Why won't my pdf resume upload?

Report · Jan 19, 2010

I am applying for a job that requires me to upload a resume in either pdf or rft formats as part of the online application. I designed and wrote my resume in Word (2003, SP3), opened Adobe Acrobat Pro (9.1.3), used the "Create" function to turn my Word file into a pdf, embedded the fonts, saved the pdf...then...on the employer's website, I received an error message when I tried to upload my pdf file (see copy of message below). After several tries on different computers, I finally spoke to a real person at this company who said my resume had too much formatting...they only have Version 8 (I assume that's Reader, not Acrobat), and I should remove some of the formatting and re-try. By the way, this person told me that the company has already received OVER 500 resumes successfully uploaded.

After many versions of my resume still would not upload, I completely stripped my resume. No bold, no underline, no tables, no columns, Tahoma font in 3 different sizes. This time, I saved the file as a Word Document and as in Rich Text Format, and converted both to pdf. Resume looks lousy...but at least it would upload. No such luck!!!! I got the same error message that I had received with all the formatting. Last night, I tried to upload the files using a friend's computer. I could open my pdf file in his Adobe Reader...no problem. Tried to upload...same error message. Finally decided to try uploading the rtf file. Worked perfectly, first try.

Although my rtf was successful, I would like to know why the pdf wouldn't upload. I assume if I can actually get the pdf upload to work, I'll be able to use at least some formatting to improve the look of my resume. I also have to upload Recommendation Letters, all of which are in pdf format.

Here is the error message. I very much appreciate your help!!

WinOcular Online Application - Error Notification

There was a problem processing the last form you completed. Please click on the link below and verify the information entered for the form and continue the application process.

We apologize for the inconvienence.

Error Text: IdentifyFileType failed for file <C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Desktop\TDSBResume.PDF>->Error in function->CDocVerify::VerifyFile->The contents of file did not match any of the caller specified valid types..

Error Code: 3 : 0

Click here to go to the form.

If the problem happens again, please contact Human Resources.

Report · Jan 19, 2010

There should be a button that you can press to create your pdf file directly from Word or in Word you can Print to the Acrobat printer driver. Either method should work in creating a good pdf file.

Report · Jan 19, 2010

At the same time, you indicate the PDF can be opened by others. That gives a strong suggestion of a bug in the web submission process that you are using, not in the PDF.

Report · Jan 19, 2010

That's what I think too. Except over 500 people have successfully uploaded their resumes.

Report · Jan 20, 2010

Yoiu might try using Reduce File Size or the PDF Optimizer to save the PDF to an earlier version, like AA5 or AA6. Then try the upload. It may be that they are not allowing for newer versions of PDFs. Also be sure you have not used any fancy features of Acrobat in the PDF. I would create the PDF by printing to the Adobe PDF printer from WORD and not using PDF Maker. All of these steps should create a simpler PDF that may be what they are looking for.

Report · Feb 02, 2010

I know this question has nothing to do with your topic. But I have been in here for the whole day now!

Just trying to find any current as in this YEAR posts to ask how do I make the typewritter text I type in

BOLD????? Do you know?

Thank you, Antoinette

islandantoinette@comcast.net