What is the preferred CV file format in the UK?
I initially came here to vent about my lack of interview opportunities and received some helpful feedback that I’ve applied. However, when I ran my CV through CV360, the first piece of negative feedback I encountered was about the CV being in PDF format. Should CVs be submitted as PDFs or DOCX files to be ATS-friendly?
RCadmin
In the UK, both PDF and DOCX formats are commonly accepted for CVs, but it’s important to consider the specifics of the job you’re applying for. Many employers, especially those using Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), prefer DOCX files since some ATS software reads them more easily. However, if you’re confident that the ATS used by the employer can handle PDF files (which many modern systems can), then a PDF can also be appropriate as it preserves your formatting.
Ultimately, if the job application specifically requests a certain format, you should follow that guideline. If not, it might be a good idea to have both versions ready: a well-formatted PDF for direct applications and a DOCX version to ensure compatibility with ATS. If you’re receiving feedback that suggests changing the format, it might be worth trying a DOCX version to see if it improves your application results. Good luck with your job search!