Last month I posted the WineTalent Job Hunting Primer: Part 1 – Your Resume. I wasn’t sure if I addressed the best format for submitting your resume to an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). I just did a deep dive in AI and got this response on Google (copied and pasted from the AI response, as AI lends itself to)
PDF vs. Word for ATS-AI: which is better?
It’s a common question with no single answer, as both PDF and Word formats have pros and cons when dealing with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).
In general, PDF is often preferred for resumes because it preserves the formatting and layout exactly as you intend it, regardless of the recipient’s software or device. This means your resume will always look professional and consistent. Modern ATS can generally scan text from PDFs, especially if the PDF was generated from a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
However, some older or less sophisticated ATS might struggle to parse information correctly from complex or image-based PDFs, potentially leading to errors in how your information is extracted.
Word (.docx) is also widely accepted and easily parsed by most ATS, ensuring the system can accurately extract the information it needs. Word files are also easy to edit and share with career coaches or recruiters. The main drawback is that Word formatting can sometimes shift or appear differently depending on the version of Word or the operating system used to open the file.
When to choose which
- When in doubt, check the job posting. If the employer specifies a preferred format (e.g., “submit your resume as a Word document”), always follow their instructions.
- If emailing directly to a recruiter or hiring manager: Consider sending a PDF to ensure your formatting remains consistent.
- If applying through an ATS and no specific format is requested: Consider both PDF or Word, with PDF often being the safer choice for formatting consistency, according to Teal. Some sources recommend Word for better parsing, but modern ATS can often handle PDFs effectively.
- For maximum flexibility: Have both PDF and Word versions of your resume ready.
Ultimately, the goal is to make your resume easily readable and parsable by the ATS and appealing to a human recruiter. Focus on clear, concise content, use relevant keywords, and choose a simple, professional design regardless of the file format.
AI responses may include mistakes.
