You control your data
We use cookies to tailor the experience of creating resumes and cover letters. For these reasons, we may share your usage data with third parties. You can find more information about how we use cookies on our Cookies Policy . If you would like to set your cookies preferences, click the Settings button below. To accept all cookies, click Accept.
Cookie settings
Click on the types of cookies below to learn more about them and customize your experience on our Site. You may freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent. Keep in mind that disabling cookies may affect your experience on the Site. For more information, please visit our Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy .
Choose type of cookies to accept
These cookies allow us to analyze our performance to offer you a better experience of creating resumes and cover letters. Analytics related cookies used on our Site are not used by Us for the purpose of identifying who you are or to send you targeted advertising. For example, we may use cookies/tracking technologies for analytics related purposes to determine the number of visitors to our Site, identify how visitors move around the Site and, in particular, which pages they visit. This allows us to improve our Site and our services.
These cookies give you access to a customized experience of our products. Personalization cookies are also used to deliver content, including ads, relevant to your interests on our Site and third-party sites based on how you interact with our advertisements or content as well as track the content you access (including video viewing). We may also collect password information from you when you log in, as well as computer and/or connection information. During some visits, we may use software tools to measure and collect session information, including page response times, download errors, time spent on certain pages and page interaction information.
These cookies are placed by third-party companies to deliver targeted content based on relevant topics that are of interest to you. And allow you to better interact with social media platforms such as Facebook.
These cookies are essential for the Site's performance and for you to be able to use its features. For example, essential cookies include: cookies dropped to provide the service, maintain your account, provide builder access, payment pages, create IDs for your documents and store your consents.
To see a detailed list of cookies, click here .
This site uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To learn more visit our Privacy Policy
- Resume Help
- What to Name a Resume File & Cover Letter (10+ Tips)
What to Name a Resume File & Cover Letter (10+ Tips)
Whether it’s naming a resume file or cover letter, using dashes or underlines, or capitalization questions, this guide has the answers on how to save resumes and cover letters.
As seen in:
What should your resume name and cover letter name be?
There are dozens of variations—
And if you choose a wrong name and file format, you’ll simply ruin your chances of getting an interview invite.
In this guide, we’ll show you:
- How to choose a resume name and cover letter name that work.
- Tips on resume file name characters, such as capitalization and hyphens.
- 20+ resume name examples and cover letter name examples.
- Which format to save your job application documents in after choosing good names for your resume & cover letter files.
Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .
Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume samples here .
Before you send your resume and cover letter to recruiters, make sure they’re up to par. Check out our guides:
- How to Write a Resume From Start to Finish
- How to Write the Most Effective Cover Letter
- How to Make a CV That Lands an Interview
Ok, let’s get to it.
What to Name Your Resume and Cover Letter File?
What should I name my resume file?
If there’s one rule to remember, it is this:
Never save your resume file name as simply resume.doc .
On average, each job ad posted by an HR manager receives 250 replies, according to our HR statistics report. If you apply with resume.doc as an attachment, it will instantly get lost.
Instead, choose one of these two options:
1. Name-Job Title-Document
This one tells the recruiter everything they need to know before they even open your resume or cover letter up. Here’s how it looks:
You can also switch up the job title and document:
2. Name-Document
The previous naming convention is great, but it could end up being too long.
If you’re named Hubert Blaine Wolfeschlegelsteinhausenbergerdorff and applying for the junior construction project manager position, lose the job title.
Here’s how that looks:
Pro Tip: Always keep your name at the beginning in cover letter and resume names. This way, when your documents are saved into a folder with those of dozens of other applicants, they stay together (in an alphabetical sorting system), one right after the other.
Preparing to send your email? Here’s how to do it right: 12+ Best Tips For Emailing A Resume To An Employer
When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a professional resume template here for free .
When you’re done, Zety’s resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.
Tips on Choosing the Perfect Resume File Name
The wording of your cover letter name and resume name isn’t the only thing to pay attention to.
There’s capitalization, word separation, file format, special characters, and more.
With that in mind—
Here are more tips for how to name your resume files and cover letter files:
Capitalize First Letters vs. Using Lowercase
I was a firm believer in keeping everything lowercase, since I work with URLs a lot. File names have much in common with them.
When you work with URLs, there’s an unspoken rule of using lowercase only. This is because systems other than Windows (e.g., Unix) treat uppercase and lowercase names as two completely different files.
So I searched online to get the general feel in the career world with resume titles and cover letter file names .
And surprise—
Quite a lot of recruiters find all-lowercase file names for resumes and cover letter “lazy” and “annoying.”
The verdict on this: to stay on the safe side, use title case, capitalizing only the first letter of each word.
And stay consistent in both your resume and cover letter name.
Separating Words in a Cover Letter and Resume File Name
On your computer, a resume file saved as Dwayne Adams Resume.docx (with spaces) looks fine.
However—
Many HR specialists will upload your resume onto their company’s server or into an applicant tracking system (ATS).
When that happens, spaces may get replaced with other characters.
Here’s how a resume file name looks when it becomes a URL:
Ugly, right?
So, always use a hyphen or underscore to separate words .
You may choose either one, but the underscore requires one extra keystroke (pressing Shift + hyphen instead of just hyphen). Just bear in mind a hyphenated surname may cause confusion.
Whichever option you go with, again, be consistent on all documents attached (resume, cover letter, list of references , portfolio of past work, etc.).
Pro Tip: What about smushing all the words together, capitalizing just the first letter of each word, so no spaces are required? According to Stanford , this is called “camel case.” Though it’s easier for humans to read, this resume file name format often jams up the ATS.
