Importing an existing resume (PDF or Word) – Page 3

Yes. Imported content is shown in whichever template is selected, so pick one that suits your content and the jobs you are applying for. Every template on ResumeBuilder.ae is free to use and preview.

How to choose:

• Start with a single-column template such as ATS Classic or ATS Professional, the safest default for applicant tracking systems.
• Preview two or three options with your real content.
• Check that headings, dates and bullets are clear and nothing looks crowded.
• Consider a two-column design only if you are confident it suits how you will apply; the builder labels these as more complex.

Fix the content first, then choose the template, because cleaning up imported text can change how much space it needs.

The original bullet symbols were converted into other characters during import. Word processors often use special fonts for bullets, and when that font is not available, the symbol appears as a letter or box.

Common examples:

• "ü", "§", "Ø", "o" or a square at the start of each bullet.
• A dash or asterisk followed by a space.

How to fix:

• Delete the stray character and space at the start of each bullet.
• Check the preview for double bullets.

The builder adds its own bullet symbols, so your text should start directly with the first word, such as "Managed" or "Prepared". The pre-payment checklist also warns about characters the PDF cannot print.

Yes. Accept or reject all tracked changes and delete all comments, then save a clean copy to import. Otherwise, deleted text or comments might come through as content.

How to clean it in Word:

• Open the Review tab.
• Choose "Accept All Changes" or review each change.
• Choose "Delete All Comments".
• Turn off tracking.
• Save as a new .docx file.

Also check for hidden content: comments from reviewers, notes to yourself, or old versions of sentences. Never send a resume with tracked changes to an employer either; it can reveal earlier drafts and private notes.

Use a text recognition (OCR) tool, then check every word, or retype it. OCR converts the picture of text into real text, but it often makes mistakes.

Options:

• Many document scanning apps and some PDF tools include OCR.
• Some office suites can convert a scanned PDF into an editable document.

After OCR:

• Check names, dates, numbers, email addresses and phone numbers character by character.
• Fix broken lines and wrong letters, such as "rn" read as "m".
• Paste the corrected text into the builder section by section, or save it as .docx and import it.

For a short resume, retyping can be just as fast and more accurate. Treat this as a chance to update your content as well.

Re-enter each link in the builder and test it in the downloaded PDF. Imports may bring the visible text but not the clickable link behind it.

Steps:

• Find each link in your original file: LinkedIn, portfolio, GitHub or project pages.
• Add your main links in the personal details links field.
• Add project links in the relevant Projects entries.
• Write links in a short, readable form, such as "linkedin.com/in/maria-lopez".

After downloading, click each link in the PDF. If a link uses visible text such as "My Portfolio", check that the actual web address appears too, since printed resumes cannot be clicked.

Compare section by section with your original file, then add the missing content by hand. Long or complex CVs are more likely to have parts skipped or misplaced.

Where to look:

• The end of the document: later sections such as Publications or References.
• Content in tables, text boxes, headers or footers.
• Pages with a different layout from the rest.

How to fix:

• Copy the missing text from your original file into the right sections.
• If a whole section is missing, add that section in the builder first, then paste.

While you are adding things back, consider whether everything belongs. A long CV is often a good opportunity to cut older or less relevant content.

Yes, at least until you have checked and downloaded the new version. Your old file is your reference for facts and your backup if something goes wrong.

Reasons to keep it:

• To compare imported content section by section.
• To recover details you deleted by mistake.
• To remember older jobs, dates or achievements in future.

Good practice:

• Rename it clearly, such as "Old-Resume-Jan-2024.pdf".
• Store it in a private folder or your own cloud storage.
• Also keep your new data safe with "Download all my resumes (JSON)" from My resumes.

Once your builder version is complete and backed up, you can archive or delete the old file if you prefer.

Download the file to your device first, then import it. ResumeBuilder.ae imports PDF and Word (.docx) files from your device, reading them in your browser.

Steps:

• Open your cloud storage app or website.
• Download the resume file, checking it is PDF or .docx.
• Note where it was saved, such as your Downloads folder.
• Start the import and select that file.

If you are on a phone, the file picker may also show cloud storage locations, depending on your device. Check that the file is under 5 MB and not password-protected before importing.

Retype them directly in the personal details fields and test them. Contact details are short, so small import errors, such as a missing digit or a changed symbol, are easy to miss.

Check:

• Email: the "@" symbol, the domain spelling, and no spaces.
• Phone: the country code with a "+" sign, every digit, and sensible spacing, such as "+974 5555 1234".
• City and country: spelled correctly.
• Links: complete and working.

Then:

• Send yourself a test email from another account.
• Ask a friend to call or message the number if you are unsure.

A single wrong character can stop an employer reaching you, so this check is worth the time.

Retype your name and professional title directly in the personal details fields. The top of a resume often mixes several items, such as a name, a heading like "Resume", a job title and contact details, so an import can pick the wrong line.

Common mix-ups:

• "Curriculum Vitae" or "Resume" imported as your name.
• Your job title imported as your name, or your name as your title.
• Your city or email placed in the title field.

How to fix:

• Enter your full name exactly as you want employers to use it.
• Enter a short professional title that matches your role or target, such as "Quantity Surveyor".
• Move any contact details into their own fields and delete leftovers.

Check the preview: your name should be the first and largest line, with the title just below it.