You have spent hours refining your resume, so the last thing you want is for it to look broken when a recruiter opens it. The file format you choose decides whether that happens. The two common options are PDF and Word, and each suits a different situation.
Some recruiters and agencies prefer Word because they can edit the file, add notes or reformat it for a client. A few older applicant tracking systems also read Word files slightly more reliably. If a job posting specifically asks for a Word document, follow the instruction.
When the employer does not state a preference, PDF is usually the safer choice. Its main advantage is predictability. You control exactly what the reader sees, and in a hiring process where first impressions are quick, that control matters.
If you want a quick, text-based resume without fighting with layout tools, ProPdf.Online is a handy option. Type your details with a clear title, separate each section with a blank line, add your name as the author, and export. The result is a simple, readable document with no watermark. It will not replace a heavily designed resume, but for a clean text resume it gets the job done quickly.
Do applicant tracking systems read PDFs?
Most modern ones do, especially text-based PDFs. If a posting requests a specific format, follow it.
How long should a resume be?
One page for most early-career applicants, and up to two pages for longer careers.
Is a plain text resume acceptable?
Yes. Clear content and a tidy layout matter more than decoration.
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