When you’re applying for jobs in the UK, the format you send your CV in matters more than most people realise. On the surface it’s a simple choice PDF or Word but what this really impacts is how hiring managers, HR teams, and applicant tracking systems (ATS) read, parse and interact with your CV. Send the wrong format and you risk formatting issues, unreadability, or even missing out on being shortlisted early in the process. What UK employers prefer isn’t just about aesthetics it’s about usability, compatibility and whether your CV makes it through the first important filters.
In this blog we break down the differences between PDF and Word CVs, why each matters, how ATS works with both, which format works best in specific scenarios, what recent employer feedback and polls suggest, and step‑by‑step guidance so you always send the correct version. By the end you’ll know exactly when to stick with PDF, when Word might be smarter, and how to ensure your CV gets read the way you intend it to.
Here’s what this blog covers: format definitions, pros and cons, UK employer preferences, ATS considerations, expert examples, actionable tips and trends across hiring technology.
Understanding CV File Formats: PDF and Word Explained
Most UK job applications expect a digital CV these days rarely a printed one. There are two dominant formats:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
- Lock‑in formatting so it displays the same on all devices
- Harder to edit or accidentally change
- Often seen as more polished and professional
Word Document (DOC or DOCX)
- Editable format that any recruiter or HR team can open
- Easier for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to parse text
- Ideal when updates or customisation are needed quickly
Both formats are widely accepted, but they serve different purposes and user expectations in the hiring process.
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We’ll naturally include: CV format UK, Word vs PDF CV UK, UK employers CV preference, ATS CV guidelines UK, CV best practice UK, CV tips for UK job seekers, recruiter CV recommendations.
Why Format Choice Matters for UK Employers
The thing is this: employers and recruiters don’t just look at your CV content they interact with the file itself. What UK HR professionals care about varies by context.
1. First Impressions Count
A PDF delivers exactly what you design. Spacing, fonts, layout and structure show up consistently on desktops, tablets and phones. That means the hiring manager sees your CV exactly as you intended.
2. Practical HR Considerations
Recruitment agencies and internal HR teams often prefer Word files because they need to make quick edits removing contact info, tailoring wording or adding internal templates before forwarding.
3. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and Parsing
Many UK employers now use ATS software to screen CVs before any human reads them. Historically, Word files have been easier for ATS to read accurately particularly when the layout is simple and text‑based though modern systems are better at reading PDFs too.
4. Following Instructions Trumps General Preference
If a job advert explicitly asks for one format, you give it what they want. Ignoring that is more harmful than choosing PDF over Word (or vice versa).
UK Employer Preferences: What the Data Suggests
Insight matters here, and while hard UK‑specific hiring surveys aren’t always published, job‑seeker polls give useful signals.
In a recent LinkedIn‑based poll, roughly 73% of respondents preferred PDF over Word for CVs, with 27% favouring Word showing a strong lean toward PDF readability and presentation.
That doesn’t mean Word is obsolete. In fact, in larger corporate hires and agency pipelines, Word is still a strong choice especially where editing, ATS parsing or internal reformatting are part of the process.
So what this really means is: PDF is often preferred for direct applications, Word is preferred for recruiter workflows and ATS compatibility.
Pros and Cons: PDF vs Word CV
Let’s break down the practical differences side‑by‑side.
PDF CV Benefits
- Formatting Integrity: What you see is what they see, every time.
- Professional Finish: Looks tidy and polished, especially for creative or client‑facing roles.
- Universal Viewing: Works on all operating systems without special software.
- Safety from Editing: Prevents accidental changes by others.
Limitations of PDF:
- Harder to edit quickly (requires special tools).
- Older ATS might struggle with parsing complex PDFs.
Word (DOC/DOCX) CV Benefits
- Easy Editing: Perfect for quick updates and recruiter tweaks.
- ATS Friendly: Typically more easily parsed for keyword scanning.
- Industry Standard: Some HR teams expect it.
Limitations of Word:
- Formatting may shift depending on device or version.
- Editable by anyone, increasing risk of accidental changes.
How to Choose: Decision Guide for UK Applicants
Follow this step‑by‑step logic:
- Check the Job Ad Instructions: If they explicitly want one format, use it.
- Applying Via Recruiter? Send Word.
- Submitting Directly to Employer? Go PDF (unless asked otherwise).
- Job Board with ATS Parsing: Word might edge ahead.
- Creative CV with Visual Design: PDF without question.
This decision tree ensures your format matches how your CV will be reviewed and used.
Expert Tips to Optimise Both Formats
Get ATS‑Friendly
- Avoid tables and text boxes that confuse parsing algorithms.
- Keep headings simple and use standard fonts.
- Export to text‑searchable PDF (don’t just embed images). Naming Your File
Use a clear professional structure:
FirstName_LastName_CV_2026.pdf or .docx makes retrieval easy for HR.
Save Both
It’s smart to maintain a master Word CV you update regularly, then export to PDF for final submissions.
Practical Examples from UK Job Markets
Example 1 Corporate Finance Role:
The employer specifies .docx in the advert. Sending PDF here might risk your application being ignored by ATS or HR software.
Example 2 Design Portfolio Application:
A creative CV with visuals and hyperlinks is best in PDF to preserve layout.
Example 3 Recruitment Agency Submission:
Word is preferred so recruiters can tailor CVs for multiple roles quickly.
Trends in CV Submissions and Hiring Tech
ATS adoption in the UK has steadily increased, even among SMEs, meaning structured, text‑based CVs are more likely to be read accurately. At the same time, remote and mobile hiring means PDFs are more universally accessible and present consistently across devices. These shifts mean both formats remain relevant but context is everything.
Internal Linking Suggestions (for your blog site)
- Link to “How to Write a CV that Passes ATS in the UK”
- Link to “UK CV Layout Best Practices (with Examples)”
- Link to your CV Writing Service Page
Key Takeaways
Here’s what to remember:
- Always follow the employer’s instructions first.
- Use PDF for presentation and direct applications.
- Use Word for ATS and recruiter workflows.
- Maintain both versions and update your Word master.
This approach ensures your CV gets read, parsed and appreciated whichever hiring pathway you’re in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What format CV do UK employers prefer?
Most prefer PDF for direct submissions, but recruiters often want Word. Always follow the job advert’s instruction. - Is PDF more professional than Word for UK CVs?
PDF tends to look more polished and consistent across devices. - Does Word CV work with UK applicant tracking systems?
Yes Word is typically easier for ATS to parse accurately. - Can UK employers open PDF CVs?
Yes, PDFs open on virtually all devices without special software. - Should I send both PDF and Word versions?
Only if asked don’t attach extra files unless the job advert allows it. - Do UK recruiters edit CVs more often in Word?
Recruiters prefer Word because it’s easy to edit and customise. - Will formatting break if I send Word to UK employers?
It can, if fonts or versions differ that’s a risk Word carries. - Does ATS prefer PDF or Word?
Historically Word, though many ATS systems now parse text PDFs too. - Should creative CVs be in PDF?
Yes PDF preserves layout and design elements. - What should I do if nothing is specified in the job ad?
As a general rule, use PDF unless you’re applying through a recruiter or ATS portal.