Special Characters in Resume & Cover Letter Names
When deciding how to name a resume file, use only English alphabet letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and dashes or underscores.
Special characters such as apostrophes, commas, or accents in the word “résumé” wreak havoc on the ATS and desktops alike.
Pro Tip: Omit dates, times, and version numbers in your resume titles and file names. These mean something only to you. For hiring managers, it’s just a source of confusion.
Saving Resume & Cover Letter Files in Microsoft Word Document, PDF or TXT?
In most cases, you can save and send your resume file as a PDF .
PDF documents render correctly on any device the recruiters views it on, be it an iPhone or a Chromebook.
However—
Always check the job description first, because the employer may have another preference.
Look at these two examples:
Please send an email including a cover letter and resume PDF to [email protected]********.com with "Web Content Assistant" in the subject line.
But this is also possible:
To apply for this job, please upload a resume as a Microsoft Word document using the form below.
Still PDFs are the most common file type used for saving resumes & cover letters.
How to save a Word resume or cover letter as a PDF?
Easy! In Microsoft Word, go to File > Save As > Browse. Then choose your name and click the dropdown menu “Save as type.” You can choose from .doc, .docx, .pdf, and several other file formats.
Note: Don’t use .txt for a resume file name. Though an unformatted Notepad file might be easy on the ATS or quirky for IT jobs, recruiters go blind trying to figure it out.
First Name First or Last Name First?
When naming your resume and cover letter file, go with your first name first and your last name second.
Some hiring managers have a system in place that will sort candidates by their surname. However, you can’t guess what their system is, so stick with the above.
Pro Tip: Are you writing a resume using college guidelines? Most universities have their own conventions for resume and cover letter file names, such as this one from CUNY . Always check your university’s website, first.
DON’T Follow Any of This Advice If…
All the advice listed above is voided if the job description says otherwise.
While most job descriptions leave resume names and cover letter titles up to you, quite a few have standards in place.
Here’s an example from a job ad I found online:
Your application must include at least two samples of your work from these categories: sales letter, article, sales email, newsletter, or video script. Also, please name your resume as in this example: Name_Surname_Sales_Letter.pdf
If you don’t name your resume and cover letter the way they ask, you’ll immediately appear as a candidate who can’t follow directions.
And you’ll be out of the applicant pool immediately.
So—
Only follow the advice in this article for cover letters and resumes where the job advertisement gives no explicit specifications.
Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here. Here's what it may look like:
See more cover letter templates and start writing.
Key Takeaway
Here’s how to name your resume files and cover letter files:
- Never write only cover-letter.pdf or resume.docx .
- Use your first and last name, then, optionally, the job description, and then the document type (e.g., resume, cover letter).
- Separate words in the cover letter name with either a dash or an underscore.
- Save your resume as a PDF unless directed otherwise.
- Follow the naming convention from the job description above all else.
Do you have any questions on resume names, cover letter names, document formats, or file name rules? Were you taught a different method on what to name resume files? Let’s chat below in the comments, and thanks for reading!
Don't miss out on exclusive stories that will supercharge your career!
Get a weekly dose of inspiration delivered to your inbox
Similar articles
How to Format a Cover Letter: Layout Examples for 2023
You learned how to format a letter at school, but it was ages ago. No time for a trip down memory lane. See the types of cover letters & pick the best cover letter format with us.
Best Resume Templates for 2023 (14+ Top Picks to Download)
The best resume templates aren't just about fancy looks. They have to be sleek and professional. Their layout needs to show off your value. Here's what'll help.
General Cover Letter That Isn't Generic (Sample for Any Job)
How to write a general cover letter? Copy our sample generic cover letter template, adjust and use it to land an interview. Read more!
The (Simple) Guidelines You Should Follow When Naming Your Resume and Cover Letter Files
Hot jobs on the muse.
When you’re first creating a document—even an important one like your resume or cover letter—you might give it a placeholder file name while you’re working on it. So if you’re job searching, you probably have at least one document named something like “Resume2021” or “FrontEndEng coverletter.” But you probably shouldn’t submit a cover letter or resume with a file name like this.
“It is important to have a clear and professional file name so your resume doesn’t get lost,” says Muse career coach Jennifer Smith , a former recruiter and founder of Flourish Careers . Recruiters and other hiring professionals are often working quickly and have multiple positions they’re hiring for at any given time, so an easy-to-scan file name “makes it simple for the recruiter to keep track of your info.” You’ll also “come across as an ideal professional,” Smith says, both of which are things that can help you to make a good impression on the recruiter—and anyone else considering hiring you.
(Still looking for more open roles to submit those resumes and cover letters to? You can search for jobs right here on The Muse !)
How to Name Your Resume or Cover Letter
Here are a few rules to follow as you name your resume and cover letter files—whether you’re attaching them to an email or uploading the files to an online system.
- Follow any instructions in the job description. Sometimes job postings will ask you to include the position title or identification number in your file name or to follow a certain format. You should always pay attention to any directions in a job posting. Otherwise, your application might be ignored or you may end up looking like you can’t follow instructions—which isn’t exactly the most desirable trait in an employee.
- Make sure your file name is descriptive and unique to you. You should always include your first and last name as well as what the file is, Smith says—for example, “Joseph_Washington_Resume.”
- Format your file name so it’s easy to read. Use capital letters to begin words—especially your first and last name. And separate each word. You can use regular spaces or you might want to use underscores (“_”), hyphens (“-”), or similar. Just avoid slashes (“/”) and backslashes (“\”) which can mess with different computer systems and programs—if you’re able to save a file with these characters at all.
