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Should You Combine Your Cover Letter and Resume into One Document?

The internet has impacted virtually every area of life, including the job search process. Gone are the days when a job seeker would simply hand an employer a cover letter and resume in paper form. Today, more companies than ever accept digital copies of those job search documents.

In fact, many companies and employers now only accept emailed digital cover letters and resumes so they can make use of applicant tracking systems (ATS). Unfortunately, there’s been little effort to standardize submission processes, and that can make it a little confusing for the average job seeker.

For example, how should you submit your emailed resume and cover letter? Should you send them separately or combine them into one document? In this post, we’ll examine both options and offer the advice you need to make the best decision.

What’s the difference between a cover letter and resume?

Before you decide whether to combine your cover letter and resume into one document, it is helpful to make sure that you fully understand each of these important tools. The fact is that each of these documents has its own role to play in the job search process, and they have some major differences:

Each of these documents serves a distinct purpose in the job search process. Resumes are designed to provide an employer with an easy way to quickly assess your qualifications. The main purpose of a cover letter is to help the employer understand your motivations, goals, and personality. Both are important documents, but they are not interchangeable.

Your cover letter should be a targeted document that focuses on your qualifications for a specific job role. It should contain information about why you are the best candidate for the position and what you hope to achieve for the employer if you are hired. Your resume is more of a marketing tool that highlights your skills, relevant work experience , and educational qualifications in an easily digested summarized format.

Structure and format

These two documents also have dramatically different structures and formats . Your resume will be divided into specific sections for easier consumption and will include bullet point lists of relevant skills and achievements. Cover letters look more like any other written communication, conveying your message in full sentences and paragraphs.

Cover letter and resume: to combine or not to combine?

Let’s get right to the main question here: should you combine your cover letter and resume into one document? As a general rule, you should try to avoid it wherever possible. Since resumes and cover letters serve two very different roles in the job search process, they should be treated as separate documents. The only time you should even consider combining these two documents is when the company has instructed you to do so.

Review the instructions

Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to get the submission guidelines for the position straight from the source. That means asking the company’s hiring manager how your resume and cover letter should be sent. If there are clear instructions, it’s important to follow them to the letter to maximize your chances of receiving the right type of attention. On those rare occasions when a company wants a combined document, the job posting will usually include that instruction.

Why you should not combine these two documents

In most instances, however, you will discover that the instructions are vague. Perhaps the only instruction is that your resume must be emailed. If that’s the case, then you should always choose to leave these two documents as separate files. There are several very good reasons to do so:

If you include these two tools in one document, applicant tracking systems may reject it. That can happen if the ATS mistakes your cover letter for a resume and assesses it based on its rules for resume approval.

Hiring managers often want to go directly to your resume to review your qualifications. If your cover letter is part of that document, it could be a distraction that frustrates your reader.

Your cover letter and resume serve different purposes. Keeping them separate helps to ensure that each document receives the attention it deserves.

What if employers request that your cover letter and resume be combined?

As we noted above, there may be times when a specific employer requests that a resume and cover letter be sent as one document. Obviously, that request should be honored if you want to be considered for an interview. The important thing then is to ensure that you combine them properly. The following tips can help:

Decide which document you want the employer to see first

Since the cover letter serves as your introduction, there is a case to be made for putting it in the front of the resume. If you want to make sure that the ATS scores your resume properly, however, you may want to put the resume at the beginning of the document. That can also help hiring managers quickly access your qualifications.

Create a new document

Make sure that you create an entirely new document for your combined file. That will enable you to keep them separate for other companies and submissions. Then copy and paste your resume and cover letter into this new document. Be sure to save the file with an appropriate file name. For example: JohnSmithResumeCoverLetter.docx or JohnSmithResumeCoverLetter.pdf.

Use proper formatting

When you paste each document into your combined file, make sure that you retain the original formatting. Also, be sure to include a page break at the end of the first document so that the next document begins on a fresh page.

