What is the best resume file name to use for your resume or CV document when you save it to apply for jobs? When you are saving your resume, it is significant to select a resume file name for your resume that involves your own name. When you apply for jobs, hiring managers will know whose resume it is, and it will be simpler for them to track your job application and share it with colleagues engaged in the hiring process.
If you email your resume to an interviewer, the document name will be the first thing he or she will see. Once the interviewer opens the document, the first thing he or she looks at is the heading. Hence, the title and document name are critical to getting your resume a second glance.
How to Choose a Resume File Name
Do not name your resume resume.doc. There will be no way to distinguish it from all the other resumes with the same file name. Rather, use your name as the file name. The employer will know whose resume it is at a glance i.e. johndoeresume.doc or JohnDoeResume.docx, for instance. Name your cover letter the same way i.e. johndoecoverletter.doc or JobDoeCoverLetter.doc.
Options for Saving Your Resume
Unless an interviewer specifies otherwise, it is vital to send or upload your resume as a PDF or a Word document. This way, the receiver will get a copy of your resume and cover letter in the original format.
In several cases, the employer will tell you how they need to receive your resume so be sure to follow the instructions and provide what is requested. If you don’t follow the instructions in the job posting, you may not be considered for the job.
Before you save your resume, you may need to create a new file folder so all your job application materials are in one place.
This will assist you keep track of different versions of your resume, your cover letter, and when you have used them to apply for jobs.
To save your resume as a Word document click on File, Save As, and type in the file name you are giving your resume i.e. JohnDoeResume.doc. Select the folder you’ve chosen to save it in.
To save your documents as a PDF, relying on your word processing software program, you may be capable to File, Print to Adobe PDF. If not, there are free programs you can use to convert a file to a PDF. Select a folder to save the PDF version of your resume in.
If you are applying by email, follow these directions for attaching your documents to an email message.
Tips for Selecting a Resume File Name
Don Fornes, CEO of Software Advice, shares his advice on how to name your resume, how to save your resume, and other resume tips.
Do not name your resume “resume.” About a third of applicants name their resume documents, “resume.doc.” “Resume” might make sense on your computer, where you know it’s your resume. However, on my computer, it’s one of many, many resumes with the same name. By using such a generic file name, the applicant misses a great opportunity to brand him or herself (e.g. “John Doe – Quota Crusher”).
If you are qualified enough to sell or market for us, you won’t miss the chance to at least use your name in the resume file name.
You do not have to use all lower case. I am not sure where this trend originated. Is it some text messaging thing? It is so easy to capitalize properly on a keyboard. How much time is this actually saving you? To me, it screams out, “Hi. I’m lazy. My pinkies are really heavy, and I’d rather not move them to shift. When I start working for you, I’ll look for other ways to be lazy. I’ll also rebel against authority figures like you, just like I’m rebelling against the English teachers that dedicated their lives to helping me become literate.”
Proofread your resume. It is unbelievable the number of spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes I see in resumes. Again, this is a blaring clue telling the hiring manager that you don’t check your work and you don’t pay attention to detail.
Save your resume as a PDF. Not everyone utilizes the same operating system and word processor that you do. I use a Mac. I don’t have Word – and I don’t want it. My ATS can’t handle .docx files. A lot of the resumes I see come through horribly garbled. So much for that nice formatting you did (Did you?). PDF, or portable document format, is a simple solution. Here’s how to select a file format for your resume.
Quick Tip: Remember or jot down the location where you saved the document, so it is easy to find it and attach it to an email message or upload. It is a great idea to create a new folder for all your job search correspondence. Another option is to email a copy to yourself, so you always have the latest version in your inbox.