CVs in .doc/.pdf formats

book12

When uploading CVs to the agency's website or applying for a job, they either specify a .doc or .pdf format, depending on what they want.

When they don't specify what fomat they want the CV in, which one is better?

I'm just worried that if I choose one and not the other when they don't specify what format, my CV would get ignored.

Suggestion appreciated.

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Proc

By default I would suggest .pdf.

It can be read by all PCs and MACs, even those without Word installed. They just need Adobe Reader that is completely free.

Another good thing about .pdfs if that they don't lose their formatting. So if you have some fancy columns, text etc etc, there won't be compatibility issues causing it to look all jumbled up on someone running a different version of the software.

You don't get compatability issues either (e.g a CV created in Word 2008 might not work so well when viewed with Word 2000).

TLDR: PDF is best.

Red_Cat

The other good thing about .pdf is that they cannot be edited either.

CutePDF is freeware that lets you create them if you don't already have some software for this purpose.

piggeh

I have been here already - I uploaded mine in PDF format and then kept getting requests to reupload in .doc format! I had done a nice PDF CV in Adobe Indesign, with a bit of creative flair etc, looked good. I was well gutted when they then kept asking for a word document version instead!

I would suggest uploading in .doc format personally.

Either way if you're the right candidate I doubt they'd ignore it because of the format.

Lokolo

.PDF for me.

Editing version = .doc
Final version = .pdf

ohreally

piggeh wrote: »

I have been here already - I uploaded mine in PDF format and then kept getting requests to reupload in .doc format! I had done a nice PDF CV in Adobe Indesign, with a bit of creative flair etc, looked good. I was well gutted when they then kept asking for a word document version instead!

From an agency perhaps.

OP, .pdf every time.

littlefeet_2

Agencies prefer .doc files, so they can edit out your contact details. This means the employer can't cut them out of the transaction and contact you directly.

Some particularly annoying agencies however will go further and 'polish' your CV, introducing grammar and spelling errors, and blatantly lying about skills. (This agency is now out of business thankfully, but it lead to a very embarrassing interview for me)

prowla

Red_Cat wrote: »

The other good thing about .pdf is that they cannot be edited either.

CutePDF is freeware that lets you create them if you don't already have some software for this purpose.

Well, apart from using a PDF editor, cutting & pasting the information, or converting them to Word (via one of the many tools available), printing them to HTML, or a number of other methods.

I send mine in Word ".doc" format (but not the newer ".docx").

leeparsons

Red_Cat wrote: »

The other good thing about .pdf is that they cannot be edited either.

CutePDF is freeware that lets you create them if you don't already have some software for this purpose.

Actually their is software on the open market, which 1f. I have trialled demostration copies. It's not perfect but you can get information out.

Tinahamilton

I would say word, as I currently work for an agency and you will find that most agencies will put your Cv into their format, as when a number of CV's go across to clients then the clients know where to look for education, work history, professional qualifications etc, and it makes it easier to work with on a word doc.

megsykins

prowla wrote: »

I send mine in Word ".doc" format (but not the newer ".docx").

Yep - many places don't have the software to read .docx - I've just had an annoying situation where a reference for me was sent in .docx - ended up getting a friend to open it and re-save it so I could email it to HR.