- Include the position you’re applying to (optional). If you’d like to, you can always include the title of the job you’re applying for and even the name of the organization, which can help you keep track of your documents and also gives a subtle nod to the fact that you’ve tailored your materials. So something along the lines of “Cover-Letter-Leah-Kim-Staff-Accountant” or “Batya Feldman Resume The Muse SDR” is a safe bets.
Here are a few more examples of resume and cover file names:
- Ana Maria Estevez Product Designer Resume
- Cover Letter - Rohan Ahmed
- JP_Johansen_Cover_Letter_Sr_Recruiter_Yext
- Kayla-Harrison-Resume
What Not to Do When Naming a Resume or Cover Letter File
Though the exact file name you give your resume isn’t the most important thing—as long as it follows the guidelines above—there are a few things you should definitely avoid.
- File names that don’t make sense: “I’ve seen files saved with other people’s names, or a bunch of random letters and numbers,” Smith says. Avoid submitting a resume or cover letter with a file name that is difficult to understand or makes it unclear what the document is.
- Version numbers : Though you can—and should— revise your resume and cover letter as you get ready to apply to a job, make sure you delete those version numbers in the file name when you submit it. For example, “Sam-Madison-Resume-v3” won’t look as polished as, “Sam-Madison-Resume.”
- Generic file names: You should never submit a resume file named “Resume” or a cover letter saved as “Cover Letter Admin Assistant.” Your name should always be in the file title. If not, how will a recruiter or hiring manager remember who “Resume” belonged to? And how will they easily find your resume if they want to go back to it? If a recruiter or hiring manager wants to find your resume specifically, the first thing they’re going to do is search or scan the folder where they saved resumes for your name.
What File Type to Use
While naming your resume or cover letter file, you might also be thinking about the file type. So what file format is best for job applications? There are only two right answers: a PDF (.pdf) or a Word document (.docx). You should only use a different file extension if a job description specifies that the employer or recruiter would like to see your documents in a different format, such as .txt or .doc.
Read More : Should You Submit Your Resume as a PDF or Word Doc? 5 Rules to Follow
Press Enter to search
What to Name Your Cover Letter and Resume Files
It may seem trivial, but file names matter. Here, we discuss naming conventions and best practices for saving and uploading your cover letter and resume.
a year ago • 9 min read
You finally finished creating your cover letter and resume — and you’re excited to send it off to prospective employers.
But wait — how should you save your files? Do you send them off as word documents or as PDFs? And how should you name them? Do you include your full name? What about the date?
In this article, we’ll take a look at how to name and save cover letters and resume files. We’ll talk about naming conventions, discuss do's and don’ts, and offer other practical tips and tricks on how to upload your cover letter and resume so that your application is professional and easy to read. Let’s do this!
Naming a cover letter and resume file
Do's and don'ts for naming your resume and cover letter.
Here's what to include in your resume or cover letter file name:
- Your full name, first and last
- The words "resume" or "cover letter" (depending on which it is)
- The name of the position you're applying for
- Anything mentioned in the job ad — always follow instructions above all else
On the other hand, here's what not to include in your resume or cover letter file name:
- Company name
- Version number
- Random strings of numbers of letters
- Special characters
What to name your resume and cover letter
Here are some examples of good resume file names following the above conventions.
Resume file name examples:
JohnSmithResume.pdf JohnSmith_Resume_PositionTitle.pdf johnsmith_resume_salesmanager.pdf Resume_JohnSmith_JobID2346.pdf
Cover letter file name examples:
Jenny_Su_Cover_Letter.pdf Jenny_Su_CoverLetter_PositionTitle.pdf jennysu_accountant_coverletter.pdf UI_designer_00154_cover_letter_jenny_su.pdf
What not to name your resume and cover letter
Cover letter and resume file names like the following should be avoided:
“CompanyName_CoverLetter_v3.doc” “Resume06092021.docx” “CoverLetter_JohnSmith_CompanyName.pdf”,“John_Smith_December2019.doc”, and “John_Smith_Resume_Ver2.pdf”
How to name your resume and cover letter
Step-by-step guide to name your resume.
- In either Word or Google Docs, click File -> Save As / Export to PDF
- Type your full name.
- Add the word 'Resume'.
- Make sure you keep the '.pdf' file extension.
- Remove all spaces, and replace them with underscores (e.g. Jane_Brooke) or sentence case (e.g. JaneBrook) if necessary.
- Remove version numbers, dates or other irrelevant words.
- Remove special characters.
- Save your resume.
Step-by-step guide to name your cover letter
- Add the word 'CoverLetter'.
- Remove special characters, version numbers, dates or other irrelevant words that make your filename lengths unnecessarily long.
- Save your cover letter.
How to save your cover letter and resume
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to save your cover letter and resume, in several file formats .
Microsoft Word
To save your cover letter or resume as a Word document, follow these steps:
- Open up your cover letter or resume in Word
- Under “File”, hit “Save As…”
- A dialogue box will appear. Next to “Save As:” at the top, name your file.
- Next to “File Format:”, located near the bottom of the screen, check to see that your file is saved as a Word document (this should be selected by default).
- Once you have confirmed this, hit “Save”.
Google Docs
Google Docs is convenient because it auto-saves your files. However, you’ll need to do a bit of work in order to share it with your recruiter or hiring manager. Here’s how:
- Open your Google Doc. The filename is displayed in the top left-hand corner of the screen, next to the blue docs icon. Double click to edit.
- Go to “File”, then click “Share”.
- A dialogue box will appear. You can either:
- Share with people directly, under “Share with people and groups”, if you know their email
- Under “Get link”, hit “Copy link” for a sharing link, which you can send via your application
Export as a PDF in Word
Here’s how to save your Word Document as a PDF:
- Open up your cover letter or resume in Word.
