File It Right: Naming Your Resume And Cover Letter
When you’re applying for a job, your resume and cover letter are your first chance to make a good impression. But before you hit send, it’s important to make sure that your documents are properly named. Here’s what you need to know about naming your resume and cover letter so that they stand out in a crowded inbox.
Why Naming Your Resume and Cover Letter Matters
When you’re applying for a job, you’re likely competing with dozens if not hundreds of other applicants. That means that the HR manager or recruiter who’s reviewing your application is likely dealing with a crowded inbox. Properly naming your resume and cover letter can help ensure that your documents get noticed.
The Dos and Don’ts of Naming Your Resume and Cover Letter
Here are some tips for naming your resume and cover letter:
- Do use your name: Your resume and cover letter should be named after you, not after the position you’re applying for or some other generic term.
- Don’t use generic names: Don’t use names like “resume.doc” or “coverletter.pdf.” These names are too generic and don’t provide any information about what’s inside the document.
- Do include the job title: Including the job title in your document name can help the person reviewing your application quickly understand what the document is for.
- Don’t use abbreviations: Avoid using abbreviations in your document name. They can be confusing and don’t provide any context.
- Do be consistent: Make sure that the name of your resume and cover letter are consistent. This will make it easier for the person reviewing your application to keep track of things.
Examples of Good Resume and Cover Letter Names
Here are some examples of good resume and cover letter names:
| Resume Name | Cover Letter Name |
|---|---|
| John_Smith_Resume.pdf | John_Smith_Cover_Letter.pdf |
| Marketing_Manager_Resume.docx | Marketing_Manager_Cover_Letter.docx |
| Software_Engineer_Jane_Doe.doc | Jane_Doe_Software_Engineer_Cover_Letter.doc |
FAQs About Naming Your Resume and Cover Letter
Q: Should I include my name in the document name?
A: Yes! Including your name in the document name can help ensure that the person reviewing your application can easily identify who the document belongs to.
Q: What should I name my document if I’m applying to multiple positions?
A: If you’re applying to multiple positions, you should create a separate document for each position and name it accordingly. For example, if you’re applying to a marketing manager position and a social media specialist position, you should have two separate documents named “Marketing_Manager_John_Smith_Resume.pdf” and “Social_Media_Specialist_John_Smith_Resume.pdf.”
Q: Can I use abbreviations in my document name?
A: It’s generally best to avoid using abbreviations in your document name. They can be confusing and don’t provide any context.
Q: Should I include the job title in my document name?
A: Including the job title in your document name can be helpful, especially if you’re applying to multiple positions. It can help the person reviewing your application quickly understand what the document is for.
Q: What’s the best format for my document?
A: The best format for your document will depend on the requirements of the job posting. In general, PDF is the safest format to use, as it ensures that your document will look the same on any device. However, if the job posting specifically requests a different format (such as Word), be sure to follow those instructions.
Conclusion
Naming your resume and cover letter might seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in whether or not your application gets noticed. By following these tips, you can ensure that your documents are properly named and stand out in a crowded inbox.
Sarah Thompson
Sarah Thompson is a career development expert with a passion for helping individuals achieve their professional goals. With over a decade of experience in the field, Sarah specializes in providing practical advice and guidance on job search strategies, cover letters, resumes, and interview techniques. She believes in empowering job seekers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the competitive job market successfully.