Importing an existing resume (PDF or Word)
Why does my scanned PDF import nothing?
Because a scanned PDF is a picture of a page, not text. ResumeBuilder.ae reads the text in your file, and a scanned, image-only PDF has no text to read.
Scanned PDFs usually come from:
- Printing a resume and scanning it.
- Taking a photo of a paper resume and saving it as PDF.
- Some phone scanning apps.
Your options:
- Find the original Word or text-based PDF file you made the resume from.
- Use a text recognition (OCR) tool to convert the scan into text, then check every word carefully, because OCR makes mistakes with names, dates and numbers.
- Retype the content into the builder, perhaps starting from a role starter for structure.
A scanned resume also causes problems when sending applications, because applicant tracking systems need text. Rebuilding it as a text-based resume is worth doing anyway.
Reviewed · by the ResumeBuilder.ae editorial team
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Templates to try
Free to edit and preview. Single-column layouts are the safest choice for applicant tracking systems.
ATS Classic
Single column
ATS Professional
Single column
ATS Modern
Single column
General guidance for job seekers, not legal or immigration advice. Employers and applicant tracking systems differ, so always follow the instructions in the job advert. Spotted a mistake? Email support@jobb.ae.
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