Submit the combined file

Once you have your new combined file, submit it to the company. If the online job posting includes submission instructions, follow them to the letter. Otherwise, simply send it to the appropriate email address.

How to email your cover letter and resume

When emailing your cover letter and resume, either include the cover letter as an attachment or copy and paste its text into the email message. Don’t do both. 

It is generally recommended that you submit both the resume and cover letter as file attachments rather than having any part of them in the body of your email message. What you can include in the email text is confirmation that you have attached the resume and cover letter files.

Of course, you also need to decide whether you want to submit a Word document or a PDF file. Once again, review the job board instructions to see what the company is requesting. If there is no specific option listed, then the best thing to do is to submit each document in a Word file. 

Sample cover letter and resume template

Below, you will find a resume and cover letter template that you can use to ensure that your job search documents contain the information that employers want to see. You can use these templates to guide you as you create your own cover letter and resume:

Resume template

[Your first and last name]

[Your Phone number]

[Your Email address]

Professional Summary

[No more than three sentences highlighting your qualifications, experience, and achievements.]

Core Competencies

[Bullet point list of your relevant skills. Use multiple columns to list 12-15 top skills ]

Employment History

[Company name], [city], [state] | [Employment dates]

[Job title]

Job responsibility and achievement

[Repeat employment history for additional jobs, in reverse chronological order]

[Name of school], [city], [state]

[Degree], [major]

[Date you graduated] It should be noted that you don’t have to include education dates if you graduated more than one year ago. 

Certifications/Licenses

[Name of certification or license, organization providing it, and relevant dates]

Awards and Achievements

[Award, honor, achievement]

Cover letter template

[Your city and state]

[Recipient's first and last name]

[Company name]

[Company address]

Dear [Recipient's name],

My name is [your name] and I am interested in discussing the open [position name] position at your company. I have [length of experience] experience as a [your profession] and am confident that I can provide a great deal of value for your company if hired.

I have recently been employed at [relevant employer name], where I was responsible for [cite job duties using keywords that match the skills needed in the open position]. Prior to that, I [provide examples of job duties that show your qualifications to fill the company’s open job]. I would love to have the opportunity to use these skills as part of your team.

I have included my resume with this letter so that you can evaluate my qualifications and experience at your leisure. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to having the opportunity to discuss the position with you in greater detail.

Respectfully,

[Your name]

You should choose to send your cover letter and resume as separate documents, unless the company has instructed you to combine them into a single file. More importantly, make sure that you get those critical job search tools into the right hands so that you can increase your chances of landing an interview!

Want to know whether your resume has what it takes to capture a hiring manager’s interest? Get a free resume review from our team of experts today!

Recommended Reading:

How to Tailor Your Resume to Different Positions (Examples)

How long should a resume be in 2023?

How to Get Your Resume Past the ATS Scans

Ken Chase, Freelance Writer

During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd. Read more resume advice from Ken on  ZipJob’s blog .

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How To Match Your Cover Letter With Your Resume [With Examples]

A well-crafted cover letter and resume are essential for a successful job application, and understanding how these two documents should complement each other can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. Creating a cohesive application package not only demonstrates your professionalism but also helps you stand out in a competitive job market. In this article, we'll explore:

• The importance of a cohesive application package
• The role of the cover letter in the application process
• The role of the resume in the application process
• Common concerns and questions job seekers have about the relationship between cover letters and resumes
• An overview of the topics covered in the article

Design and Format Consistency

Ensuring your cover letter and resume have a consistent design and format is crucial for presenting a professional, visually appealing application package. A consistent design helps create a sense of control, familiarity, and reliability, as noted in this CareerFoundry article .

