Ms-Word Or PDF? CV Writing Tips When Making Job Applications

By Elizabeth Benu,

“I recently graduated from the Kenya Methodist University with a Business Administration Degree. I have already started applying for jobs. However, I have a well written CV but I am concerned of the format I ought to send it in. Should it be in PDF or Word? I am also particular about the font I have used and how I should name it. What should a perfect CV be made of? Please help,” Mary Atieno* writes in an email.

As much as you might be qualified for a position, the main hurdle comes in when you want to send a CV that will reach the recruiter in the best way.

Speaking to Rebecca Nyawira CV Writing Advisor at Corporate Staffing Services she advises that, “Just as you wouldn’t walk into an interview with torn clothes, ensure that you have a CV that is clearly laid out and organized.”

The CV Layout
“Ensure it remains constant throughout. An employer does not want a CV where they have to strain their eyes because of a poor choice of text or font. They also do not have time to waste,” she says.

“Line spacing should be single spaced. It is easy on the eye and also ensures minimal use of space,” she cautions.

“When highlighting your education and professional qualifications and also key professional skills and competencies, always use bullets. They are a good way of focusing the reader’s attention on a short sentence and unlike numbers they won’t make the reader feel as if they have to read too much information,” she explains further.

What if you use a fancy font such as Bradley Hand ITC, will it  make the recruiter notice you?

Ms. Mukunya cautions against this saying, “You must appear professional and sensible. Always use fonts that are conservative, easy on the eye and professional looking. Times New Roman, Tahoma and Book Antiqua are good examples. Also ensure that the font size does not exceed 12 and that you have only one font style throughout your CV.”

“Remember to save the CV with your name i.e. FlorenceMukunyaCV. That way the hiring manager can effortlessly identify who it belongs to,” she counsels.

What format should my CV be in—PDF or Microsoft Word?

“The PDF has its advantages over the MS-Word format,” says Ms. Mukunya adding that, “a PDF will look clearer, look the same when opened and cannot be altered or tampered with.”

“However, the recipient must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to open and view PDFs and you as a job seeker may not have the right software to convert documents to PDF,” she adds.

She strongly advocates for sending using an MS Word format.

“For one, it is universal. Nearly all companies have a copy of Microsoft Office on their computers. It will not give a recruiter a hard time as it is easy to open, print and forward,” she says.

“On the other hand, recruiters may specify the CV format for you. This is usually included on the job description. If it is not specified send in Word,” she adds.

Can one attach two different formats so the employer can choose which one they prefer?

Alison Green, a career advisor says, “No. Pick one or the other. Otherwise, your recipients have to spend time opening both, looking to see if there’s something different between the two documents that they’re supposed to be noticing.”

For questions concerning CV’s contact elizabeth@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke

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