Best File Format to Use for Your Job Search

Best File Format to Use for Your Job SearchBest File Format to Use for Your Job SearchBest File Format to Use for Your Job SearchNot all file formats are created equal.Youve written your resume, keyword optimized it, and had at least three people edit it. Now its time to save your document and send it out. Have you saved it in the best resume file format for hiring managers to process? Weve all been taught to polish our resumes, divide it into readable sections, and stay away from the first person, but what about the actual format? No one ever mentions that detail. Which file format should job seekers use to upload, email, or submit their resumes? The answer It depends on the situation.Below are the pros and cons of each file format to help you choose the best resume format for every circumstance.Hard CopyHard copy resumes may be rare, but they are not completely obsolete. Job fairs and interviews still call for the traditional resume, printed on professional-quality paper. The ru les for hard copies are also simpler than their electronic cousins. Keep in mind the following resume tipsDont use paper colors other than white or eggshell. Other colors look unprofessional and can cause issues with readability.Use new, unstained resume paper with a weight of 24-32 lbs. This paper stock is available at fruchtwein office supply stores.Stay away from graphics, fancy fonts, and colored writing.Dont staple the resume. Use paper clips.Place a cover letter on top of each hard copy.aber ja DocumentMicrosoft Word is currently the most popular word processor for writing resumes. Documents written on Word will be saved as a .doc or .docx file, which is a popular file format to send as an email attachment. Indeed, many job ads specifically request Word versions over any other program. Do not use OpenOffice or other programs to save your resume as a .doc or .docx. These programs may save in the format but include minor inconsistencies that will cause your resume to look awkwar d.Pros of Word DocumentsWord is standard in most businesses.It maintains the overall formatting and keeps the same feeling.Cons of Word DocumentsSome companies dont allow email attachments because of virus risks.There are compatibility issues (.doc vs. .docx and Mac vs. PC) that may alter the format of your resume.PDFSome might consider the PDF to be the best resume file format. While Word has its ups and downs, emailing a PDF gives you complete assurance that the employer will see your resume exactly as you designed it. PDFs also come with extra protection. Hiring managers or other employees cannot edit or alter the document, ensuring your original copy arrives safe and sound.Pros of PDFsEliminates virus risk.Compatible with both Macs and PCs.No one can change the resume once its saved in PDF.Cons of PDFsThe recipient must have Adobe Acrobat Reader.Job seekers may not have the right software to convert documents to PDF.Not all applicant tracking systems can view and parse resumes i n this format.HTMLHTML files are making a breakthrough in resume formatting. Job seekers can easily save their resumes as an HTML file, which appears similar to an Internet bookmark. Hiring managers open the file on their internetbrowser and view it much like a web page. An HTML resume can be sent as an email attachment or posted on a website.Pros of HTMLHTML retains formatting and layout when the resume is sent as an email attachment.The recipient can view the resume right in the email browser without downloading it.The resume can be posted to your website.Cons of HTMLYou may require a separate software application to convert the document to HTML.Not all browsers support HTML documents.The resume file may be mistaken for spam, which is often sent in HTML.Plain TextA text resume has no special effects such as bold, italics, or centering. It contains only plain-text characters that can be created from the standard keyboard. This format is the best for applicant tracking software (ATS ) purposes, as all ATS systems can sort through, decipher, and read plain text files that do not contain any design elements or conditional formatting.Pros of Plain TextA text resume can be sent within the body of an email.Plain text makes it easy for employers to place the resume into a searchable database.Some creative effects can be added using keyboard characters.Cons of Plain TextText strips out all graphics and special text effects.Isnt very appealing.Often is hard on human eyes.Applicant Tracking System (ATS)Whether you select Word, PDF, HTML, or plain text for your resume, always keep in mind the applicant tracking system (ATS). This applicant-screening software is programmed with basic, common fonts and styles. Stay away from fonts that are stylistic in nature. Times New Roman, Calibri, and Cambria work best with the ATS. This software often cannot read tables, graphics, or colors, so another resume tip is if your resume is posted online for the computer to read, stick with basic formatting.Click on the following link for more resume advice.Ready to update your resume? Start with a free resume critique.Recommended ReadingAvoid the Resume Black Hole With These TipsAre You Trying Too Hard in Your Job Application?5 Signs Its Time to Hire a ProfessionalResumeWriter