Do recruiters and employers generally prefer receiving a resume in a Word Doc or PDF if given a choice?

Unless PDF is mentioned in the job postings I highly reccomend that job seekers use .doc format (work). To avoid the problem of older versions of word, you may save your work as .doc (word 2003-2007) not the latest format .docx. Most employers have not updated to the latest version of Microsoft Office.

Some Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) applications which allow you to apply for a position online can't read PDF, so you may provide a PDF if the recruiter/employer says they will accept that format. Otherwise, I would stick to MS Word. If the ATS can't read the resume, you run the risk of that resume being removed from consideration and possibly without notice.

Scarlett Career Services Helpful Tips: 

* If this is for an online application, use a Word document for where the resume is to be uploaded. And then upload a .pdf version where the application asks for additional documents.

* If it is being sent to an individual,  I recommend enclosing a Word version only unless noted otherwise in the job posting.