To achieve a cohesive design:

• Choose a clean, easy-to-read layout: A well-organized layout makes it easier for hiring managers to quickly scan your documents and find relevant information.
• Use the same font and font size across both documents: Consistency in typography creates a visually harmonious package and demonstrates attention to detail.
• Align color schemes and design elements: Using a coordinated color palette and incorporating similar design elements, such as lines or icons, can make your application appear more polished.
• Consider the impact of consistent design on the reader's perception: A well-designed application package conveys professionalism and can leave a lasting positive impression on the hiring manager.

Showcasing Your Personality

Your cover letter should highlight your unique personality and qualities that are not evident in your resume, setting you apart from other applicants. A resume focuses on your skills and professional experience, which may not convey your character and personal attributes. On the other hand, your cover letter provides an opportunity to showcase your communication style, voice, and relevant personal experiences.

For example:

After completing my degree in environmental science, I spent a year volunteering with a local conservation group to protect our community's natural habitats. This experience deepened my passion for protecting the environment and inspired me to pursue a career in sustainability.

By sharing your passion and enthusiasm for the role, you can demonstrate your genuine interest in the position and create a memorable impression on the hiring manager.

Addressing Red Flags

Your cover letter can serve as a valuable tool for addressing potential concerns or red flags in your resume, providing additional context and explanation. Common resume red flags may include employment gaps, frequent job changes, or unconventional career paths. When addressing these concerns in your cover letter:

• Be honest and transparent about your situation.
• Explain any personal or professional growth that resulted from these experiences.
• Provide context for your career choices and demonstrate how they have contributed to your skill set.

For instance:

While my resume may show a gap in employment, I took that time to care for an ill family member. This experience taught me invaluable skills in time management, empathy, and resilience, which I believe will make me a stronger candidate for this position.

Customizing for the Specific Job Position

Customizing your cover letter for the specific job position and company you are applying for is essential for demonstrating your fit for the role and your genuine interest in the company. To tailor your cover letter:

• Research the company and job position: Familiarize yourself with the company's values, mission, and goals, as well as the skills and qualifications required for the role.
• Identify key skills and qualifications required for the role: As mentioned in this Indeed article , analyze your skill set and match it with the job requirements.
• Address these requirements in your cover letter: Explain how your experience and skills make you an ideal candidate for the position.
• Use company-specific language and terminology: This demonstrates your familiarity with the company and its industry.

Avoid using generic templates and create a customized cover letter for each application to show that you have taken the time to research and understand the specific job opportunity.

Connecting with the Company

Your cover letter should demonstrate your understanding of the company's values, mission, and goals, and how your skills and experience align with these factors. To establish a genuine connection with the company:

• Research the company's values, mission, and goals: Use resources like the company's website, press releases, and social media accounts to gather information.
• Identify your own values and goals that align with the company: Reflect on your personal and professional aspirations and how they relate to the company's mission.
• Demonstrate how your experience and skills will contribute to the company's success: Explain how your background will add value to the organization.
• Express enthusiasm for the company's products or services: Show your genuine interest in what the company does and how it aligns with your passions.

Examples Of How To Match Your Resume With Your Cover Letter

When crafting your job application materials, it's crucial to ensure your cover letter and resume complement each other. They should serve as two parts of a whole, providing a complete and compelling portrait of your skills, experiences, and professional history. Here are a few ways to match your resume with your cover letter effectively:

1. Tailored Skills Highlighting:

In your resume, you've listed down your technical and soft skills, such as team management, Python programming, or business analytics. When you write your cover letter, refer back to these skills and give concrete examples. If your resume states, "Proficient in Python," your cover letter might include a story of how you used Python to streamline a business process, boosting efficiency by 30%.

2. Reinforcing Achievements:

Your cover letter is a chance to flesh out the notable achievements listed in your resume. For instance, if your resume states, "Increased sales by 20% over a fiscal year," your cover letter could detail how you motivated the team, developed a sales strategy, and persevered through market challenges to achieve this.

