When applying for jobs, it's important to name your resume file and cover letter files professionally. This will ensure that your documents are easily found by employers and recruiters, and make a good first impression.
Why It's Important To Name Your Resume File
When applying for jobs, it is important to name your resume and cover letter files in a way that will make them easily found by employers and recruiters. This first step in the job application process is often overlooked, but it's important to take the time to do it right.
In this post, we'll cover everything you need to know including:
- 6 tips for naming your resume and cover letter files
- 6 mistakes you should avoid when naming your resume
- Example resume and cover letter names
6 Tips For Naming Your Resume And Cover Letter
Some tips for naming your resume and cover letter files:
Tip #1: Use your name as the file name
- JohnSmithResume.doc
- JohnPSmithResume.doc
This might seem obvious, but it's important to name your resume file in a way that can easily be found by recruiters. If your name is common, consider using your middle initial as well.
Tip #2: Use a consistent name for both your resume and cover letter files
- JohnSmithResume.doc
- JohnSmithCoverLetter.doc
This will help recruiters and hiring managers to locate your files quickly, rather than have to search through a sea of documents.
Tip #3: If you have multiple versions of your resume or cover letter, include the date or the version of your resume
- JohnSmithResume2.doc
- JohnSmithResume_051822.doc
This will help you keep track of your documents, and make it easier for employers to find the most recent version.
Tip #4: Use keywords in your file name
- JohnSmithResume_MarketingManager.doc
When employers are searching for resumes, they will often use keywords related to the position they are hiring for. By including keywords in your file name, you will make it easier for employers to find your resume.
Tip #5: Use a simple and professional file name, and avoid using special characters or spaces
- JohnSmithResume.doc instead of John$mith1995.doc
Tip #6: Make sure the file name indicates what document it is
- JohnSmithResume.doc not just Resume.doc
Following these tips will ensure that your documents are easily found and make a good first impression on potential employers.
6 Mistakes You Should Avoid When You Name Your Resume File
When applying for jobs, it's important to name your resume and cover letter files professionally. This will ensure that your documents are easily found by employers and recruiters, and make a good first impression. Here are some mistakes you should avoid when naming your resume file:
#1: Don't use your name as the file name.
If you have a common name, there may be many other files with similar names, making it difficult to locate your documents. One of the most common mistakes people make is using just their name as the file name. This may seem like a good idea, but it can actually make your documents harder to find.
#2: Don't use a different name for your resume and cover letter files.
Here's another example where it can become confusing for employers and recruiters, and may make it difficult for them to find your documents. It's important to use the same name for both files, so they can easily be found together.
Good Example:
JohnSmithResume.doc
JohnSmithCoverLetter.docBad Example:
JohnSmithResume.doc
SmithJohnCoverLetter.doc
#3: If you have multiple versions of your resume or cover letter, don't forget to include a version number in the file name.
If you have multiple versions of your resume or cover letter, it's also important to include a version number in the file name. This will help employers and recruiters to easily find the most recent version of your document. This will help employers and recruiters to easily find the most recent version of your document.
#4: Avoid using special characters or spaces in the file name.
This can make it more difficult to find your documents. Make sure the file name clearly indicates what document it is, so there is no confusion.
#5: Don't name your files something generic like “Resume.doc”
This may seem like a good idea, but it's actually one of the worst things you can do. Employers and recruiters receive hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes, so you want to make sure your document stands out. Naming your file something generic like “Resume.doc” is a sure way to blend in with the rest of the applicant pool.
#6: Don't name your files something too creative or unusual
While you want your file name to be unique, you don't want it to be too creative or unusual. This can make it more difficult for employers and recruiters to find your document, and may give them the impression that you're not professional. Stick to a simple and professional file name, and avoid using special characters or spaces.
If you utilize the following methods, you'll be able to quickly locate and make a favorable first impression on prospective employers.
Example Resume And Cover Letter File Names
Here are some examples of professional resume file names:
- JohnSmithResume.doc
- JohnSmithCoverLetter.doc
- JohnSmithResume2.doc
- JohnSmithCoverLetter2.doc
- Resume_JohnSmith.doc
- CoverLetter_JohnSmith.doc
As you can see, these file names are simple and professional, and make it easy for employers to find the document they're looking for.
When it comes to your resume and cover letter, first impressions are everything. Use our resume builder to create a resume that will help you get noticed by employers, and name your files in a way that will make it easy for them to find.
Creating a professional resume and cover letter can be a challenge, but with our tips, you'll be able to create documents that will help you get noticed by employers.
Final Thoughts
When applying for jobs, it's important to name your resume and cover letter files in a way that will make them easily found by employers and recruiters.
Interested in how you can stand out from other candidates? Check out our guide on How To Create A Value Validation Project! It's packed with examples of projects that you can create to blow the recruiter and hiring manager away!
