Most go on to create the best of resumes with a well-thought-out letter of application. But then, a very important factor usually left out is the file name for the cover letter. Believe it? Those few words under the file icon for your cover letter will leave a strong impression on the hiring personnel. Paying attention to a nice, professional file name will demonstrate attention to detail and allow hiring managers the luxury of immediately locating your application from a sea of submissions.
Let’s have a closer look at why file names matter and what you can do to select the perfect one for a custom touch.
Why the File Name Matters
Professionalism
A generic file name like “Document1” or “MyCoverLetter” looks careless. On the other hand, a file titled “Jane-Doe-Marketing-Manager-CoverLetter.pdf” immediately shows professionalism. Recruiters will see that you’ve put thought into every part of your application.
Easy Identification
Hiring managers must download hundreds of files when filling a position. A properly named cover letter file will help them locate your document easily among others. Imagine being a hiring manager sifting through files labeled “Untitled” — it would be a nightmare!
Avoid Confusion
It becomes more difficult when applying to multiple job openings within one company. Here, file naming becomes a must, as it helps steer clear of mix-ups and distinguishes you from the crowd, categories entitled to showcase your organizational skills and seriousness about the position.
Best Practices for Naming Your Cover Letter File
1. Your Full Name
Always start your filename with your full name. For example:
John-Doe-Cover-Letter.pdf
Instant identification of the document as his/her own.
2. Job Title or Position
The job title or position should be added so they understand for which role the letter is for. For example:
John-Doe-Sales-Executive-Cover-Letter.pdf
3. Keep It Simple and Clear
Keep things neat and easy to read. Use a hyphen or underscore. For example:
Jane_Smith_GraphicDesigner_CoverLetter.pdf
4. Choose the Right File Format
PDF is the best option because it retains the formatting of that file, no matter which device or system is used by the recruiter. Also, it is a much safer option than a Word file, in which your formatting may accidentally shift.
5. Keep It Professional and Simple
Keep out all unnecessary details like final-final or edited-version. Stick to a short and clean name that speaks professionalism.
Using a Cover Letter Maker or Online Resume Builder
The cover letter writing style differs from one organization to another.
The cover letter writing style differs from one organization to another; tools like a cover letter maker online can come to your rescue.
1. Professional Templates
A good cover letter maker offers ready-made, professional templates that save time and give your file a polished look.
2. Customization Options
With the online cover letter builder, you can make customizations by adding your name, job title, and company details, which is also useful since the layout will be professional.
3. Saving Time
By and large, these online tools cut the time taken to build everything from scratch and allow you more time to focus on making the content more specific to the job rather than the formatting.
4. Error-Free Content
Some cover letter maker online platforms also highlight mistakes or suggest corrections, helping you submit a cleaner, more professional file.
Outspark, for example, emphasizes not just the writing process but also presentation details like file naming and formatting. Using such guidance ensures you leave no gaps in your application.
Final Tips: Additional Things to Keep in Mind
Tailor Your Cover Letter
Even if you’re using a template or a cover letter maker, make sure each letter is customized for the specific role and company.
Proofread
Spelling or grammatical missteps might bring one down. Do the due diligence of proofreading the cover letter before you save your copy.
Follow Instructions
Sometimes, employers instruct on file naming. If they do, stick to those instructions since that indicates your attention to detail.
Conclusion
The very little detail of how you name your cover letter file could offer a recruiter their first impressions about you, which means professionalism, organization, and respect for the hiring process. Using online tools such as cover letter makers or a resume builder would make these activities easier and still ensure that your application would not be overlooked.
Outspark sees file naming as an important part of the job application process — because sometimes feeding the finer details into the process can set you apart. So, whenever you are going to prep a cover letter for the next batch of job applications, keep in mind: your file name is an ambassador before you do.