- Go to “File”, and hit “Save As…”
- A dialogue box will appear. Name your cover letter or resume file in the field next to “Save As:” at the top.
- Click on the field next to “File Format:”, located near the bottom of the screen, and choose “PDF”.
- Once that has been selected, click “Export”.
Once you’ve chosen your resume file format and appropriate names for your cover letter and resume files, upload to the tool below — it’s a good way to check if your resume is readable by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). It’ll also scan your resume and let you know if it checks all the boxes from a hiring manager’s perspective.
Other considerations
Here are some of the whys (and why nots) of resume file naming conventions.
Avoid generic resume file names
Avoid cover letters and resume files that aren’t clearly named — like those that are titled with a long string of numbers, or others that are just called “CoverLetter” or “Resume” with no other identifying information.
Poorly-named cover letters and resume files make it harder to tell at a glance what a file contains and who it belongs to, which means that you run the risk of having your cover letter and resume accidentally discarded and your application ignored for being incomplete.
Keep file names short
Long file names are difficult to read and hard to identify at a glance. Plus, file names (on both Mac and Windows) have a character limit of around 255 characters or so. Exceed that number, and you won’t even be able to save your file.
Leave out the date and version number
Generally, there’s no need to date your cover letter and resume — especially if you haven’t updated them for years. You don’t want an employer to know that you’re using the same old, basic cover letter specimen or resume template you’ve used since 2010.
The same principle applies to version numbers. You want your cover letter and resume to stand out on their own as final, definitive products, so leave out the “v3”. Remember, this is a job application, not a perpetually unfinished piece of software.
Don't use special characters
Use A-Z, 0-9, dashes, and underscores only. Ditch any special characters, symbols, or slashes. This includes accents. There's no need to get fancy with your file name — call it a “resume,” not a “résumé.”
Don’t touch the spacebar
Unfortunately, cover letter and resume file names with spaces in them will convert to “%20” symbols upon uploading to certain Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) — so a seemingly well-titled “John Smith Resume.pdf” will become "John%20Smith%20Resume.pdf," which is awkward and hard to read. If you need to space out words, dashes and underscores are your friends.
Don't worry about capitalization
You can write your file names in either title case, sentence case, or in all lowercase. Most employers don’t care either way, so it’s not a big deal — though title case (capitalizing the first letter of words) is arguably easier to read and looks more polished than the other two options.
Order doesn't matter
When combining your name, job title, ID, "resume," or anything else into a file name, it doesn't matter which order you list them in. For example, “JohnSmith_Resume.pdf” or “CoverLetter_JohnSmith.pdf” would both be fine.
Follow instructions on the job posting
Any specific instructions on the job listing override any tips in this article. If the job ad specifies a specific file type (e.g., .docx over .pdf) or a particular naming convention (e.g., include your middle initial), then always name and upload your cover letter and resume in line with those directions instead.
You should also try to add skills and keywords included in the job posting on your resume. Use the skills search tool below to find some more hard skills and keywords relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Resume file formats
So far, we’ve covered how to name a cover letter and resume file, but what file type should you save it as?
Use PDFs generated in Word or Google Docs
While you may be tempted to save it as a Word document for the sake of convenience and simplicity, you should try to avoid this when possible. Different versions of Word may mess with your cover letter and resume’s formatting options, like margin widths , fonts , or headers . This means that your nicely-formatted document may not look as neat on your recruiter’s screen — or, in the worst case scenario, may not even be readable at all.
To make sure your recruiter sees what you see, you should export both your cover letter and resume as PDFs instead. Saving your finished files as PDFs ensures that all text formatting will be preserved, no matter what application a recruiter or hiring manager uses to open your cover letter or resume files. If you need to make any changes to your cover letter or resume, just edit it in your word processor, export it as a PDF again, and write over the existing PDF.
Don't use PDFs generated in Photoshop or Canva
That said, make sure you generate your PDF of either your resume or cover letter in a word processor like Microsoft Word or Google Docs. Do not use an image editing software like Photoshop or Canva which will result in your resume not being readable by Applicant Tracking Systems .
Don't use other file formats
If you use a different word processing software — like Open Office, LibreOffice, or a plain text editor — that's fine, but you should convert your file to a more standard format before sending it in. Emailing your resume as a .txt, .odt, or .odf file risks a recruiter not being able to open it.
Frequently asked questions
Why do file names matter.
The short answer: It helps recruiters identify your resume more quickly. While the way you title your cover letter and resume’s file names won’t make or break your application, it’s still important to name them in a way that’s professional and informative.
In reality, it’s good practice simply because it makes recruiters’ lives easier. After all, yours is not the only application a hiring manager will read — they likely have hundreds more to sort through — and clear cover letter and resume file names will help them find and identify your application more quickly.
Should I put my first name or last name first?
Use the format First Name Last Name — for example, "JohnSmith_Resume.pdf" instead of "SmithJohn_Resume.pdf." Why? Mostly, it's just more intuitive. If you have a surname that could also be a given name — or vice versa — it also helps clarify which is which.
Should I use my middle name?
Not unless you're instructed to, or unless you usually go by that name. If you prefer to be called Kelly Sue, then by all means, use that name on your resume file (and in your resume itself). Otherwise, stick to your first name and last name.
Why shouldn't I include the company name?
The hiring manager already works at the company you’re applying to, so it doesn't add anything useful. Instead, it makes your file name unnecessarily long and difficult to read. Some people think that this is a good way to 'personalize' your application, but it isn't — it's the content of the documents that matter, not the file name.
Does it matter if I send my resume as a Word .doc file instead of a .pdf format?