3. Echoing the Professional Summary:

Your resume's professional summary is a snapshot of your career. In your cover letter, you can echo this summary in a narrative form. For example, if your summary describes you as a "Dedicated financial analyst with a passion for data-driven strategies," you might begin your cover letter with a story that shows this passion in action.

4. Expanding on Key Experiences:

A resume often contains bullet points about job duties and responsibilities. In your cover letter, select a few of these key experiences and describe them in more depth. If your resume says, "Managed a team of 10 sales associates," your cover letter might tell a story about a challenging time when your leadership skills really made a difference.

5. Mirroring Language and Tone:

Your resume and cover letter should not only share content but also style. If your resume is written in a formal, professional tone, maintain this in your cover letter. If your resume uses specific industry jargon or phrases from the job listing, mirror this language in your cover letter.

Remember, while your cover letter and resume should complement each other, they shouldn't be carbon copies. The cover letter allows you to show a bit more of your personality and to highlight your suitability for the role in a story-like format. In contrast, your resume offers a structured, concise overview of your skills, experiences, and achievements. By thoughtfully aligning these two documents, you can present a powerful and consistent professional brand.

Final Tips and Best Practices

By following some final tips and best practices, you can ensure your cover letter and resume are cohesive, professional, and compelling:

• Proofread and edit both documents for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
• Seek feedback from trusted friends, mentors, or professional resume services.
• Utilize online resources and templates to guide your cover letter and resume creation, such as Harvard College's guide or HigherEdJobs' resources .
• Continuously update and improve your application materials as you gain experience and skills.
• Stay informed about industry trends and expectations for job applications.

By understanding how your cover letter and resume should complement each other and following the strategies outlined in this article, you can create a polished, professional application package that stands out to potential employers. Investing time and effort in crafting cohesive application materials can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview and advancing your career. We encourage you to continue refining your cover letter and resume skills and wish you success in your job search. If you have any additional tips or experiences with matching cover letters and resumes, please share them with us!

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How to Email a Resume and Cover Letter Attachment

Sample Email for a Job Application With Attachment

Ashley Nicole DeLeon / The Balance

Depending on the job for which you're applying, you may need to attach your resume and cover letter to an email as you reach out to the hiring manager. That's often the case with smaller employers. For other employers, you'll generally apply online or via a job board, but you'll still want to know how to properly attach a resume and cover letter in case you're coordinating any interviews via email.

What's the easiest way to attach your resume and cover letter to an email message? When you're asked to send a resume or cover letter via email, follow these steps to ensure you have correctly attached your documents. You'll also want to explain what you are sending and why, add your signature to the email, and include a subject line that will get your message opened and read by the recipient.

Key Takeaways

• Most employers request a Microsoft Word document or a PDF file of your resume. 
• It's easy to save your documents in the file format requested by an employer.
• When saving your documents, use your name as the file name.
• Include a subject line that states who you are and what job you are applying for in the email message.

Check the Employer's Instructions

When you apply for jobs via email , the employer may require you to send your resume and cover letter as an attachment to an email message. It's important to send your attachments correctly, include all the information you need so your email message is opened and read, and let the receiver know how they can contact you to schedule an interview.

What's most important is to follow the employer's instructions and send exactly what they have asked for in the format it's requested. If you don't, your message may end up in a spam or trash folder.

Save Your Cover Letter and Resume

When sending your cover letter and resume attachments, the first step is to save your resume as a PDF or a Word document. The job posting should specify how to send the attachment. This way, the receiver will get a copy of the resume in the original format.

If there aren't instructions on how to send your documents, submit your resume as either a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or as a PDF file. These are the formats most commonly preferred by employers, and it's easy to save the documents and add them as attachments to your email message.

You can either save your cover letter in document format or write it directly in the email message.

Save as a Word Document

If you have word processing software other than Microsoft Word, save your resume as a Word (.doc or .docx) document. Select File , then Save As .

Save a Google Doc as a Word Document

If you don't have Microsoft Word, you can save a Word (.docx) version of a Google Doc. Select File then Download and choose Word Document (.docx).

