The "%20" Filename Error
Why you should never use spaces in your CV filename. Learn how web browsers convert spaces into ugly "%20" characters that look unprofessional.
## The Ugly URL
You named your file: `Gary Pine CV.pdf`
It looks fine on your desktop.
But when you upload it to a web portal, the browser encodes the spaces.
**The Recruiter sees:**
`Gary%20Pine%20CV.pdf`
## The Mechanics of "Clean" Data
That `%20` is the code for a space. It makes you look technically illiterate.
It also creates issues for some legacy database search functions that break when they hit special characters.
## The Fix: Hyphens
Always bridge the gap.
- **Good:** `Gary_Pine_CV.pdf` (Underscore)
- **Best:** `Gary-Pine-CV.pdf` (Hyphen)
## The Renaming Protocol
- [ ] Right-click your file > Rename.
- [ ] Delete all spaces.
- [ ] Insert hyphens between every word.
- [ ] Check for double-periods (e.g., `CV..pdf`) and remove them.
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*For more on formatting best practices, explore our [Format & Layout](/format-and-layout) insights.*