PDF Guides
CV PDF Preparation for Irish Job Applications
Employers and job boards in Ireland — from IrishJobs.ie and Jobs.ie to a company's own careers portal — almost always ask for your CV as a PDF. It keeps your layout fixed regardless of what device or software the reader opens it with, which a Word file can't always guarantee.
Why PDF over Word
A Word document's layout can shift depending on the fonts installed on the reader's computer or the software they're using to open it. A PDF looks identical everywhere — what you see when you export it is exactly what the employer sees.
How to prepare your CV as a PDF
The cleanest result comes from exporting directly from the document you wrote it in.
- Export directly to PDF from Word or Google Docs, rather than printing to PDF or scanning a printed copy
- Check that it opens correctly and the formatting looks right before submitting
- Compress it if it's unexpectedly large — a template with a background image or graphic can bloat the file well beyond what a CV needs
- Name the file clearly, like FirstName-Surname-CV.pdf, instead of a generic "Document1"
Combining your CV with a cover letter
If an application asks for a single attachment covering both your CV and a cover letter, it's usually cleaner to combine them into one PDF rather than relying on the recipient to open two separate files in the right order.
Frequently asked questions
Should I send my CV as a Word document or PDF?
PDF, unless the application specifically asks for a Word document. PDF keeps your formatting consistent across every device and viewer.
How do I combine my CV and cover letter into one file?
Convert each to PDF if they aren't already, then merge them into a single PDF with your CV first, in the order you'd like them read.
Is my CV uploaded to a server when I convert or merge it here?
No. Both tools run entirely in your browser, so your CV never leaves your device before you submit it yourself.