How to Save as a PDF

Whether the employer requests a PDF file or you opt to send a PDF, here's how to convert a document file.

To save a Word document as a PDF:

• Select  File then Save As  in Microsoft Word.
• Select  PDF  from the  Format  drop-down menu.

To save a Google Doc as a PDF:

• Select  File then Download and choose  PDF Document .

Choose a Unique File Name

When saving your document, use your name as the file name , so the employer knows whose resume and cover letter it is, i.e., janedoeresume.doc or janedoecoverletter.doc.

Don't simply use "resume" as a file name because it will be hard to differentiate your resume from those of the other applicants.

Include a Subject in the Email Message

The subject line is one of the most important parts of the email messages you send to apply for jobs. If you don't include one, your message may not even get opened. 

Your email message must include a subject line, and it should explain to the reader who you are and what job you are applying for. Be specific, so the recipient knows what he or she is receiving. Employers often hire for many positions at the same time, so include both your name and the job title.

Add a subject to the email message before you start writing it. That way, you won't forget to include it afterward.

Here's what to write:

Subject: Your Name - Job Title

If the employer requests additional information, like a job ID number, be sure to include that too.

Write an Email Message to Send With Your Resume

Once you have saved your resume and cover letter, and they are ready to send, the next step is to write an email message to send with your documents.

First, open your email account. Then click on Message at the top left of the screen or click on File > New > Message .

You can either write your cover letter as part of the email message or send it as an attachment. Here's how:

Write Directly in the Email

You can either type your cover letter directly into the email message , copy and paste it from a word processing document, or if the company requests an attachment, send your cover letter and resume with the email message. So, your choices are to send a cover letter attachment or to use the email message as your cover letter.

If you are attaching a cover letter, your email message can be brief. Simply state that your resume and cover letter are attached. Offer to provide additional information and let the reader know how you can be contacted.

Be sure to follow the directions in the job posting for how to apply when sending your cover letter and resume or your application may not be considered.

Adding Your Signature to the Email

It is important to include an email signature with your contact information, so it's easy for hiring managers and recruiters to get in touch with you.

Include your full name, your email address, and your phone number in your email signature, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, how to contact you. If you have a LinkedIn profile , include it in your signature. Do the same with any other social media accounts you use for career and business purposes.

Sample Email Signature

Jared Harshbarner jared.harshbarner@email.com 617-123-3790 linkedin.com/in/jared.harshbarner

How to Add Your Signature

To add your signature to your email message, click on File > Insert > Signature if you have a signature saved that you use for job searching. If you haven't created an email signature, type your contact information (name, email address, phone, LinkedIn) at the bottom of your message.

Attach Your Resume and Cover Letter to an Email Message

Once your email message is ready to send, you need to attach your resume and cover letter to your message:

Click on Insert > Attach File. Your email client will display a list of files in the default file folder of your computer. If your resume and cover letter are stored in a different folder, click on the appropriate folder.

Click to select the file you want to add to your email message , and then click on Insert to attach the document to your email message. Take the time to carefully proofread the message before you send it.

Before you click Send , send the message to yourself to be sure all the attachments come through, and your email message is perfect.

Send a copy of the message to yourself, as well as to the company, so you have a copy for your records. Add yourself as a BCC (blind carbon copy) by clicking BCC and adding your email address.

Then click Send , and your cover letter and your resume will be on their way to the employer.

Review a Sample Email Message

Here's a sample email message sent with resume and cover letter attachments to apply for a job.

Subject: Sarah Smith – Museum Docent

Dear Ms. Cooper,

I’m writing to apply for the summer docent program at the Museum of Local History.

I have extensive docent experience, having volunteered at both the Harbor Museum and ABC Art, and have led tours both as a student leader and a member of the town historical society. In addition, I’m a lifelong town resident and an enthusiastic amateur historian.

