Work and jobs
How to save your CV as a PDF
In short
In Word: File → Save As → PDF. In Google Docs: File → Download → PDF Document. In Canva: Share → Download → PDF Standard. With the tool below you can then combine your CV with a cover letter and certificates into one file.
Do it right here
From Word
File → Save As (or Export) → choose PDF as the file type. Under options, leave “Standard (publishing online and printing)”. Word embeds the fonts, so your CV looks the same for the recipient.
From Google Docs and Canva
Google Docs: File → Download → PDF Document; the file goes to Downloads.
Canva: Share → Download → PDF Standard. PDF Print is larger and meant for printers; for email and job sites, PDF Standard is enough.
Checks before sending
- Open the PDF on a phone: that's how many recruiters will see it.
- Check any accented characters in names and places.
- Give the file a clear name, such as “CV-Firstname-Surname.pdf”, not “document final 3.pdf”.
- If a large photo makes it heavy, shrink it with Compress PDF.