Not really, no. If you’re not comfortable saving your file as a PDF, you can elect to send in your cover letter and resume as a Word document (or a Google Doc). Just be aware that you run the risk of formatting issues if you do so.
Do I combine my resume and cover letter or send them separately?
Unless specified, do not combine your resume and cover letter into one document. Upload them separately.
Get your resume right
Apart from getting your cover letter and resume’s file names and file types down, you’ll also need to make sure that the content within those documents — especially your resume — is well-written.
Resume Worded’s Score My Resume is an instant, AI-enabled resume scoring platform that audits your resume line by line, and gives you feedback on how to improve — helping you maximize your chances of landing a dream job.
Spread the word
How to list freelance work on linkedin, how many jobs should you list on your resume, keep reading, how to showcase your core competencies on a resume, should you put your gpa on your resume, should your linkedin match your resume, subscribe to our newsletter.
Stay updated with Resume Worded by signing up for our newsletter.
🎉 Awesome! Now check your inbox and click the link to confirm your subscription.
Please enter a valid email address
Oops! There was an error sending the email, please try later
The ideal filename for your resume or cover letter
It might seem simple, but the metadata contained within your file name can convey a lot about your professionalism to the hiring manager and help make sure they don’t lose your application – a pretty big responsibility after all.
In this blog, we will look at:
- The reasons why the name of your resume or cover letter is important
- How to choose your name
- The type of file to use for your resume or cover letter
The importance of your resume filename
It’s just a resume filename or cover letter filename, does it really matter? It is a very simple action, but it can make a difference when it comes to being selected for an interview.
Consider the moment your cover letter or resume lands in the hiring manager’s inbox. They may glance over it while running to another meeting. Later, when they get back to their desk, they know they read it but can’t find it!
If your file name is not something easily searchable, it might make it difficult to locate it. For instance, if you name it ‘my CV’, it will not be easy to track in a mailbox or on a job search website . They won’t spend hours looking for it, so try to make it as straightforward as possible for them. A good filename can also reflect your professionalism. The importance of your filename may not seem relevant, but there are reasons why you need to pay attention to it. Albeit you don’t need to give it too much thought – your own name is more than efficient.
Proofread your documents
Whether it’s the document itself, or the resume filename, make sure you proofread everything before you submit it. Not just the filename for the resume or cover letter. If you’re not careful, you can even make an error on your name, so always be careful.
Take your career growth to a new level with these 10 expert tips to writing and formatting the best cover letter.
So what is a good filename for your resume?
The most appropriate filename for a resume or cover letter is, naturally, your name. The hiring manager will be more likely to think it is a legitimate file and therefore, will be more likely to open it. It will also help them to find your resume or cover letter if searching for it via their mailbox. If your name is particularly long, you might want to abbreviate it. As a general rule, you want to keep your file name as short as possible, while making it easy to find and recognise. For instance, if your name was ‘Bernard Theopolopotis’, you may want to shorten it to ‘B Theopolopotis resume.’ In this way, the hiring manager will still be able to find you, but it will keep it neat and professional.
Resume and cover letter filename examples
The naming convention used for your resume should match the one used for your cover letter so as not to confuse the hiring manager. For example, if your resume filename is A_Greenwood_Resume, your cover letter should be A_Greenwood_CoverLetter and not Alice_G_CoverLetter .
You should generally prioritize your last name since it’s more professional and can help differentiate you since other applicants may have your same first name.
Type of file name to use
You should check the job advert first before saving your resume or cover letter, as there may be specific instructions. If you fail to read the instructions, it will show a lack of attention to detail on your part, which is what you want to avoid at all costs!
Some online applications will specifically request a Word document, but if you want to ensure that your formatting (and your writing) won’t be changed between your computer and the hiring manager’s, it’s best to save as a PDF.
If your word processing software doesn’t allow you to save your resume or cover letter as a PDF, you will find programs online that let you convert it from Word to PDF for free. The resume filename should be one that is easy to open, such as using Microsoft Word.
Key Takeaways
- Be careful not to submit your resume or cover letter with ‘my CV’ or similar that you may save on your own computer. Always ensure it is named appropriately, make it easy for the hiring manager to find in their mailbox.
- Abbreviate the resume filename where appropriate. For instance, if you have a long surname.
- Make sure the filename of your resume and cover letter match, prioritizing your last name if needed.
- Check the job advert in case there are any specific instructions for the file type. For instance, they may ask that you save it as a PDF or Word document.
- Proofread the document and the filename before you submit it.
- Skip to main content
- Skip to primary sidebar
- Skip to footer
Resume Genius
The World's Smartest Resume Builder
Job Search Questions & Answers from the Experts at Resume Genius
What should you name your cover letter file?
You should name your cover letter file “First-Name-Last-Name-Target-Job-Title-Cover-Letter.” For example, “John-Doe-Assistant-Manager-Cover-Letter.pdf” would be a good cover letter file name. If you have already have a resume name , make sure your cover letter file name matches.
Using your full name and the job title, separated by dashes or underscores, makes your cover letter file immediately identifiable to the hiring manager, who may receive hundreds of applications.
Resume Tools
- Resume Builder
- Resume Templates
- Resume Examples
- How to Make a Resume
- Resume Format
- Resume Summary Generator
- Resume Help
Cover Letter Tools
- Cover Letter Builder
- Cover Letter Templates
- Cover Letter Examples
- How to Write a Cover Letter
- Cover Letter Format
- Cover Letter Help
- What Is a CV?
- How to Write a CV
- CV Templates
- CV Examples
Career Tools
- Thank You Note Samples & Templates
- Resignation Letter Samples
- Letter of Recommendation Templates
- Business Letter Formats
- Career Advice
- Forgot Password
- Terms & Conditions
- Privacy Policy
- Accessibility
© 2023, Sonaga Tech Limited. All rights reserved
ResumeGenius.com is owned and operated by Sonaga Tech Limited, Hamilton, Zweigniederlassung Luzern with offices in Luzern Switzerland.
