should you attach cover letter and resume separately

• Cover Letter Tips

Merge Cover Letter & Resume? Pros & Cons

10 min read

It’s time to apply for a new job. You have to update your resume and build a cover letter that speaks to the job you want so the hiring manager knows you have what it takes to succeed in the role they have open. 

Once that’s done, you have all the right keywords, and each document is chock full of your career achievements; a few questions immediately pop up. 

How should you submit your emailed resume and cover letter? 

Should you send them as separate documents

Should you combine them into one file?

Let’s talk about whether you should merge your cover letter and resume into one document or keep them separate. There are pros and cons to both options. 

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.

The age of Internet applications

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, almost every single company wants you to fill out an online application. 

It allows them to push your resume and cover letter through their applicant tracking systems, also known as the ATS. The fact of the matter is that employers receive hundreds of resumes and cover letters for each position they have open. There’s simply no way a human being can properly sort through that number of documents. 

So, these resume scanning systems have been put into place and are used in every type of company, from Fortune 500s to moms-and-pop-type establishments, as a way to weed out applications. That’s the first hurdle your resume and cover letter have to jump over. 

Let’s explore when to combine your resume and cover letter and when not to so that your application gets through the ATS and impresses a hiring manager.

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

Let’s get right to the main question: Should you combine your cover letter and resume into one document? 

It’s convenient to have each document in one file, not only for you but for the employer, too. It can help you when it’s time to update information to only have to open one document and the hiring manager can see all of your qualifications in one place.

Putting both into the same file ensures consistent formatting. This can help you create a document that flows better and looks professional.

Having both your resume and cover letter in one document can absolutely make applying for jobs easier since you don’t have to remember where you saved each file on your computer.

Your resume and cover letter are two individual tools in your job search toolkit, and each one serves a different purpose; combining them into a single file can blur the intentions of each one and make it more difficult for the hiring manager to find the information they want. 

When your resume and cover letter are combined into a single file, formatting can become problematic. 

Suppose you’ve combined the resume and cover letter into a single file, but the instructions on the job description specifically say to send them as separate documents. Above all, you must follow the instructions on the job description. 

The golden rule: Review the instructions

As you review the advertisement for the job opening, there will usually be a set of instructions near the bottom that tells you how to apply. Sometimes, those instructions will tell you to email a person directly, and other times, you’ll be directed to apply directly on the company’s website. 

You may have 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

When the instructions are vague, like in the instance that you’re directed to email someone directly, you should err on the side of caution and choose to save your resume and cover letter 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 from 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]

[City, State, Zip Code] | [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]

[Your Phone number]

[Your Email address]

[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]

Final thoughts

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!

This article was originally written by Ken Chase. It’s been updated by Marsha Hebert. 

Recommended Reading:

How to Tailor Your Resume to Different Positions (Examples)

How long should a resume be in 2024?

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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Should I attach my resume and cover letter as 2 separate files or combine them into a single file? [duplicate]

I am using online job portals to search for suitable opportunities. I think that, since the website is visited by several employers, there is no point in uploading a cover letter to the website's database as the cover letter must be customized for individual organization.

However, when I apply for a particular position in a company, I attach my resume and cover letter as two separate PDF documents. Is it better to combine them into a single PDF file with the first page being the cover letter followed by the resume? Or should I send them as two separate documents?

• cover-letter

• see also: Can emails count as being cover letters, or should a cover letter be a proper document? –  gnat Commented Jul 27, 2019 at 16:26

2 Answers 2

If you are using a job portal, you should probably only be uploading your resume.

If there is a section of the portal for personal information including the types of roles you are looking for, make sure you fill that out completely. Also ensure you have a very brief general summary statement at the top of your resume.

If you are emailing the company, just send the email as the cover letter and attach the resume.

Provide your resume and cover letter as separate files. Two files with names like “Resume.pdf” and “Cover letter.pdf” make clear to a recruiter or manager reviewing the application that both were provided.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged resume job-search email cover-letter .

