see: Resume Keywords to Get You Past the ATS

Resume formatting is a complex issue. Even the term “resume format” itself has multiple meanings.

Whatever it is exactly that you’re looking for, here are the guides that will help you find it:

• Resume Layout Tips: Typography, Spacing, Margins, Fonts, and More
• Resume Design Inspirations and a Full How-to Guide
• Well-Formatted Resume Templates
• One- or Two-Page? How Long Should a Resume Be?
• Infographic Resume Format: How to Make It Work?
• Tailored/Targeted Resume Format: How to Make a Resume Match the Job Ad
• Resume Examples for Every Profession (99+)
• US Resume Format (American Style Resume Template)
• 40+ Job-Winning Resume Tips & Tricks

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here’s what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Key Takeaway

To have a resume format that gets you the job, use these key strategies:

1. Apply the standard resume formatting rules: one-inch margins, elegant font, 11–12pt font size, single line spacing, additional space before and after headings.
2. Choose one of the standard types of resumes: reverse-chronological, combination, or functional resume format. Pick the proper resume format for your individual situation.
3. The format of a resume is mostly about dividing it into proper sections. In this order: contact info, summary, work experience, education, skills, and extra sections.
4. Save space using bullet points in your work experience and education sections.

Frequently Asked Questions about Resume Format

What is the best resume format for 2023?

For most people, the reverse-chronological resume format is the best option. This means listing your work experience and education in reverse-chronological order, i.e. starting with the most recent position and working backwards through previous jobs or degrees. There are several reasons why it’s the best job resume format to use:

• Recruiters are familiar with it and find it easy to skim;
• It enables you to place your best, most relevant experience and professional accomplishments near the top of the page, where the reader is likely to look first;
• It’s the most ATS-friendly resume format, meaning that recruitment software has no trouble processing it.

All of Zety’s resume templates are available in the reverse-chronological format: you just need to fill in the blanks, and you could be ready to apply for your dream job in minutes!

How to format a resume?

In order to meet recruiters’ expectations, your resume needs to look a certain way. So, here’s how to format a resume in Word (or other word processing software):

• Set your resume margins to 1 inch on every side and your line spacing to 1–1.15.
• Add a professional resume header with your name, job title, and current contact information.
• Pick a good resume font (or font pairing) set to 11–12 points.
• Plan enough space for your resume sections: resume profile, work history, education, skills, and additional information.

A resume made from scratch? That’s a challenge, especially given that the ideal resume length is one page for most candidates: it’s tough to get everything to fit and still look good. To make it easier, you can start with a ready-made Word resume template. Better yet, you could head over to our resume builder and let it handle all of the formatting for you in seconds!

What are the three resume formats?

Currently, there are three types of resumes to choose from:

• Reverse-chronological resume format: considered the standard resume format, it focuses on work experience and/or education, highlighting your accomplishments.
• Functional resume format: also known as a skills-based resume, this professional resume format focuses on your skills and how you acquired them, providing only basic information about your work history. Although it can help to conceal gaps in employment, most recruiters aren’t very familiar with it, so it carries a risk of rejection. Plus, it’s not always ATS-friendly.
• Combination resume format: a hybrid of the other two formats, it gives equal attention to your key skills and your work history. However, it suffers from the same issues as the functional format: both recruiters and ATS software may have a problem with it.

For most candidates, the reverse-chronological format is the best choice: go with a functional or combination resume only if you’re sure a non-standard format will give you an advantage.

Is there a separate student resume format?

Most student resumes follow the standard reverse-chronological format, assuming you’re applying for a job. You can read more about entry-level resumes and writing a resume with no work experience in our dedicated guides. However, you do need to use a different format if you’re applying for a job in academia or writing a graduate school resume. In those cases, go with an academic CV rather than a resume.

Is resume format the same as resume template?

No. The term resume format usually refers to the layout of a resume, i.e. the type and order of information featured on the resume and the way it’s organized on the page, including document settings such as margins and line spacing. Meanwhile, a resume template is a blank resume document that you can fill with your information—it’s much quicker than building your resume from scratch. If you’re interested, check out our list of free resume templates.

Can I get creative, or is a simple resume format always better?

When it comes to resume formatting, it’s usually best to keep it simple. You want your document to be readable both to recruiters and to ATS software, so sticking to basic resume templates is advisable for most candidates. You may want to opt for a more complex resume design if you’re writing an artist resume or otherwise applying for a job in a creative field. Creative resume templates typically still follow the standard format, but they feature bolder colors and graphic elements.

What does ATS-friendly resume format mean?

ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System(s)—software used by recruiters to sort incoming resumes. ATS software scans applications for specific resume keywords, such as key skills required for the role, rejecting irrelevant applications. ATS-friendly resume format is one that organizes information into clear sections and features key information as plain text—most ATS software can’t read text within images, for example. To check whether your resume can be read by ATS, copy its contents into Notepad. If all of your information is still there and looks more or less organized, ATS should be able to make sense of your document.

Which file format should I use for my resume?

Unless the job ad specifies a different format, submit your resume as a PDF. This file format keeps formatting intact and can be opened on any device, even a smartphone or tablet. Remember to give your resume file a professional name with no spaces, e.g. John-Smith-Waiter-Resume.pdf.