PDF Resume Templates: How-To Guide
When reviewing resumes for job applications, employers often prefer the PDF file format — and for good reason. A PDF is universally readable and can be submitted “as is” for most job applications. Follow our expert tips and use our professionally designed templates to create an attractive PDF resume.
Top PDF-Ready Resume Templates
At My Perfect Resume, we have a large selection of resume templates ready to be exported as PDF. Choose your favorite design, customize it using our Resume Builder and download it — it’s that simple.
Refined
A solid choice for jobs across all industries, this template categorizes information in an orderly, easy-to-read fashion, with plenty of space to feature your work history.
Essence
The two-column layout of this organized, classy template allows you to fit in plenty of details for your Skills and Work Experience sections.
Standout
The simple graphical elements and different color fonts give this template a striking look while also making it easy for a hiring manager to scan all of your important information.
Managerial
As the template’s name implies, this layout works well for job seekers who can showcase extensive work experience. The monogram design also establishes a personal brand for the candidate.
Pacific
This template stands out from standard black-and-white resumes with a colorful header that sets your name and contact information apart from your career information.
Distinguished
Using a simple, minimal layout with a dash of color for the header and important sections, this template makes good use of space.
Accentuate
The color in this template’s header makes the job applicant’s name stand out, while the straightforward two-column layout allows plenty of space for skills and work history.
Centered
This minimalistic design features strong, simple borders to set off the applicant’s contact information and the all-important summary statement.
Qualified
This template sets off work dates in your job history, making it a good choice for job candidates who want to show steady, continuous career growth.
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Pros and Cons of a PDF Resume
Pros
- Almost everyone can open a PDF. Sending your resume in other file formats can be tricky if the recipient doesn’t have the right software to open it. Virtually everyone can open a PDF file, whether they’re using a web browser or a free PDF reader.
- One size fits all. When you submit your resume in a format such as Microsoft Word, it might look very different — and very sloppy — if someone views it in a version of Word that doesn’t use the same fonts or formatting, or views it in a non-Word word processing program. On the other hand, PDFs are specifically designed to look the same on all devices.
- PDF templates are ATS-friendly. As long as your PDF is formatted and saved correctly (more on this in a bit), it can be easily scanned by applicant tracking systems (ATS) that employers use to review resumes. You can also use our Resume Builder to create and export your resume as a PDF — it’s quick and easy.
Cons
- You’ll need the original Word version. If you’re creating a PDF resume using Microsoft Word or another program, you’ll need to have the original document saved to easily edit your resume after being converted into a PDF format. Having two separate documents will make it easy for you to make any necessary changes and create a new PDF.
- Some recruiters prefer other formats. Even though PDFs are universally accepted, some job applications may request that you submit your resume in another format, such as a Word document.
- Fancy layouts can throw off ATS. Don’t use charts, graphs, images, text boxes, or overly fancy layouts. This can throw off ATS scans and land your resume in the (virtual) trash before human eyes even see it. Save yourself time and hit the mark with one of our ATS-friendly resume templates.
3 Tips for Creating Your Resume in PDF Format
- Keep it simple. This isn’t the time for unique symbols or fancy fonts. Use a standard font that a human (or ATS) can easily glance through, such as Garamond, Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri.
- Copy, paste and review. Want to confirm if your PDF resume is ATS-ready? Simply copy and paste the text from your PDF into Microsoft Word or a blank text document. If the information copies over cleanly and is readable, you’re good to go.
- Edit your PDF without muss and fuss. Converting your PDF resume to a different format like Microsoft Word for editing doesn’t always go smoothly, and converting revisions back to PDF can introduce new formatting issues. That’s why our Resume Builder lets you store all the resumes you create and allows you to conveniently update and download new versions.
How to Save Your Resume as a PDF File
If you’re creating or editing your resume using the following programs, follow these instructions for converting them into readable PDFs. Remember, you can always make sure your final PDF is readable by copying and pasting some text from it into a new text or Word document to see how it looks.
Adobe Photoshop and InDesign
In Photoshop, go under File > Save As, and then choose “Photoshop PDF.” On the next screen, choose the PDF preset. “PDF/X-4” is a good option for a resume PDF.
For InDesign, the process is the same, except you will go under File > Export, and then choose “Adobe PDF” for the format.
Microsoft Word
To convert a Word document into PDF format, go under File > Export. Choose the “Create a PDF/XPS document” option.
The PDF file should open automatically in Word for review once you’ve exported it.
Google Docs
Go under File > Download, and choose “PDF” as your download option.
