I need to submit my resume as a PDF
A PDF keeps your layout intact and reads cleanly in hiring systems. Convert, keep it selectable, and get it under the size cap.
Most job portals want a PDF because it looks identical on every device. Convert your Word resume to PDF with a Word-to-PDF tool, then compress it if it's over the upload limit. Keep it text-based (not a screenshot) so applicant-tracking systems can read the words. Everything runs in your browser, privately.
4 tools for this
Each one is free, private and runs in your browser. No sign-up, no watermark.
Word to PDF
Convert a Word document (.docx or.doc) into a clean, shareable PDF that looks the same on every device, converted in your browser, so the file is never uploaded.
Compress PDF
Shrink a PDF's file size right in your browser. Pick a compression level, see exactly how much you saved, and download. No uploads, no watermark.
Merge PDF
Combine multiple PDF files into a single document, drag to set the order, then download. Free, fast and entirely in your browser.
PDF to Word
Turn a PDF into an editable Microsoft Word (.docx) document, text extracted into clean, editable paragraphs, entirely in your browser with no upload.
How to fix it
Follow these steps and you'll have it sorted in a couple of minutes.
- 1
Convert your resume to PDF
Use Word to PDF so the file looks the same everywhere and can't be accidentally edited by a reviewer.
- 2
Keep the text selectable
Export from the document, not as an image: hiring systems (ATS) parse real text, not a picture of it.
- 3
Combine extras if required
Need a cover letter or portfolio in one file? Merge them into a single PDF in the right order.
- 4
Compress to the size limit
If the portal caps uploads (often 2–5MB), run Compress PDF so it slips under without losing sharpness.
- Uploading a screenshot or scanned image of your resume: ATS software can't read the text and may discard the application.
- Overstuffing with graphics that push the file past the upload cap. Compress it or simplify the design.
- Submitting a filename like 'resume-final-2.pdf', name it clearly, e.g. 'Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf'.
Frequently asked questions
More problems we solve
Ran into one of these too? Here's the fix.
- I need to turn a PDF into an editable Word documentNeed to reuse the text or make big changes? Convert the PDF to Word, edit in a familiar app, and convert back if you need a PDF again.
- I need to combine several PDFs into oneApplications and submissions often want a single PDF. Merge your files in the right order, in seconds, without any software.
- My PDF is too largeUpload limits are usually 2MB, 5MB or 10MB. The steps to get any PDF safely under the line without wrecking the quality.
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Ready? Start with Word to PDF
Free, private and instant: everything runs in your browser.