The Three Best File Types To Use When Sending Your Resume

In a previous post I talked about the three worst file types to use when sending a resume. Well how about shifting gears and talking about the best three file types to use, and why.


Microsoft Word - DOC

Microsoft Word is so commonly used at this point that it is safe to assume that any business or hiring manager out there uses it – that is unless they do not want to open 98% of all resumes submitted to open positions, and be forced to draw from a very small pool. This is the great thing about MS Word DOC; out of necessity people are forced to use it because it is the norm, This is why it is the best file type to use. As long as your resume isn’t too frilly or using uncommon fonts, you should presume that what you see on your screen will be exactly what the reader sees too.

RTF (Rich Text Format)

Rich text is a basic file format that includes some basic formatting information, and I like it because of the universality it provides. Users of Windows, Macintosh, and Linux PC’s should not have any issues opening an RTF file. Just be cautious as with other file types to stick to more commonly used fonts in order to avoid font defaulting.

Adobe PDF

PDF has become a standard file type, and Acrobat reader is a free software that is simple to download. The great thing about PDF’s is that fonts are embedded within, so there should be no issues with formatting slipping or changing in cyberspace and once viewed by a hiring manager. Be aware however that one drawback of PDF’s is that non-text based PDF’s cannot be read by most applicant tracking systems. So when applying to larger companies it is a better idea to stick to DOC and RTF in Word.


It was only a few years ago that you could send off your resume to a handful of companies each week, and expect a handful of interviews. Not now. The job applying climate has turned from one that was largely conducted online to one that now adds back much of the human element. If you are brave enough, why not personally drop it off to the hiring company, and give it your personal touch to the process. Just be sure to not take the gatekeeper or as I like to call her/him, “the Director of First Impressions,” and avoid too many gimmicks when doing so.

But at the end of the day, and after all of the tinkering with DOC, RTF and PDF file types, don’t lose sight though of the most effective way to get your resume into the hands of someone with hiring authority – networking. LinkedIn, alumni, informational interviews, and joining professional associations are all ways to network and tap into the hidden job market.