- Back to Articles
How to Save + Email Your Resume to an Employer: 10 Crucial Tips
The resume is written, now how should you save it—and what should you name it? Here are our tips for naming and saving your resume and cover letter,
How to Save Your Resume or Cover Letter
1. keep the file format consistent across items—and always save as a pdf, 2. include (at least) your last name in the document name.
- Firstname-Lastname-Resume.pdf (i.e., Jane-Doe-Resume.pdf)
- Firstname-Lastname-Cover-Letter.pdf (i.e., Jane-Doe-Cover-Letter.pdf)
- Firstname-Lastname-References.pdf (i.e., Jane-Doe-References.pdf)
3. Consider Including the Job Title as Well
- Firstname-Lastname-Resume-Role.pdf (i.e. Jane-Doe-Resume-Technical-Assistant.pdf)
- Firstname-Lastname-Cover-Letter-Role.pdf (i.e. Jane-Doe-Cover-Letter-Technical-Assistant.pdf)
- Firstname-Lastname-References-Role.pdf (i.e. Jane-Doe-References-Technical-Assistant.pdf)
How to Email a Resume to an Employer
1. follow the directions listed in the job description, 2. send from a professional email address, 3. use a clear subject line.
- FirstName LastName Resume
- FirstName LastName Cover Letter
- FirstName LastName JobTitle
- JobTitle - FirstName LastName
4. Keep It Simple
5. include a signature with contact information , 6. always proofread + make sure you attached your resume, 7. pro tip: send a test email message, sample email to send to an employer, you may also like.
How to Ace 11 Common Types of Interviews
From your phone interview to a final interview—and even your exit interview—here's our guide to handling all types of interviews. Come prepared and ace every type of interview.
How to Write a Functional Resume + a Functional Resume Template
A functional resume is a type of resume that showcases skills over experience. The purpose of a functional resume is to draw attention to transferable abilities and skills.
The Flip Flop Job: What to Do When a Job Offer Is Rescinded
We thought everyone knew no take-backsies! What to do when your job offer is withdrawn after a long job search.
How to Politely Decline a Job Offer + Job Offer Rejection Templates
You got the job offer, but you don't really want it. Here's how to politely decline a job offer that doesn't fit.
How to Answer "Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?" in an Interview
How do you answer this question when you don't know where you'll be in the next five minutes? Here's how to answer the interview question, "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
How to Write a Letter of Interest—Plus the Template You Need
Who doesn't love getting a complimentary letter in their inbox? Well, that's kind of what a letter of interest is—and here's how to write a letter of interest to your dream company.
The Best + Worst Fonts for Your Resume
Ever wondered what sort of impact your resume might have if it were in Comic Sans? We are profiling the best font for a resume and some of the worst resume fonts.
18 Fun Jobs (+ Where to Find Them)
Can work be...fun? Sure. Here are 18 jobs that might align with your interests and hobbies. Put them all together? We're talking about fun jobs.
How to Write a Thank You Email After an Interview
"Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to interview for this job." Are you writing a thank you note or a thank you email after your interview? Use our free template to make that thank you easier than ever.
Get the Best Career Advice Delivered To Your Inbox
Join our newsletter to stay in the loop.
By clicking "submit," you agree to receive emails from Career Contessa and accept our web terms of use and privacy policy .
How to Name a Resume & Cover Letter File?
William Shakespeare famously wrote the line “What’s in a name?” in his play, Romeo and Juliet. Everything, it seems, when it comes to naming your resume and cover letter files. How you name your resume and cover letter speaks volumes to a potential recruiter.
Picture this : you are a recruiter yourself and have just received an application from someone who couldn’t seem to care enough to pay attention to details. Would you consider the application? Probably not. It’s just how the human mind works. Presentation is key when it comes to forming impressions. When you are applying for a job you want to make the best impression possible.
When it comes to your resume file name, think of it as your digital handshake.
In this guide, we’ll cover :
- Importance of a Resume File Name
- How to choose a Resume name and Cover Letter Name with Examples
Tips on Choosing the Perfect Resume File Name
How to save your resume & cover letter files, 10 common resume file name mistakes to avoid, the importance of a resume file name.
There are a few reasons why it is important to give your resume a specific file name.
- It can help you stand out from the competition – If all of the resumes for a job are named “resume.doc” or “resume.pdf,” yours will stand out if you name it something different. Imagine just how many people make this common mistake leaving recruiters with the painful task of opening each file to figure out which resume belongs to whom. According to surveys, at least a third of the people name their files just resume.doc. Don’t fall in that category.
- It makes it easier for employers to find your resume – If you have a specific file name for your resume, employers will be able to easily find it when they are conducting a job search. How you name your resume file will also affect how a recruiter will store and contact you about potential job opportunities.
- It helps you keep track of your resumes – If you have multiple versions of your resume, it can be helpful to keep track of them by giving each one a specific file name. This will help you avoid accidentally sending the wrong resume to a potential employer. By naming your resume files something different, like “resume_johnsmith.doc” and “resume_johnsmith_nov2022.doc,” you’ll be able to easily keep track of which one is the most recent.
What to Name your Resume and Cover Letter File?
If you want your file to stay in the records, it is recommended you name your resume using your name. It is the best way to distinguish your document amidst the scores of applications that recruiters receive on a daily basis. Saving your document with your name allows a hiring manager to identify it at a glance.
What should I name my resume file?
