Best format to save CV in?

IwantanewPC · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:40

I originally had my CV typed up in windows Wordpad but I heard from quite a few places I sent my CV to that they were unable to open the file. So then I downloaded Open Office and saved it in .odt form but I'm being told not everyone can open that.

So which is the best format/word processor to use?

GravyMonster · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:41

Word doc - not docx, or PDF.

HarryPainful · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:41

.doc

Been the format of mine for 15 years.

Morgoth · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:41

I always send in PDF.

scorza · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:43

PDF for me.

No offence, but I struggle to imagine a well presented CV produced in WordPad either.

A2Z · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:44

.doc

Had numerous emails back from people saying cant open .pdf when I sent a few in .pdf format.

Unless is specifically states .pdf then I always send .doc now, and definately not .docx

And wow wordpad? Just get Word...

shine · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:44

Morgoth said:
I always send in PDF.

This, if someone wants it in a different format then I'll provide it on request.

mrbios · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:48

PDF always seems more professional in my opinion

loltim · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:51

mrbios said:
PDF always seems more professional in my opinion

.pdf certainly looks more professional but i still use .doc. It's safer. I know the recipient will have office installed and I don't want my application failing because becky on reception said my CV was broken.

Sunbed · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:51

A2Z said:
.doc

Had numerous emails back from people saying cant open .pdf when I sent a few in .pdf format.

Unless is specifically states .pdf then I always send .doc now, and definately not .docx

And wow wordpad? Just get Word...

A company that doesn't have PDF reading software? lol

I always send mine as a PDF. If you send it out as a DOC anyone could edit it :/

RDM · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:55

Sundance said:
A company that doesn't have PDF reading software? lol

I always send mine as a PDF. If you send it out as a DOC anyone could edit it :/

I know of at least one major bank where there was no pdf reading software as part of their standard desktop. Which means that anybody that wanted it would need to request it from service desk.

shine · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:57

RDM said:
I know of at least one major bank where there was no pdf reading software as part of their standard desktop. Which means that anybody that wanted it would need to request it from service desk.

Most major banks do not invite direct CV submissions - you would fill out online an application form or submit your CV to a recruitment agency.

NathanE · 5 Sep 2011 at 11:58

PDF, it prevents agencies from editing your CV which they would otherwise do.

weringo · 5 Sep 2011 at 12:00

We had this thread 3 or 4 weeks ago

Jonny69 · 5 Sep 2011 at 12:01

RDM · 5 Sep 2011 at 12:01

shine said:
Most major banks do not invite direct CV submissions - you would fill out online an application form or submit your CV to a recruitment agency.

You would be suprised...

Regardless, that is a major company with pdf reading software. It really is quite common especially with large enterprises with standard desktops.

p4radox · 5 Sep 2011 at 12:02

This came up only a few weeks ago. I've always used PDF and assumed that everyone else did until the previous thread where people suggested .doc. Apparently some agencies like to be able to remove your contact details from your CV so that all the contact goes through them? Sounds pretty dodgy to me, I'd just use PDF...

Danthus · 5 Sep 2011 at 12:05

NathanE said:
PDF, it prevents agencies from editing your CV which they would otherwise do.

That has happened to me.

Jedeye · 5 Sep 2011 at 12:05

ScarySquirrel · 5 Sep 2011 at 12:06

I'd send a PDF, if they have issues then they can request another format.

Best format to save CV in?

Man of Honour