PDF or Word Resume? The Definitive Answer for 2025
Should a resume be PDF or Word? Here's the direct answer: Use PDF for your resume in 2025. It's the safest choice for most job applications.
But why? I'll break it down step by step. Based on data from top career sites like Jobscan and Teal, PDFs win 9 times out of 10. They keep your formatting intact and work with modern ATS systems. Word docs? They shine in rare cases, but often cause headaches.
Stick around. This guide gives you the full scoop, plus actionable tips to make your resume unstoppable.
Why PDF Wins: The Clear Advantages
Here's the deal: PDFs lock in your resume's look. No more weird shifts when someone opens it on a different device.
First off, formatting stays perfect. Imagine spending hours on bullet points and fonts. A PDF ensures they look the same everywhere. Word files? They can glitch if the recruiter lacks your exact software version. According to Adobe, PDFs maintain layout across devices, making them ideal for professional submissions.
Second, ATS compatibility has evolved. Old myths say Word beats PDFs for applicant tracking systems. Not in 2025. Modern ATS like those from Taleo or Workday parse text-based PDFs just fine. Jobscan's 2025 analysis shows PDFs preserve design while passing ATS scans, as long as you avoid images or fancy graphics.
Third, PDFs scream professionalism. They prevent accidental edits and look polished. Teal reports that recruiters prefer PDFs because they load quickly and avoid compatibility issues. Plus, they're secure – harder for viruses to hide in them.
Bottom line: If you're asking "PDF or Word resume," go PDF. It boosts your chances by keeping things clean and consistent.
When to Use Word: The Key Exceptions
But there's a catch: Word isn't dead. Use it in these specific scenarios.
One, if the job posting demands it. Some employers want editable files. Check the instructions. Indeed notes that about 20% of listings specify Word for easy tweaks by HR.
Two, for older ATS systems. Rare in 2025, but small companies might use outdated tech. iHire found Word parses better in legacy systems, avoiding PDF extraction errors.
Three, when collaboration matters. Agencies or recruiters might edit your resume. Word makes that simple.
Pro tip: Always have both versions ready. Convert your PDF to Word if needed, but start with PDF as your default.
In short, "should a resume be PDF or Word" depends on the job. But exceptions are few – PDF dominates.
Ultimate Resume Format Checklist
Want to nail it every time? Use this checklist. It's simple, scannable, and based on 2025 ATS best practices from Novoresume and Jobscan.
| Criterion | PDF (Recommended) | Word (Alternative) |
|---|---|---|
| Formatting Preservation | Yes – Locks in design, fonts, and layout | No – Can shift on different devices |
| ATS Compatibility | High – If text-based, passes 95% of modern systems | High – Easier for old ATS, but risky formatting |
| Editability | Low – Harder to change, which is a pro for submission | High – Recruiters can tweak easily |
| Professional Look | Excellent – Clean and consistent | Good – But may show red underlines or errors |
| File Size | Smaller – Compresses well | Larger – Especially with images |
| When to Use | Default for most applications | When job asks for it or needs editing |
| Tip | Use "PDF Standard" for downloads | Save as .docx, not .doc |
Pro Tip: How to Save Your Canva Resume
Canva makes stunning resumes. But saving them wrong kills ATS compatibility. Here's a step-by-step guide to export an ATS-friendly PDF from Canva. This fixes common issues like non-selectable text.
Step 1: Finish your design. Use a simple, ATS-friendly template – no heavy graphics or images for text.
Step 2: Click the "Share" button in the top right corner.
Step 3: Select "Download" from the menu.
Step 4: Choose "PDF Standard" as the file type. Avoid "PDF Print" – it's for printing, not digital ATS scans. This keeps text searchable.
Step 5: Hit "Download." Open the file in Adobe Reader to check – select text to ensure it's not an image.
Bonus: If you need Word, export to PDF first, then use a free converter like Adobe's online tool. But stick to PDF unless required.
This method works. Canva's help confirms "PDF Standard" is best for online sharing, and user tests on Reddit show it passes ATS like a champ. Your Canva resume? Now unstoppable.
Conclusion: Level Up Your Resume Game
You've got the definitive answer: PDF or Word resume? PDF wins for 2025, with Word as the backup.
Apply this today. Format right, beat ATS, and land interviews.
Ready for more? Check out our top resume templates. They're ATS-optimized and easy to customize. Head over to the main resume template category page on canvaresume.com now.
Your next job awaits. Go get it.