1. YourName-Document
- For example if your name is Robert Smith and resume can be named as – Robert-Smith-Resume.docx
- For example if your name is Robert Smith and Cover letter can be named as – Robert-Smith-Cover-Letter.docx
2. YourName-JobTitle-Document
For example if your name is James Campbell and if you are applying for a Accounting Analyst position then you resume can be named as – James-Campbell-Accounting-Analyst-Resume.docx
It is recommended that you name your cover letter document the same way as well.
When you’re choosing a resume file name, you want to make sure that it’s professional and easy to remember. You also want to make sure that it’s different from the file names of other resumes that are being submitted for the same job.
Here are a few tips for choosing a resume file name:
1. Use your Full Name – One of the best ways to choose a resume file name is to use your full name. This will help the hiring manager remember your name and it will also show that you’re a professional.
2. Use your email address – Another way to choose a resume file name is to use your email address. This will also help the hiring manager remember your name and it will show that you’re a professional.
3. Use your job title – If you’re not sure what to name your resume file, you can use your job title. This will help the hiring manager know what position you’re applying for.
4. Use the company’s name – If you’re applying for a job at a specific company, you can use the company’s name in your resume file name. This will show the hiring manager that you’re interested in the company and that you’ve done your research.
5. Use the date – If you’re applying for a job that you’ve applied for before, you can use the date in your resume file name. This will help you keep track of which version of your resume you submitted to which company.
6. Use a file extension – If you want to use something other than your name or your email address, you can use a file extension. A file extension is the three letters at the end of a file name, like “.doc” or “.pdf.” This will help the hiring manager know what type of file they’re looking at.
7. Separating Words in a Cover Letter and Resume File Name – Seperate the words in your file name using hyphens or underscores. Separate first letter of last word in cover letter and resume title with hyphen or underscore (_).
8. Capitalize First Letters vs. Using Lowercase : Do not capitalize the complete file name of your resume. When naming your cover letters and resumes, use title case file names ( capitalizing only the first letter of each word) to keep your formatting consistent across documents.
9. Avoid Special Characters in Resume & Cover Letter Names – Avoid using special characters and stick to English Alphabet letters (A-Z) and Numbers as they don’t work very well with most applicant tracking systems and desktops.
10. Avoid dates in a file name – Simply use your full name and specify whether it is a resume or cover letter when saving your document. It is the most clutter-free and professional approach.
Atlast, When you are proofreading your resume or cover letter don’t forget to also proofread your file name. You don’t want basic errors slipping in to ruin all the hard work you’ve put in to create the most compelling candidate profile for yourself. It pays to pay attention to detail.
A Word document or a PDF is the most widely accepted format when submitting a resume . Unless a recruiter or hiring manager specifies otherwise and requests for a different file format you need not worry.
Often an employer will tell you how they want your resume to be submitted. Try and stick to stipulations for a better shot at being considered for the position.
It is also a good idea to save your resume in both PDF and Word document formats so you have them ready to go depending on what is required at the time of applying.
For Word Document : Use Microsoft Word to create a new document and click on Save As to get a .doc version of your resume.
For PDF : Depending on the software you are using, you should be able to Print to Adobe PDF to save your resume as a PDF. In case your software does not support that, you could use one of the free PDF converter programs available online.
- Don’t send in a resume file name that is simply called Resume.doc.
- Recruiters and hiring managers receive several resumes each day. They simply do not have the time or patience to sift through 50 of them titled Resume.doc trying to figure which belongs to whom.
- Name your resume file using your full name. There are bound to be several Rachels, Michaels, Divyas out there. You don’t want to leave your recruiter frustrated trying to figure out which resume file belongs to whom.
- While you are at it, don’t forget to specify what the document actually is. For instance, simply naming it Rachel-Green.doc does not tell recruiters what the document is. And honestly, nobody has the patience to figure it out for themselves either. Instead, write Rachel Green-Resume.doc to lend clarity.
- Avoid file names such as Rachel-Resume-Updated.doc. Recruiters sure hope you are sending them an updated version; there is no need to spell it out.
- File names such as Rachel-Resume-Last.doc or Rachel-Resume-2020.doc are even worse than those that state they have been updated or revised. When you are sending in a resume file ensure you are sending the final version. Don’t send revised or last versions. Similarly, it is best if you leave out the year or month in a file name. Including it only makes it look dated.
- Resumes that are named SRK-Resume.doc aren’t of much help to recruiters and hiring managers either. They really do not have the time to try and figure out who those initials belong to. Keep it simple and just write out your full name.
- Do provide spacing or hyphens between words when creating a resume file name. Crunching it all together (RachelGreenResume.doc) makes it hard to read.
- While naming your file AVOID all caps. For instance, a file name that says ARCH-Resume.doc could leave the recruiter wondering if ARCH is an acronym for something. Stick to Title Case or Sentence Case as is applicable to dispel all doubts.
- Coming up with quirky file names is a big NO when you are on a job hunt. You don’t want to begin your job search on the wrong foot and you definitely want potential recruiters, hiring managers and employers to take you seriously.
Everyone wants to craft the ideal resume to maximize their chances of landing the perfect job. Since great attention is paid to the details in the content of a resume and cover letter, it is only imperative that the same amount of attention be paid when naming your resume and cover letter files. You don’t want to have a great resume that is let down by a badly named document. Your aim at every step of the way should be to maximize the chances of your job application being picked up so that you can turn on the charm and intelligence in the next step… the interview.
What should I save my resume as?
The ideal way to title your resume would be to use your full name (not just first or last name), followed by the document type (whether it is a resume or cover letter). Alternately, you could also name it using your full name, followed by job description, and then the document type.
Does resume file format matter? What format is best?