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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!

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  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

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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 ."

The Difference Between a Cover Letter and the Email You Send With Your Application

When it comes to making a job change, getting it right truly matters. You need to get the keywords right , the messaging right , the formatting right . You’ve got to find the right people to endear yourself to, and the right words for your cover letter and follow-up correspondence.

And, for the love of it all, you’ve got to nail the approach.

But, my oh my, there are so many considerations—so many things we all second guess ourselves on when applying for a job.

Should you make the cover letter the body of the email, or attach it separately? (Or both?) Do you address the person by first name, or go with Mr. / Ms. So-and-So? (And, does same rule apply for both?) How casual or formal do you need to be? Is there a right or wrong format for cover letters and emails? Does the cover letter need to be a page or less? How long should the intro email be?

Holy Hannah—it’s enough to make the coolest cucumbers among us start to feel like crazy people. And that’s even before you’ve made an introduction.

Deep breaths, everyone. Deep breaths. Let’s break this cover letter stuff down into manageable chunks. Here’s what you need to know:

Should the Cover Letter Be an Attachment or Just the Body of Email?

The short answer is: either. Not both, either.

If you ask 10 recruiters of hiring managers which they prefer, you’ll probably get five who say attachment and five who say email. But here’s the good news: Nearly all will report that it’s not going to make or break you either way. So, don’t let this topic unravel you.

I happen to be a proponent of “cover letter as body of the email,” and here’s why: It gives you the opportunity to make a strong, memorable first impression the millisecond that reviewer’s eyes open their inbox. You can draw someone in with an incredible opening line, and then showcase the ways in which you could contribute to the team.

If, instead, you decide to go with cover letter as attachment, you should be brief and point the reader to the attachments.

I’ve learned you are seeking a senior project manager with e-commerce experience and knowledge of Jira. That’s me. My attached resume and cover letter outline my qualifications for the role. Thank you very much for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon!

Keep it brief if you go this route. Those on the receiving end won’t appreciate having to plow through a super long email and all your attachments.

Lastly, don’t even think about replicating the cover letter in both the email and the attachment. That’s just ridiculous (and, makes you look totally indecisive).

Now that we got that figured out, let’s answer the other questions that are probably eating at you:

Do I Use a First Name Salutation—or a More Formal One?

This is best answered with, “It depends”—for both the cover letter and the accompanying email. (I know, just doing my part to make things simple here.)

In all seriousness, it’s best to evaluate the tone and style of the organization you’re attempting to join, and then guess which salutation would be most would the appropriate and appreciated. You can do this pretty easily by reviewing the company’s website and social media presence.

Remember, you’re going to be hired for that next role if (and only if) you’re a “yes” to these three questions

• Do we think she can do this job?
• Do we like her?
• Do we think she’ll fit in around here?

That said, if you can introduce yourself in a way that implies right out of the gates that you’re a triple yes, you’re in business.

Is a Conversational Style Allowed?

In general, I think that job seekers get a bit too revved up about “proper” and end up losing sight of the fact that there’s an actual person at the receiving end of this (assuming you’re emailing your application directly).

Guess what? People like engaging, conversational reading. They notice when an applicant seems genuine, personable, and interesting. They appreciate when plowing through their pile of candidates doesn’t feel like total drudgery.

That being the case, unless you’re applying for a role within an extremely conservative or structured industry or organization, heck yes, a conversational style is allowed. Certainly, this is not your time to bust out a bunch of slang or (gasp) use language that could offend, but it’s a-ok to make your cover letter or intro email read like you’re a real person.

Just be sure and make it clear—in both cases—why you want to work for that company and what, specifically, you can walk through their doors and deliver.

Is the One Page Rule for Cover Letters Still True? What About in an Email?

