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ATS File Format: PDF vs DOCX (What Works Best)
•6 min read•By SayItBetter Team
ATS File Format: PDF vs DOCX (What Works Best)
DOCX (Safest) - Most ATS systems parse DOCX cleanly - Best for compatibility
PDF (Sometimes OK) - Works if formatting is simple - Risky if you use columns or graphics
Recommendation
If the job post doesn’t specify, use DOCX. If it requires PDF, keep it simple.
Next Steps
Try the Resume Checker and join the Resume/ATS waitlist for early access.
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