do cover letters need a title

Purdue Online Writing Lab College of Liberal Arts

What do I include in my cover letter heading?

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The heading provides your contact information, the date you are writing, and the address of the company to which you are applying.

For your contact information, you will want to include the following:

• The address where you can be reached ( if you live at college, will it be more accessible to include the local address or your permanent address? )
• Phone number
• Fax number (if applicable)
• E-mail address

Then, you will skip a line and write the full date ( month, day, year ). Follow this by skipping a space and writing the contact information for the person to whom you are writing:

• Name of the specific person
• Title of that person (if available)
• Address of the company

Craig M. Leroix 2987 W. Taylor Dr. Portland, OR 45720 890-372-1262 [email protected]

February 2, 2005

Amy Kincaid, Human Resource Director Western Electric, Inc. 387 Collier Lane Atlanta, Georgia 30051

Job seekers at Purdue University may find value in the Purdue career Wiki here .

The following are additional Purdue OWL resources to help you write your cover letter:

• Cover Letter Workshop- Formatting and Organization
• Example Employment Documents
• Cover Letters 1: Quick Tips
• Cover Letters 2: Preparing to Write a Cover Letter
• Cover Letter Presentation
• Job Search Documents for Working Class Positions

How to Name a Cover Letter File

Written by Lidia Yordanova

SEO & Content Specialist

In This Guide:

How to name a cover letter file

What to include in your cover letter file name

Examples of correct cover letter file names

Common mistakes to avoid when choosing a title for your cover letter file

In conclusion

When applying for a job, it’s easy to focus on perfecting your cover letter  and forget about the small details—like how to name the file. But guess what? The way you title your cover letter file can make a lasting impression on hiring managers.

A well-named file looks professional, while a poorly labeled file might leave a bad taste before they even open your letter. Plus, HR professionals often receive tons of applications, so a clear, properly named file can help them keep everything organized.

Let’s discuss the best way to name your cover letter file so that it stands out for the right reasons.

Selecting a file name for a professional cover letter follows a few universal rules that help keep things tidy and organized. Following these guidelines ensures your files are not only easy to locate but also give a polished, professional impression right from the start.

Plus, they’ll save whoever opens them from unnecessary confusion.

Good practices for naming files

• Don’t use unnecessary abbreviations that may confuse the reader.
• Use standard title capitalization like John_Doe_Cover_Letter.pdf rather than all lowercase or random capitalization (johndoeCoverLetter.pdf).Avoid overly long names or complicated structures that make it harder for someone to scan a list of documents.
• If you need to separate words, use either hyphens (-) or underscores (_) rather than slashes (/), periods, or other symbols.
• Keep it businesslike and steer clear from emojis or fun symbols.
• Include your full name because this helps the hiring manager immediately know who the file belongs to.
• Adding the role you’re applying for clarifies your application and differentiates it if the company is hiring for multiple positions.

Think of these as the unwritten rules for naming your cover letter. Now, let’s look at the key elements that make your cover letter file name effective.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter File Name

There are a few crucial elements you should always have in mind regarding your cover letter file name. These ensuret the recruiter knows exactly what the file is, who it’s from, and what position you’re applying for.

Taking the extra step to title your file properly can prevent confusion and ensure your application stands out for the right reasons.

Your full name

Including your full name in the file name is non-negotiable. It’s the quickest way for the hiring manager or recruiter to identify who the document belongs to. Especially when they’re sorting through dozens (or even hundreds) of applications, having a clear name in the file helps prevent confusion or misplacement.

Even if you have a common name, it’s better than leaving your name out altogether. If you want to stand out further, you can combine this with other elements like the job title or company name (more on that below).

Position title

Including the job title in your cover letter file name is helpful, especially if the company is hiring for multiple positions. This adds clarity and lets the hiring team know right away which role you’re applying for.

If the role title is long, feel free to abbreviate slightly (as long as it’s still clear), but always make sure it’s specific enough that there’s no ambiguity.

Excellence is in the details. Give attention to the details and excellence will come.

Perry Paxton

Company name (Optional)

Although it's not required, adding the company’s name to the title of your cover letter can be a thoughtful detail, particularly if you’re submitting applications to multiple companies simultaneously. 

It signals you’ve gone the extra mile to tailor your resume and CL to their job opening, rather than using a generic, one-size-fits-all approach.

However, if your file name is already getting too long, this element can be left out in favor of focusing on your name and position.

When it comes to the file type, always save your cover letter as a PDF unless the job posting specifies otherwise. PDFs are universally readable  and maintain their formatting across different devices and operating systems, ensuring your cover letter looks the same to everyone who opens it.

Now that we’ve highlighted the main components, let’s check out some examples of properly formatted cover letter  file names to keep things professional.

Cover letter importance

According to an article published in Prodigy Finance  about the hiring process, 45% of hiring managers review the cover letter before turning their attention to the applicant’s resume.

