The "PDF vs. Word" Parse Debate (2025 Edition)
The old advice was "Always Word." The new advice is "PDF First." We explain why modern parsers prefer PDF and the one specific exception where Word wins.
## The "Safe Mode" Myth
For years, career coaches said: *"Send a Word Doc. Robots can't read PDFs."*
In 2010, that was true. In 2025, it is bad advice.
## Why PDF Wins (Usually)
Modern ATS platforms (Lever, Greenhouse, Workday) use OCR (Optical Character Recognition). They read PDFs perfectly.
**The Benefit:** A PDF locks your formatting. If you send a Word Doc, and the recruiter opens it on a Mac (Pages) or Google Docs, your margins will explode.
## The Recruiter Exception
There is one specific scenario where a Word Doc is better: **Agency Recruiters.**
Why? Because they often need to *edit* your CV (removing your contact info to protect their commission) before sending it to the client. If you send a PDF, they have to convert it, which breaks the layout.
**The Rule:**
- **Applying Direct:** Send PDF.
- **Applying to Agency:** Send Word.
## File Format Safety Check
- [ ] Export as PDF.
- [ ] Highlight the text with your mouse. (If you can highlight it, the robot can read it).
- [ ] If you can't highlight it (it's an image), the robot can't read it.
---
*For more on ATS compatibility, explore our [ATS Optimisation](/ats-optimization) insights.*