If the job posting and application portal do not specify a resume file type, submit a text-based PDF or DOCX with a simple, single-column layout. A text-based PDF usually preserves how your resume looks; DOCX is a sound choice when the portal supports it or you want to avoid a PDF that may not parse cleanly. No format is guaranteed to work the same way in every employer’s applicant tracking system (ATS).
Let the application portal decide first
Check the upload instructions, accepted file types, and any employer-specific directions before choosing. If the portal names a required or accepted format, follow it rather than general advice. University career services at UC Santa Barbara and the University of Connecticut both advise applicants to follow the system’s instructions.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
If there is no format instruction, choose a readable file
Career-service guidance accepts both DOCX and PDF: Iowa State University recommends saving as .docx or .pdf, while UConn recommends .doc/.docx or PDF unless the job description specifies otherwise. UC Santa Barbara says PDF is typically best for final submission, while also directing applicants to follow ATS instructions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- Choose PDF when preserving the resume’s visual layout matters and you can confirm its text is selectable and readable.
- Choose DOCX when the portal accepts it and you prefer to submit an editable document or want to avoid problems with a PDF export.
Keep an editable DOCX master and export a text-based PDF when useful. This is a practical way to have both formats ready, not a guarantee of better hiring outcomes.
#1 Best Overall
- Life Is Noteworthy. Create a resume that is noteworthy and will stand out from the crowd with this Southworth Resume Paper!Make a good first impression with this 100 percent Cotton Resume paper. Each sheet is lignin-free and acid-free to resist yellowing, and can be used in copiers as well as inkjet and laser printers for convenience. This Southworth Resume Paper comes 100 sheets per box to ensure there's enough on hand.
- Resume paper is ideal for resumes, cover letters, and thank-you notes
- Paper size: 8.5"W x 11"L
- Printer compatibility: laser, inkjet, copier
- Acid- and lignin-free
Make sure a PDF contains real text
A PDF created from a scan may be only an image. An ATS may then be unable to extract the resume’s words, as UConn explains in its ATS guidance. A quick check is to select and copy the PDF’s text into a word processor, then look for missing words, odd spacing, or text in the wrong order. The University of Missouri–St. Louis Career Services recommends this kind of copy-and-check step.
- Open the PDF and try to select a sentence with your cursor.
- Copy it into a word processor or plain-text editor.
- Check that words, punctuation, and reading order transferred correctly.
- If the text is missing or garbled, export a fresh PDF from the original document or submit the DOCX if the portal allows it.
Keep the layout simple for applicant tracking systems
ATS software can extract resume text, organize information, and compare it with a job description; that does not mean every system rejects a resume because of its file type. Parsing behavior varies, and university guidance warns that complex design can make information harder for some systems to read.
Rank #2
- Premium Quality Business Paper – This 70lb luxury resume paper offers a smooth, bright white finish, perfect for creating professional resumes, cover letters, and business correspondence. The 70lb weight ensures durability while maintaining a refined look and feel.
- Perfect for Printing and Writing – Designed for superior printability, this high-quality paper is ideal for inkjet and laser printers, ensuring crisp, sharp text and vibrant colors for your documents. It also provides a smooth surface for writing with pens or pencils.
- Versatile 8.5" x 11" Size – Standard letter-sized (8.5" x 11") paper that fits perfectly in most office printers and filing systems. Whether you're printing resumes, invitations, or professional documents, this paper is a great choice for any project.
- 100 Sheets per Pack – Comes with 100 sheets of luxury paper, offering excellent value and ensuring you have enough for multiple print jobs or professional documents. Ideal for office, home, or school use.
- Sustainable and Eco-Friendly – Made from high-quality, eco-conscious materials to support sustainability. This paper is sourced responsibly, making it a great choice for environmentally-conscious consumers.
- Use a straightforward, single-column reading order and familiar section headings.
- Avoid relying on columns, tables, text boxes, images, graphics, or decorative symbols to convey important information. These elements can be misread or appear out of order, according to guidance from Iowa State, UC Santa Barbara, UConn, and UT Austin CNS Career Services.
- Use job-relevant language truthfully. When a posting exists, tailor the resume to its requirements; when it does not, emphasize experience relevant to the role or employer without inventing keywords.
A quick decision guide
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| The portal specifies a format | Upload a format it accepts and follow the employer’s directions. |
| The portal accepts PDF and DOCX but gives no preference | Use a text-based PDF if preserving appearance is your priority, or DOCX if it is the clearer supported choice. Keep an editable copy of the resume. |
| Your PDF is scanned or copied text looks wrong | Export a fresh PDF from the original document, check its extracted text, or upload DOCX if permitted. |
| Your resume relies on columns, tables, text boxes, graphics, or decorative symbols | Simplify the layout and verify that copied text follows the intended reading order. |
Why there is no universal ATS winner
The cited career services differ in emphasis: some accept either DOCX or PDF, while UC Santa Barbara favors PDF for final submission in typical cases. Their shared advice is to follow the portal’s requirements and make the resume easy to read. The available guidance does not establish that PDF always parses better than DOCX, or that DOCX always performs better across ATS products.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsQuick Recap
Rank #4
- Premium Paper Set: Made from 90 GSM parchment paper for easy writing.Heavy-weight,avoid ink bleed through.Parchment paper is light enough in color for writing,all write smoothly on this paper.
- Vintage Design: Designed with vintage textures,these diploma papers have retro appearances,crafted with attention to detail,experience the appeal of vintage paper.
- Smooth Texture for Writing and Printing: It works well on a variety of laser and inkjet printers at home as well as professional printers in the office.Whether you prefer the printing or writing,our parchment paper offers a smooth and consistent surface.
- Product Specifications: Each pack contains 25 sheets,sized at 8.5 x 11 inches.The blank design allows for easy addition of text, graphics,catering to various personalized demand.
- Multi-Purpose: This paper is great for certificates, resumes,diplomas,business cards and invitations.Ideal for use in homes,schools,and businesses,as well as for artistic,crafts and more,offering possibilities for your creativity.
Rank #3
- Life Is Noteworthy. Create a resume that is noteworthy and will stand out from the crowd with this Southworth Resume Paper!Make a good first impression with this 100 percent Cotton Resume paper. Each sheet is lignin-free and acid-free to resist yellowing, and can be used in copiers as well as inkjet and laser printers for convenience. This Southworth Resume Paper comes 100 sheets per box to ensure there's enough on hand.
- Resume paper is ideal for resumes, cover letters, and thank-you notes
- Paper size: 8.5"W x 11"L
- Printer compatibility: laser, inkjet, copier
- Acid- and lignin-free
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
