LaTeX vs Word for CVs: Which Should You Choose in 2025?

When creating a professional CV, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right tool. Two of the most popular options are LaTeX and Microsoft Word, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. This comprehensive comparison will help you make the right choice for your needs.

What is LaTeX?

LaTeX is a document preparation system that’s particularly popular in academia and technical fields. It uses markup language to create beautifully formatted documents with precise typography control.

LaTeX Advantages

1. Superior Typography

• Professional-quality typesetting
• Consistent spacing and alignment
• Mathematical notation support
• Perfect for technical and academic CVs

2. Version Control Friendly

• Plain text files work well with Git
• Easy to track changes and collaborate
• No formatting corruption issues

3. Consistency

• Templates ensure uniform formatting
• Automatic numbering and cross-references
• Professional appearance guaranteed

4. Free and Open Source

• No licensing costs
• Extensive community support
• Regular updates and improvements

LaTeX Disadvantages

1. Learning Curve

• Requires learning markup syntax
• Steeper initial learning curve
• Less intuitive than WYSIWYG editors

2. Time Investment

• Longer setup time initially
• Requires compilation step
• Less flexible for quick edits

3. Limited Visual Feedback

• No real-time preview
• Must compile to see changes
• Harder to experiment with layouts

What is Microsoft Word?

Microsoft Word is the most widely used word processor, offering a familiar interface and powerful formatting capabilities.

Word Advantages

1. User-Friendly Interface

• WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editing
• Intuitive drag-and-drop functionality
• Easy to learn and use

2. Flexibility

• Quick and easy formatting changes
• Rich text editing capabilities
• Extensive template library

3. Wide Compatibility

• Universally accepted format
• Easy sharing and collaboration
• Works with most ATS systems

4. Rich Features

• Built-in spell check and grammar tools
• Easy image and table insertion
• Professional templates available

Word Disadvantages

1. Formatting Issues

• Inconsistent spacing and alignment
• Font rendering varies across systems
• Can look unprofessional if not carefully formatted

2. Version Control Problems

• Binary files don’t work well with Git
• Formatting can break between versions
• Difficult to track meaningful changes

3. Cost

• Requires Microsoft Office subscription
• Expensive for individual users
• Limited free alternatives

Detailed Comparison

Typography Quality

LaTeX: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Mathematical precision in spacing
• Professional font rendering
• Consistent formatting across platforms

Word: ⭐⭐⭐

• Good typography with careful attention
• Can look professional with proper formatting
• Font rendering varies by system

Ease of Use

LaTeX: ⭐⭐

• Steep learning curve
• Requires technical knowledge
• Time-consuming initial setup

Word: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Intuitive interface
• Easy to learn
• Quick to get started

Professional Appearance

LaTeX: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Guaranteed professional look
• Consistent with academic standards
• Perfect for technical fields

Word: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Can look very professional
• Depends on user skill and attention to detail
• Good for most industries

ATS Compatibility

LaTeX: ⭐⭐⭐

• PDF output works well with ATS
• Plain text extraction possible
• May need additional formatting considerations

Word: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Native .docx format preferred by many ATS
• Easy to optimize for automated screening
• Widely supported format

Industry-Specific Recommendations

Choose LaTeX If You’re In:

Academia & Research

• Universities and research institutions
• Technical writing and publications
• Mathematical or scientific fields

Engineering & Technology

• Software development
• Technical consulting
• Research and development roles

Finance (Quantitative)

• Quantitative analysis
• Risk management
• Financial modeling

Choose Word If You’re In:

Business & Management

• Corporate environments
• Sales and marketing
• General business roles

Creative Industries

• Marketing and advertising
• Media and communications
• Design and creative fields

Healthcare & Legal

• Medical professions
• Legal services
• Administrative roles

Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

Consider using both tools strategically:

1. Create in LaTeX for maximum professional appearance
2. Export to Word for ATS compatibility when needed
3. Maintain LaTeX source for version control and updates

Making Your Decision

Choose LaTeX When:

• You’re in academia or technical fields
• You value perfect typography
• You’re comfortable with markup languages
• You want version control capabilities
• You’re creating multiple document versions

Choose Word When:

• You need quick and easy editing
• You’re in business or creative fields
• ATS compatibility is crucial
• You’re not comfortable with technical tools
• You need to collaborate with non-technical users

Conclusion

Both LaTeX and Word have their place in professional CV creation. LaTeX excels in technical fields where typography and precision matter, while Word offers ease of use and broad compatibility.

For most professionals in 2025, the choice comes down to:

• Technical/Academic roles: LaTeX
• Business/General roles: Word
• Best of both worlds: Create in LaTeX, export to Word when needed

The most important factor is creating a CV that effectively communicates your value to potential employers, regardless of the tool you choose.