Sending your CV as PDF: format, filename and file size
2 min read·25 July 2026
Sending your CV in PDF format is the standard. But which format should you choose, how do you name the file, and how do you make sure it looks right for every recruiter? A practical guide.
Why always PDF for CVs?
A PDF looks identical on every device and operating system. Word documents can look different to the recipient — different margins, fonts, layout that shifts. Recruiters open your CV on Mac, Windows, iOS — PDF always delivers the result you intended.
ATS systems and PDF
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) parse your CV automatically. Some older ATS systems read PDF worse than Word. If the job posting explicitly asks for Word, send Word. Otherwise PDF is the preference of most modern recruiters.
Compress PDF
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Keep file size small
A CV PDF should be small — ideally under 500 KB. A large PDF (photos, logos in high resolution) can block emails or trigger slow upload systems. Use the compress tool to reduce your CV PDF without visible quality loss.
Choose the filename
Name your file "FirstName_LastName_CV.pdf" — not "CV.pdf" or "Application.pdf". Recruiters receive dozens of CVs per day; a clear filename keeps you findable. Avoid spaces in the filename.
Check before sending
Open your PDF in a viewer you haven't used before (or use the info tool) to check all formatting is correct. Also verify hyperlinks work and your photo (if present) displays properly.
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