Examples of Correct Cover Letter File Names

Your cover letter file name is the first glimpse the hiring manager will have of your application, so it’s important to get it right. Here are a few examples of different approaches to naming your file, depending on the specifics of the job or company.

Our first example works well for single applications when you don’t need to specify a job title or company.

Example 1: John_Doe_Cover_Letter.pdf

This is the simplest, most straightforward format. It includes:

• Your full name:  John Doe, making it easy for the employer to immediately identify you.
• File type: The PDF format ensures the document remains unchanged and can be opened on any system.

Including the year can add clarity and make it easier for you and the employer to track applications over time.

Example 2: Sarah_Williams_Cover_Letter_2024.pdf

In this case, the applicant has included the year, which is useful if:

• Multiple applications: You’re applying for several roles over time and want to differentiate them.
• Specific year:  It indicates when the application was made—useful for large organizations that may hire year-round.

The third format provides more information upfront and makes the job you’re applying for crystal clear.

Example 3: James_Martin_Project_Manager_Cover_Letter.pdf

This version specifies the job title, which is especially helpful if:

• The company has multiple openings: It ensures your application is properly categorized for the right position.
• Specialization:  Some roles, like Project Manager, might have varying specializations (IT Project Manager, Construction Project Manager), so being specific is a plus.

The following format helps ensure the document is clearly understood as part of a larger package, minimizing confusion.

Example 4: Kevin_Jones_Marketing_Application_Cover_Letter.pdf

This example includes the word "Application," which is useful when:

• Part of a full package:  If you’re submitting multiple documents (cover letter, resume, portfolio), labeling your cover letter as part of the application can help organize your submission.
• Clarifying purpose:  In some cases, you might want to clarify that this is part of a broader set of application materials.

Sometimes, the job posting might come with specific instructions on how to name your file. In that case, follow their guidelines exactly. Ignoring these details can make you look careless, no matter how strong your application is.

What if you're applying for multiple roles at the same company?

In this case, you’ll want to differentiate not only the content but also the file names for each role. For example, if you’re applying for both a marketing and sales position at the same company, you might use:

JaneSmith_MarketingManager_CoverLetter.pdf

JaneSmith_SalesManager_CoverLetter.pdf

Tailoring your file names for each position helps keep your applications organized and shows attention to detail.

Next, let’s explore what NOT to do when naming your cover letter file.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Title for Your Cover Letter File

When naming your cover letter file, it's easy to overlook how much it impacts your job application. A poorly named file can create confusion, look unprofessional, or even cause your application to get lost among others.

Below are some of the most frequent file-naming errors and simple ways to avoid them.

• Vague names:  Names like "coverletter.pdf", "coverletter-2.pdf", "resume.pdf" or "document.pdf" are too generic and, let's say it, straight unprofessional. Always include your full name and job title to make your file easily identifiable.
• Overly long file names: File names like "Johnathan Smith Cover Letter for Marketing Manager.pdf" are too long and may get cut off. Keep it concise, aiming for around 4-5 words, like "John Smith Marketing Cover Letter.pdf."
• Using special characters: Special characters like /, *, or & can cause compatibility issues. Stick to letters, numbers, hyphens (-), or underscores ( ), e.g., "John Doe Cover Letter.pdf."
• Inconsistent file formats: Sending files as .docx or .pages can create compatibility problems. Unless otherwise specified in the job ad, save your cover letter as a PDF to ensure proper formatting and accessibility.
• Too many versions:  Names like "John Smith Cover Letter Final Final.pdf" are confusing. Once finalized, remove version numbers or extra descriptors and stick to a clean name like "John Smith Cover Letter.pdf."
• Using all caps or no caps:  "JOHN DOE COVER LETTER.PDF" (all caps) or "john doe cover letter.pdf" (no caps) looks unprofessional. Use proper capitalization like "John Doe Cover Letter.pdf."
• Forgetting to double-check the file name: Sending "Draft Cover Letter.pdf" looks careless. Always review the file name to ensure it’s current, like "Jane Doe Content Writer Cover Letter.pdf."
• Using unprofessional terms or nicknames: Avoid nicknames or informal terms like "JennyBee CoverLetter.pdf." Stick to your full, formal name, such as "Jennifer Smith Cover Letter.pdf."

Avoid using spaces in your file names. When uploaded to some Applicant Tracking Systems , spaces can be converted into “%20” symbols, turning a clean “Jane Doe Resume.pdf” into a messy "Jane%20Doe%20Resume.pdf." Instead, use dashes or underscores to keep your file name readable and professional.

In Conclusion

Naming your cover letter file correctly is a simple yet crucial step in your job application process. A well-chosen file name makes your submission easy to identify, professional, and ensures it doesn't get lost in a sea of other applications.

By following best practices like using your full name and job title, and sticking to standard formatting, you present yourself as a thoughtful and detail-oriented candidate.

