how to combine a cover letter and resume

Keep cover letters with your resume in Word

Job hunting electronically requires finesse. Keeping your cover letter with your resume , in a single document lessens the chance of losing that impressive letter, and it's easier for a potential employer to print. Here is one way to optimize your time and, maybe, impress a hiring manager.

Creating sections for a cover letter and resume

To keep your cover letter and your resume together, you can create them in the same document and use a separate section, with different information and formatting , for each.

Note:  You can use the same technique to create title pages, tables of contents, and other pages where you want different margins and headers and footers.

Insert a section break

Go to File > Options .

Select > Display .

Under Always show these formatting marks on the screen , select Paragraph marks .

Click or tap where you want to insert a section break for your cover letter.

Go to Layout (or Page layout for 2013), and select the down arrow next to Breaks .

Under Section Breaks , select Next Page .

Cover letter header

Cover letter footer

Resume header

Section break

Make the header and footer different from the previous section

Select the first page of the resume (not cover letter).

Go to Insert > Header .

Select Edit Header .

Click or tap anywhere in the header, and select Link to Previous to clear it.

Select Close Header and Footer .

Start your resume headers and footers on the second page of your resume

Select the second page of the resume .

Click or tap anywhere in the header, and select Different First Page .

Use different layouts for your cover letter and your resume

Set the layout for your cover letter, and then select the first page of your resume.

Under Apply to , select This point forward .

Make your layout changes and select OK .

Resume footer

About the author      Karen Hofferber is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and senior resume writer at ResumePower.com. Changing careers? See The Career Change Resume by Kim Isaacs and Karen Hofferber for help. You can contact Karen at ResumePower.com.

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Resume.io updates resume.io

Merge resumes and cover letters into one pdf file, new feature.

PDF exports have become even more flexible! With our latest update, you can now merge your resume and cover letter into a single PDF file for added convenience.

This way, you can not only avoid clutter and find your professional files more easily, but also streamline your job applications. Send your professional story in a single PDF document for the recruiter’s convenience, as well as your own.

You can find this new function in the dropdown menu under “More” to the right of your resume/cover letter preview. Then, simply choose which two documents to combine and you’re good to go!

Step 1 Step 2

Make sure your cover letter and resume go hand in hand and are never missed. We are committed to always expanding our feature list, so stay tuned for future updates!

10 Tips on How to Combine a Cover Letter and Your Resume

To catch the eye of potential employers, think about how your resume and cover letter work together. These papers tell your story – they shout out your skills, experiences, and where you're headed, but only if they sing in harmony. They're like your personal ad campaign, conveying messages about you.

Usually, a resume is a way to lay out the facts about professional history and accomplishments. Meanwhile, the cover letter steps in to add more flavor. It dives into your motivations, values, and the unique mix of skills that make you, well, you. Your resume is like presenting your brand, and the cover letter is your chance to pitch yourself.

These two documents should team up to scream, "I'm the one for the job!" Following these ten tips for blending your cover letter and resume seamlessly will guide you in creating a job application that packs a punch.

Resume And Cover Letter Tips

1. Create a Consistent Visual Identity Ensure a consistent visual identity across your resume and cover letter template . Use the same font, headings, and overall design to present a unified and professional image. Consistency reflects attention to detail and signals to employers that you approach your work with care.

2. Tailor Your Opening Statements Tailor the opening statements of your cover letter and resume to create quite an introduction. For example, if you're applying for a marketing position, begin your cover letter with a captivating marketing-related highlight of your career. Mirror this tone in your resume's professional summary to reinforce your expertise and captivate the reader's interest.

3. Align Content with Job Requirements Analyze the job description thoroughly and align the content of your cover letter and resume with the specific requirements of the position. Expert resume writers emphasize the importance of using keywords from the job description to make sure your application passes through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) effectively.

4. Highlight Key Achievements Use both documents to highlight key achievements and experiences. If you've significantly increased sales in a previous role, quantify the impact in your resume and elaborate on the strategies used in your cover letter example . This layered approach provides depth and showcases the relevance of your accomplishments.

5. Weave a Story Your cover letter and resume should tell a cohesive story about your professional journey. For instance, if you've transitioned between industries, explain the rationale in your cover letter and highlight transferable skills on your resume. Write a narrative that resonates with the employer's needs.

6. Utilize Formatting Consistency Maintain formatting consistency in terms of bullet points, indentation, and overall structure in your cover letter and resume template . A clean, easy-to-read format allows recruiters to quickly scan and absorb information. A visually cohesive presentation enhances the professionalism of your application.

7. Emphasize Soft and Hard Skills Balance soft and hard skills in both your cover letter and resume. Soft skills, like communication and teamwork, can be briefly highlighted in the cover letter examples and elaborated on in the resume through specific achievements or projects.

8. Avoid Redundancy Avoid redundancy between the cover letter and resume. Professional resume writing services advise applicants to use the cover letter to provide context and insight, allowing the resume to delve into specific details. Redundancy can dilute the impact of your application and bore the reader.

9. Include a Call-to-Action End your cover letter with a strong call-to-action, expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss your qualifications further. Resume writers suggest a proactive approach, inviting employers to contact you for an interview. This assertiveness reinforces your eagerness and commitment.

10. Incorporate CPRW Insights Think about working with Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRWs) to increase the impact of your resume and cover letter . CPRWs know all the details and may provide insightful advice on how to properly customize your papers. For example, they could suggest using industry keywords or highlighting stats to make your job application stand out. To make sure that your cover letter and resume to meet the requirements, go for a professional review from CPRWs or industry experts. By working with resume experts, you can be sure that your application will properly highlight your worth to the company.

The Power of Professional Review

Some job seekers may decide to use some help with preparing their resumes and cover letters. Before submitting your cover letter and resume examples , subject them to a thorough resume review, and one of the most valuable resources at your disposal is the expertise of professional resume writing services and Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRWs).

A professional review of your cover letter and resume is indispensable. This involves scrutinizing every detail, from formatting and grammar to the overall narrative. As renowned resume writing expert Louise Fletcher advises, "Your resume is an advertisement for you. Make sure it's an ad that sells."

Engaging with resume professional writers can provide a fresh and precise perspective on your application. These experts possess a keen understanding of industry-specific nuances and can offer valuable insights to tailor your documents effectively. The right words make all the difference. So, your resume should be all about the value you bring to the employer.

Consider a scenario where you're applying for a managerial role in marketing. A CPRW with expertise in marketing resumes can provide targeted suggestions to enhance the impact of your achievements and align them with industry expectations. For instance, they might recommend emphasizing specific metrics or incorporating industry-relevant buzzwords.

The review and input from CPRWs or industry professionals serve as a final polish, ensuring that your resume and cover letter examples not only meet but exceed the expectations of potential employers. Working with resume experts, you position yourself for success in a competitive job market.

Creating a perfect job application package of a cover letter and resume is a must-have in the job search process. By implementing our tips, you'll create a duo that truly resonates with employers. Incorporate CPRW insights, tailor your content to match job requirements, and present a visually consistent image to impress prospective employers. The synergy between your cover letter and resume can be the key to new career opportunities.