Most employers and job portals in Pakistan prefer CVs in PDF format. It looks professional, opens on any device and keeps your layout intact. A few small details can make the difference between a CV that is read and one that is skipped. Here are ten tips for sending your CV as a PDF, using our free Word to PDF tool and other helpers.
1. Name the file properly
Use your name and the role: “Ayesha-Khan-CV-Accountant.pdf”. Avoid “CV-final-final2.pdf”.
2. Keep it short
One or two pages is usually enough for most roles. Senior or academic CVs can be longer.
3. Use clear fonts
Calibri, Arial or similar fonts at 10 to 12 points are easy to read. Use bold for headings and keep styles consistent.
4. Check the file size
Many portals limit uploads to 1 or 2 MB. Large photos are the usual culprit; compress them with the Image Compressor before inserting.
5. Add a professional photo only if expected
Many Pakistani employers expect a photo; many international ones do not. If you include one, use a neutral background. The Image Cropper gets the framing right.
6. Make text selectable
Do not scan a printed CV. Applicant tracking systems read text, and a scanned image cannot be searched.
7. Use keywords from the job advert
If the advert asks for “Excel, payroll and IFRS”, use those exact words where they truthfully apply. It helps both people and software.
8. Merge supporting documents only if asked
If the employer wants CV, degree and CNIC in one file, convert each to PDF and join them with the PDF Merger, with the CV first.
9. Check your contact details
Phone number with country code (+92), a professional email address, and your city. A single wrong digit can lose you the interview.
10. Proofread the PDF itself
Open the final PDF, not just the Word file, and read it. Check that bullet points, dates and spacing look right.
Bonus: keep an editable version
Keep the Word file for future updates. If you only have a PDF, use the PDF to Word converter. For the conversion steps, see how to convert Word to PDF.
Frequently asked questions
Should I send my CV as PDF or Word?
PDF, unless the employer asks for Word.
How big should a CV PDF be?
Ideally under 1 MB, and within any portal limit.
Should I include a photo on my CV?
Many Pakistani employers expect one; follow the norms of the employer and country.