Should I send my CV as Word or PDF when applying in the UK?
Send the format the employer asks for. If both are accepted and no preference is given, a text-based PDF can preserve the layout; keep an editable master as well. Use DOCX when it is requested. Check the final file rather than assuming its extension guarantees readability. WorkCV's paid builder exports both PDF and an editable Word (DOCX) file; its separate free template is also DOCX.
| Application instructions | Your next step |
|---|---|
| Send a Word document or .docx | Submit DOCX. Do not substitute a PDF because it looks better in your preview. |
| Send a PDF | Export a text-based PDF from your document and check it opens correctly. |
| An upload field lists accepted extensions | Choose one of the listed formats and stay within the size limit. Check that the upload completes. |
| Email a CV, with no format specified | A text-based PDF can preserve the presentation for reading. If editability matters or the recipient has a preference, ask or follow their guidance. |
| A recruiter requests an editable copy | Provide the requested Word document and inspect it first. Keep your own original copy. |
| An application form asks you to enter employment details | Complete the required fields; attaching a CV may not replace them. |
Look at the advert, attachments and the actual application portal. Instructions can differ between roles at the same organisation. If they conflict, contact the recruiter before the deadline rather than assuming one generic recommendation applies.
What Word and PDF are useful for
A DOCX is an editable document. It is useful when you are revising your wording or the recipient specifically needs to work with the file. Layout can change when it opens with different fonts or software, so inspect the copy you intend to send.
A PDF is useful for sharing a fixed page layout. It is still possible to produce a poor PDF: text may be too small, a section may fall onto a nearly empty page, or the file may contain only a picture of the CV. Exporting does not replace checking.
For both formats, use clear headings and ordinary text for the essential information. Avoid putting your only phone number or qualification title inside an image. A recruiting system may extract text differently from the way a person sees the page.
Check whether a PDF contains usable text
- Open the PDF you will actually submit, not just the editor preview.
- Try selecting your name and an experience bullet.
- Copy a section into a plain text editor and inspect the order and characters.
- Check every page for clipped lines, missing symbols and headings separated from their content.
If you can only select a whole image, look for the original document and export from it. A scanned document may have a recognised text layer, but recognition can make mistakes. Review the extracted text rather than assuming it is correct.
This is a useful manual check, not a simulation of an employer's ATS. It cannot certify that all software will parse the file identically. Likewise, the WorkCV CV match checker reviews supplied text against a vacancy; it cannot inspect file layout from pasted text.
Which WorkCV option gives you the file you need?
WorkCV document options
- Option
- Blank Word template
- What you receive
- An editable .docx with instructions to replace. Fill and format it yourself.
- Account and cost
- Free direct download; no account required.
- Option
- Online CV editor
- What you receive
- A PDF of your saved CV, using the selected WorkCV layout.
- Account and cost
- Email-code login. Build and preview free; £7.99 once for one saved CV's PDF.
| Option | What you receive | Account and cost |
|---|---|---|
| Blank Word template | An editable .docx with instructions to replace. Fill and format it yourself. | Free direct download; no account required. |
| Online CV editor | A PDF of your saved CV, using the selected WorkCV layout. | Email-code login. Build and preview free; £7.99 once for one saved CV's PDF. |
The Word template is not an export of a CV already built in the editor. If you need DOCX, use the blank Word template and enter your content there. If PDF is suitable, build and preview in WorkCV before deciding to pay.
Send the final version, not your working file
Use a clear filename such as Alex-Morgan-CV.pdf or Alex-Morgan-CV.docx. Remove internal labels such as “draft”, “old” or “final-final” once the file is ready. Do not change an extension by renaming it: use the document application's actual save or export option.
Keep the file under the stated size limit. Check that comments, tracked changes, template instructions and unused example text are absent. Open the attachment from the draft email or inspect the uploaded file where the portal allows it; this catches accidentally selecting an older version.
Should I send both? Usually provide the requested file rather than attaching competing versions without explanation. If both are requested, make sure their content agrees.
Can an ATS read PDFs? Support depends on the system and its configuration. Follow the listed formats and use a text-based document; do not rely on a universal “ATS-safe” label.
Can I export my WorkCV CV to Word? The current editor download is PDF. The free DOCX is a separate blank template.