Cover Letter Guides

Why does my resume look different when i upload it, what makes a good resume, how to start a resume (5+ examples of resume introductions), resume for older workers: how to write a resume when you’re over 50, a summer job resume – here's how to make one, how to show you are "self employed" on your resume.

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How to Write a Cover Letter Title - Samples & Tips

Cover letter titles can be confusing, at first, but by the end of this short article guide, you'll know how to title a cover letter, and why having a cover letter title is an important part of your job application to have.

• # Sample Cover Letter Titles
• # Writing Tips for Cover Letter Titles
• # Mistakes to Avoid for Writing Cover Letter Titles
• # How to Write a Cover Letter Title in PDF

Cover Letter Title Template

This is a free cover letter template for titles. Free Download and customize it according to the sample text below.

Supported formats

Sample cover letter titles.

Your cover letter title could refer to a couple of things, but for the purposes of this article, we're referring to the title that you save your cover letter as. This title can be used as the file name of your cover letter, and as a title to put at the top of your cover letter. The purpose of cover letter titles is to make it easier for the recruiting representative, or the manager of the company you're applying to, to identify your cover letter, whether it's printed, or attached to an email and then downloaded onto a computer.

You are going to be one of many applicants for which ever job position that you apply for, that's completely normal. But making your cover letter stand out with a professional cover letter title is a vital step. Below you'll find several examples that you can use when you're figuring out how to title a cover letter.

• "Cover letter, P.T. Lecter" – Simple use of what the attached file is, plus the applicant's surname and initials This is a quick way to add a cover letter title without it being overcomplicated, or too long.
• "Cover letter, Neal Callahan" – Another quick way to know how to title a cover letter. This includes the description of the document ("cover letter"), plus the applicant's full name, spelt correctly for the recruiter to see and match up with any other documents you send across.
• "Cover letter and CV, Eloise Woods" – This cover letter title is great for files that include the cover letter, CV, and other documents in one document file. The title gives a basic description of what's included in the file, and who the file pertains to.
• "Brigitte West, Cover Letter 20/04/2019" – A more descriptive cover letter title, including name, document title, and the date. By adding a date to the file, you're cutting out some of the work for the recruiter.
• "Cover letter, Phillip Wan, 13/07/2015" – Similar to the above, but showing that as long as all of the information is there, you have the option to list it however you feel is best.

Writing Tips for Cover Letter Titles

Now that we've covered how to title a cover letter, in this section there are several tips that can help you write the best cover letter title for your cover letter, without making your cover letter seem generic.

First of all, use your name when deciding on cover letter titles. Adding you name, as shown above, can help your potential employer identify you with ease. This can keep them from confusing you with other applicants or having to open your cover letter to match it to your file.

Next, be consistent. If you have both a cover letter document file and a CV document file, use the same title formatting. For example, if you're naming one file with "Cover Letter, full name, date", your CV should be "CV, full name, date", and both should be spelt correctly, and the date should be the same. The above can be used as a template for a cover letter title.

Try not to use numbers in your cover letter titles, unless you're referring to the date. No employer needs to know how many files you have with "cover letter" in the name, or which draft number the letter they're getting sent is. Cover letter titles don't need to be unique, but uniform, instead. The only real change should be the date.

Always edit and spell check your cover letter before you send it. Pay particular attention to names of people and dates of employment. The same goes for your cover letter title.

Finally, save your cover letter in a format that can be opened on any computer. Bear in mind that most professionals use Word or Open Office, so keeping your file saved as .doc or .docx should be absolutely fine. It would be a little awkward if your new employer couldn't read the document that you've sent over to them for a job position.

Mistakes to Avoid for Writing Cover Letter Titles

Avoid naming your cover letter file something ambiguous like "cover letter" or "application letter". These won't mean much to the recruitment personnel who will download your letter from the email you send and add it to a file folder that houses the cover letters of hundreds of other applicants. The last thing you want is to make it awkward for a manager to find your cover letter; it's unprofessional and can easily be solved by properly naming your cover letter.

Similarly, avoid any misspellings on your cover letter titles. You know how to title a cover letter in the correct way, so remember to spellcheck it before you send it. Mistakes are easily forgiven, but you want to impress your potential new employer from the start.

How to Write a Cover Letter Title in PDF

If you prefer to send your cover letter in PDF format, you can free download our professional PDF cover letter template in this page. After downloading the template, you may need a smart PDF editor, Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor Wondershare PDFelement Wondershare PDFelement , to edit and customize it. This tool is an ultimate PDF software that can help you edit, comment, create, convert, sign and print PDF files with simple steps.

Step 1. Open the Cover Letter Template

Step 2. Click on "Edit" and Enter Your Text as You Like

Step 3. Complete and Save Your Cover Letter

Posted by Elise Williams to Updated: 2024-09-10 14:32:55

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