PDF vs DOCX for ATS — What Actually Works
Run a Free ATS Compatibility Check • Last updated: Oct 22, 2025
One file choice can decide if a human ever reads your resume. This guide gives a clear answer to the pdf vs docx ats debate and shows how to pass parsers without killing your layout. You’ll also get a resume quality check list, a safe conversion flow, and links to a free resume score checker—no inflated numbers, just fixes that translate to interviews.
- Default to DOCX unless the employer explicitly requests PDF.
- Use one column, simple headings, bullet lists, and consistent dates.
- If a portal demands PDF, export a clean DOCX → PDF and test.
- Run an ATS scan test; fix issues; submit to 2–3 aligned roles.
How ATS actually reads files
Applicant Tracking Systems don’t “see” a resume the way people do. They extract text and structure. That means linear flow, semantic headings, and clean bullets beat fancy designs. A Word file (DOCX) stores text and hierarchy in a way most parsers handle well. PDFs can work, but only when they’re exported from a simple DOCX and avoid layers, text boxes, and icons.
Use DOCX when: the portal accepts it, you’re applying to a large company, or your resume was built in Word/Docs. Consider PDF when: the company requests it, the form blocks DOCX, or you’re emailing a human after you’ve applied. Even then, keep the structure simple so PDF text remains selectable.
A quick decision rule you can trust
- Job portal says “DOCX” → submit DOCX.
- Job portal says “PDF only” → export clean DOCX → PDF, then run an ATS tester.
- Emailing recruiter post-apply → attach both: PDF (pretty) + DOCX (parser-safe).
- Design tool resume (Figma/Canva) → rebuild in Docs/Word before sending.
Following this rule removes 90% of preventable parser failures.
Resume quality check (10 fast items)
- One column, left-aligned text. No tables or text boxes.
- Headings: Experience, Education, Skills, Projects (optional: Certifications).
- Consistent dates: MMM YYYY–MMM YYYY (or “Present”).
- System font (Calibri, Arial, Helvetica). 10.5–12pt body text.
- Bullets start with verbs; one number per bullet.
- No icons, emojis, or images of text (including skill “bars”).
- Contact line plain text (Name | Email | Phone | City | URL).
- Skills listed as comma-separated text, not a table.
- Save as DOCX; if needed, export that to PDF.
- Run the ats compatibility check and fix flags.
These ten steps help you pass both machines and humans. Pretty layouts won’t rescue unclear content, and clear content doesn’t need pretty layouts.
Safe conversion: PDF → DOCX (and back)
If your only copy is a PDF, convert it carefully to avoid broken structure.
- Open PDF in Google Docs (File → Open → Upload). Save as DOCX.
- Rebuild structure: replace any auto-created text boxes or columns with plain text bullets.
- Normalize styles: set Heading styles for sections; keep lists as real bullets.
- Replace icons with words. Parsers treat icons as noise.
- Export to PDF only if asked. Otherwise keep DOCX.
Before you send anything, run an ats scan test to confirm the file is readable.
“Resume score free” tools: what to expect
Many “resume score free” tools behave like vanity meters. They reward keyword density and aesthetics, not hiring signals. A useful check is closer to a linter: it flags parseability, structural gaps, and misaligned content. That’s why our ATS resume score checker (free) emphasises readability + relevance, not inflated points.
Use an ats score calculator as a guide, not a goal. Your target isn’t 95/100; it’s a human reading your resume, saying “I get it—let’s talk.”
Keyword reality: add, don’t stuff
Whether you submit PDF or DOCX, keywords still matter. Pull verbs and tools from 2–3 job posts you would happily do for 90 days. Integrate them where true—especially in bullets and your Skills line. Then re-scan.
- Bad: “Synergised innovative strategies; team player.”
- Better: “Instrumented onboarding funnel; reduced time-to-first-value by 28%.”
Parsers pick up the words; people reward the outcomes. Balance both.
FAQ: quick answers you can act on
Q: Can I keep my two-column design?
A: Not for ATS. Reflow to one column, then create a separate PDF portfolio for visuals.
Q: My PDF looks fine—why did parsing fail?
A: Because “looks fine” isn’t the same as “stored as simple text.” Many PDFs are images + positioned boxes. Parsers get lost.
Q: What about LinkedIn Easy Apply?
A: Treat it like an ATS. Use DOCX unless the form blocks it. Keep headings and bullets simple.
From file type to interviews: a short plan
- Rebuild your resume in Word/Docs (one column, simple headings).
- Save as DOCX. If required, export DOCX → PDF.
- Run the ATS compatibility check; fix parseability + keywords.
- Use our resume score checker (free) for final linting.
- Apply to 3 aligned roles. Publish one micro-proof this week.
That’s the calm path: fewer guesses, more evidence, better callbacks.
Ready to pass ATS—whatever file you use?
Run a free scan, fix the traps that block parsing, and ship a resume humans actually want to read. If a portal demands PDF, you’ll still pass—because the structure is clean.
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