Yes, the resume file format does matter. It might often be the last thing we think of when crafting a resume and applying for a job. However, the format you choose does matter. Word documents and PDFs are the most widely accepted formats. These are the more commonly used formats by most people. You don’t want to be in a situation where your recruiter or hiring manager cannot access your resume due to an incorrect file format.
How do I organize resume files?
If this is for your personal reference then it is best to name your resume file using dates. This will help you identify the latest version of your resume. You could also organize your resume files using company names in the file name to help you figure out which job posting you had used that resume version for.
Just remember to omit the date and company name when sending the resume to a recruiter or hiring manager.
Should I put my resume in a folder?
When you arrive for an interview be sure to carry your resume in a folder to keep it crisp and in order. You don’t want to hand out a resume that has folds, tears or stains. It’s just not professional. Ideally, your folder should also have slots to house other important documents such as diplomas, mark sheets, and certificates, should a prospective employer want to see them during the course of the interview.
Related Resume & Cover Letter Articles
What to Name Your Resume and Cover Letter
Never make this common résumé and cover letter mistake.
In this digital job-searcher's day and age, where everything is pretty much done online, there are a couple of etiquette steps we often forget about.
One of the most important steps to take when turning in your résumé and cover letter via email or an online submission is to give it a proper name. Too often, people's résumés and cover letters are given the generic name "résumé.doc" or "coverletter.doc." Step it up a notch and personalize the files by adding your name and renaming them to "JaneSmithRésumé" and "JaneSmithCoverLetter.doc."
Remember, the hiring manager receives many submissions. If they're saving the files to their computer, you're saving them the extra step of renaming the documents.
You May Also Like
From Our Partners
Now you know.
Celebrity News
Natalia bryant honors dad kobe alongside her little sisters at tcl chinese theatre: "mvp of girl dads".
by Eden Arielle Gordon 5 hours ago
Jennifer Stone Supports Selena Gomez Amid Hailey Bieber TikTok Drama: "Let This Woman Shine"
by Victoria Edel 5 hours ago
Meagan Good Reflects on Split From DeVon Franklin: "I Did Everything That I Could Do"
by Monica Sisavat 8 hours ago
Matthew Lawrence Clarifies His Comments About Wanting Kids: "That's Way in the Future"
by Eden Arielle Gordon 8 hours ago
Entertainment News
Pete davidson's "bupkis" series shows a glimpse of his real life in new first-look photos.
by Kelsey Garcia 9 hours ago
Bad Bunny Reveals the Hilarious Reason He Almost Missed His Grammys Performance
by Monica Sisavat 9 hours ago
Jamie Lee Curtis Celebrates Trans Daughter Ruby by Giving Oscar Statue Gender-Neutral Pronouns
by Chanel Vargas 1 day ago
Brie and Nikki Garcia Reveal They're Changing Their Names and Leaving the WWE
by Eden Arielle Gordon 1 day ago
Get Your Daily Life Hack
Right in your inbox
Select the topics that interest you:
By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive emails from POPSUGAR.
Follow. Like. Love.
STAY IN TOUCH!
Get your daily life hack right in your inbox.
Sign up for our newsletter.
THANKS! YOU'RE NOW SUBSCRIBED
Customize your newsletter.
Please select the topics you're interested in:
- Entertainment Celebrity Movies TV Music Books Cover Stories 2023 Reading Challenge
- Fashion Fashion News Celebrity Style Street Style Clothing & Accessories Fashion Week Fashion Shopping Planet Style Bridal Edit On the Runway
- Beauty Beauty News Celebrity Beauty Skin Care Makeup Hair Nails Beauty Reviews Beauty Shopping Hype Check
- Wellness Fitness Nutrition & Food Health Sex & Relationships Astrology Identity Wellness Shopping In Our Own Right
- Family Parenting Pregnancy Babies Toddlers Back to Fuel Study Haul
- Must Have Celebrity Style Fashion Shopping Beauty Shopping Home Shopping Tech Shopping Parenting Shopping Wellness Shopping Fitness Shopping Gift Guides
- Juntos Entertainment Fashion & Beauty Wellness Jefa My Way Inyecciones Edit
- Video Entertainment Fashion Beauty Class Fitsugar Food Dance Fitsugar
- Login / Register
Don't Miss Out!
Would you like to turn on POPSUGAR desktop notifications to get breaking news ASAP?
Great, Click the ‘Allow’ Button Above ☝️
Awesome, You’re All Set! 🎉
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
The best format for a cover letter or resume name is to use spaces between words, and also a short dash between each of the three elements in
Never write only cover-letter. · Use your first and last name, then, optionally, the job description, and then the document type (e.g., resume
How to Name Your Resume or Cover Letter · Follow any instructions in the job description. · Make sure your file name is descriptive and unique to
Your full name, first and last · The words "resume" or "cover letter" (depending on which it is) · The name of the position you're applying for · The job ID
The most appropriate filename for a resume or cover letter is, naturally, your name. The hiring manager will be more likely to think it is a legitimate file and
You should name your cover letter file with your full name, the target job, and the word cover letter, separated by dashes or underscores.
How to Save Your Resume or Cover Letter · 1. Keep the File Format Consistent Across Items—and Always Save as a Pdf · 2. Include (at Least) Your Last Name in the
7. Separating Words in a Cover Letter and Resume File Name – Seperate the words in your file name using hyphens or underscores. Separate first letter of last
Too often, people's résumés and cover letters are given the generic name "résumé.doc" or "coverletter.doc." Step it up a notch and
If you call your cover letter “Last Name Job Title Cover Letter,” then your resume should be “Last Name Job Title Resume.” That same goes for the contents —