Hard and fast “rules” make me crazy in general, so I’m not going to announce the exact length that your cover letter or your intro email need to be. I will simply suggest that you get in there, quickly endear yourself to the recipient, and then spell out, specifically, how and why you make perfect sense for the role you’re pursuing. And then wrap it up.

If you can pull it off with a one-page cover letter, absolutely. If you need a page and a half? So long as you’re peeling out any and all unnecessary blabber, knock yourself out. (And this article tells you how to cut it down to make it as effective as possible.)

For the email, again, get to the point and don’t be redundant if you’re also attaching a cover letter.

You can get these things right, for real. Nail the big stuff, sweat the details that truly matter, and get right to the business of making your grand entrance, well, one that’s grand.

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.

• Cover Letter Guides

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

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Including a cover letter with your resume shows off your communication and writing skills. The online job application is convenient and expeditious for both employers and job seekers alike. Still, job seekers shouldn't underestimate the importance of including a cover letter.

It helps to have a deeper understanding of the online application process from the employer's perspective, in addition to what you see on the computer screen as a job seeker.

Applicant Tracking Systems

Applicant tracking systems are software programs that hiring managers and human resources professionals use to field job applications, explains Jobscan.com . ATS programs may scan both your resume and cover letter documents for keywords that match the qualifications and skills that are required for a particular job opening. Employers need to be able to search cover letters, in addition to resumes.

For example, some applicants expound on technology in the cover letter that is important for the current job opening. After you attach the cover letter to the resume during the application process, the ATS program may be putting the document to use by picking out related keywords from sentences and paragraphs.

Re-Read Employer Instructions

Many hiring employers will post clear and detailed instructions or a Frequently Asked Questions section next to the advertised job opening online. Miss one detail and your job application could be thrown out of contention. In particular, many employers require that your cover letter and resume be written for a specific job opening or requisition.

If you are applying for multiple open positions within the same organization, be prepared to write multiple tailored cover letters. If you are unsure about the cover-letter submission instructions, politely call or email the hiring manager for clarification.

In many cases you only get one chance to apply and get everything correct. ATS systems may store your rejected application for an unspecified period of time, and you may have to wait before you can reapply.

Prepare Your Letter First

Avoid typing a cover letter into an online application form so that you can take a break and re-read it with fresh eyes after 30 minutes or so. Type your cover letter first in a word processing program for proofreading purposes. Use the built-in grammar and spell-checking functions to clean up your final document.

Again, the cover letter shows off your writing skills, which is vital in many career fields. Stick with the conventional cover letter format, including your contact information, the recipient's contact information, salutation, three-paragraph body and closing. Avoid fancy fonts, odd-looking margins and bullets.

Some employers request documents in the plain-text or ASCII format. Name and save this document to your hard drive. Use a professional name, such as "Jane Doe: Cover Letter," because the file name may appear in the employer's ATS system.

Attaching and Submitting

Some employer websites support attaching separate cover letter and resume documents during the application process. Simply click the "Browse" or similarly labeled button next to each option. Find the documents by name on your hard drive and upload each to the website.

Other employers might request that you send a cover letter and resume as one attachment, and you'll need to combine both documents into single document. In this case, you will need to open both documents and then copy and paste the text from the cover letter above the contact information in your resume document. Use a page break to keep the cover letter on page 1 and the resume on page 2. Afterwards, browse for the combined document on the hard drive and upload it to the employer's website. Many online applications will display some type of status message, such as "Upload Complete" or "Upload Successful."

Many recruiters don't even bother to read cover letters, and instead proceed straight to resumes. Small companies might accept your cover letter in the body of an email if your resume is attached.

• Jobscan: Applicant Tracking System
• Indeed: How To Send an Email Cover Letter
• Career One Stop.org: Cover Letter Template
• Microsoft Office: Word: Demo -- Add and Remove Page Breaks
• Resume Power.com: Resume File Types -- MS Word, Plain-Text, and Adobe PDFs

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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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