I’ve attached my cover letter and resume for your review. I hope you’ll contact me at your convenience to discuss the program and arrange an interview. Thank you for your time.

Sarah Smith sarah.smith@email.com 555-555-1234 linkedin.com/in/sarahsmith

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it better to send a word document or a pdf to apply for a job.

A PDF file retains the format of your resume and letter, so the recipient will see them as you wrote them when they open the file(s) you sent. A Word document is easily read by the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that employers use to manage job applications. What's most important is to follow the company's application guidelines.

How can I be sure my documents are formatted correctly?

Send a test message, and email your resume and cover letter to yourself before you send it to the employer. That way, you'll know your documents are formatted and attached correctly.

ZipJob. “ Should You Send Your Resume as a PDF or Word Doc? "

Google. " Create, View, or Download a File ."

Microsoft. " Save or Convert to PDF or XPS in Office Desktop Apps ."

Adobe. " How to Convert a Google Doc to a PDF ."

Should your cover letter be in the body of your email or as a separate attachment?

When applying to a job via email, where should your cover letter go — in the body of your email or as a separate attachment? 

Here’s your answer… 

Since your cover letter should contain 2-4 brief paragraphs that highlight a relevant experience or something about you that helps you stand out for the job, I always recommend attaching your cover letter as a separate PDF (separate from your resume).  This allows the reader to open it up separately and focus on it as well as to easily save it in the same directory where they save your resume, since saving an email can be more difficult. 

Most recipients of resumes try to get through their emails as quickly as possible, so if you have a long cover letter and it lives in the body of your email, the reader might barely skim it or not read it at all since long emails require a lot of effort and time to read.  They’re trying to process a lot of emails quickly, bucket the candidates into yes, no and maybe piles, and then circle back later to review the info in more detail.  People generally don’t like to read long emails.  

However, if your cover letter is brief and succinct, you could consider also copying/pasting it into the body of the email. It just needs to be very brief and succinct (one-third of a page) if you’re going to take this approach.

Most cover letters aren’t brief and succinct, so if your cover letter is long, avoid pasting your cover letter in the body of your email.  In this situation, the body of your email should contain a nice statement about your interest level for the role and that you attached your cover letter which highlights a couple of examples of why you’re qualified for the role. You should state that your cover letter highlights something unique about you so you entice them to open it and read it. 

So, in effect, the body of your email is a very abbreviated version of your cover letter.  It’s a teaser for what’s inside.

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If you want to learn more tips like this to help you land the job of your dreams, check out my Winning Resume Masterclass .   It’s packed full of tips and techniques that are proven to get candidates a better response rate when applying to jobs.

“My resume before and after could not be more pronounced and I have since received more replies when applying!” ~Jason

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Should I Attach A Cover Letter Or Write It In The Email

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Should i attach a cover letter or write it in the email.

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It's best to include a cover letter as a separate attachment in PDF format and also write a brief introduction in the body of the email highlighting your interest in the position and the attached cover letter. This way, the hiring manager can easily see both your email and cover letter in one place and it can also help to ensure that your formatting remains intact.

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Should I attach cover letter with resume?

I’ve been apply to many positions recently. For many of the jobs, cover letter isn’t required. So my question is. Should I attach a cover letter with my resume where they didn’t ask for a cover letter separately? About me: Fresh university grad with 4.5 years of digital marketing experience in a start-up looking for marketing jobs in Canada.

Make it into a poll. And no.

No, it’s useless. Recruiters don’t have time for this

No. We’re not reading that shit!

People barely read CVs, let alone cover letters

People barely hire nowadays, let alone reading CVs

People barely go to work nowadays, let alone hire

People barely nowadays

People barely get up nowadays, let alone got to work

Should I not even be submitting cover letters anymore?

Find any image/file on your computer and rename to CoverLetter. PDF Attach this. Now you completed the formality and HR will think file got corrupted and couldn't open and only focus on Resume