What are the recommended file formats to use for a resume?

Personally, I feel like the recommended file formats for a resume are PDF for preserving layout and formatting across devices, and Word (.doc or .docx) for compatibility with applicant tracking systems (ATS).

PDF, Word (.docx), .pages

For compatibility, print-ready and preservation of the resume layout, the PDF file comes top. The MS word (.docx) and .pages are good for future edits.

I'll recommend the PDF file and any of the .docx or .pages depending on the operating system.

The two recommended formats are the Word Docx or PDF format, but it's necessary to provide a client with both as he can easily edit the Word file. A Word format is the recommended format for a job application.

Whatever file options they allow! I get this question a lot. Simply follow their instructions. If it says upload a PDF, upload a PDF. If it says a .docx, upload a Word document. If there is no indication of file type, err on the side of caution and submit a Word Document. Yes, with a PDF you don't have to worry about formatting issues, but some older ATS have a hard time parsing PDFs, and recruiters (including myself) prefer Word documents that can easily be notated. 

When choosing a file format for your resume, please consider these recommendations:

1. PDF (Portable Document Format) is widely preferred as it preserves formatting across devices and platforms
2. Word (.doc or .docx) is commonly accepted and easily editable
3. Plain text (.txt) can be useful for copy-pasting into online applications
4. Avoid less common formats like Pages or OpenDocument
5. Always follow specific employer instructions if given

PDF is generally the safest choice for maintaining your resume's layout and design. However, some ATS may prefer Word formats.

When in doubt, have both PDF and Word versions ready. Avoid image-based formats like JPEG or PNG as they're not ATS-friendly and can't be easily parsed by hiring systems.

If you have more questions, please ask me directly

Google Docs. Using an online word processor means your resume is only ever a link away, so you can make updates in real-time and recipients always have the latest version. If you need to attach a file to an application, download your Google Doc as a PDF - it's professional, reliable in terms of maintaining formatting across different devices, and easy to secure, vs an alternative like Word.