What file name should I use for my CV or cover letter?

Please don't! Avoid naming your CV CV.PDF!

" Naming an object wrongly adds to the world's unhappiness "said Camus. Of course, the author of "L'étranger" wasn't talking about your CV in PDF format or your letter of motivationBut it's the reason why he left his mark on the memory of his contemporaries. So, what file name should I use for my CV or cover letter? Take inspiration from this example when you send recruiters the file you've already spent long hours working on, following our advice. 10 free copywriting tips.

How can I save the recruiter time?

For a recruiter, the file name must be unambiguous and answer the following questions:

• Which document?

• Which candidate?

• For which position?

Indicate the nature of the document sent

If it's a Curriculum Vitae or cover letter, you can clear up any ambiguity by prefixing CV or LM, or even CVLM if you're sending a complete application.

Please enter your marital status

Then specify at least your surname, and possibly your first name. This personal information is essential for finding your document quickly.

In this case, use the CV_Frenom_NOM formula, which has the added advantage of personalizing your application by reminding you that you are first and foremost an individual.

For once, forget the accents

Avoid using accents, diacritics and other special characters in the file name, as they may prevent access and seriously compromise your chances of getting a job interview.

Indicate the position you are applying for

Finally, give a concise reminder the position you wish to apply forIf possible, use the recruiter's language. For example, if you're an engineer by training, but you've been offered a management position, use the term "operations manager" found in the ad's keywords, rather than the word "engineer". It's a clever way of projecting yourself into the job in question.

This is not always possible with an unsolicited application. In this case, take a look at the job offers in the "We're recruiting" sections of this website. line of business and the vocabulary used by these employers to write them.

Resume name template

CV_First_Name_Position_I_want.pdf

Tips from the pro

If you can, combine your CV and cover letter in a single document. This makes sense, since one can't go without the other, but it's also very practical for the recruiter, who won't have to waste time collecting the original documents in order to print them out or forward them to a colleague.

One advertisement can generate hundreds of applications, so imagine what the recruitment file might look like on the computer of a talent detective, who scans hundreds of CVs every day. With 2 files per candidate, that's twice as many documents to process!

One last precaution before sending your CV, especially if it's in Word format. Print it out to check that the layout and fonts have been retained. Don't hesitate to ask a friend or colleague to proofread it for you. entrust the correction of your CV to professionals.

Our favorite persona, Raphaëlle DESROCHES, will send in her application, naming her :

" CVLM_Raphaelle_DESROCHES_Marketing_Responsible.pdf ".

The famous Jacques Martin could have sent his CV in the form :

" CV_Jacques_MARTIN_Animateur_producteur_realisateur_TV.pdf ".

Visit our other tips on the cvsansfaute.fr blog