How to Choose a Resume Name (With Examples)

A proper resume name shows that you pay attention to detail. Read on to learn more about resume names and to find our top file name-related resume tips.

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What is a resume name?

A resume name is the name you give to your resume .pdf or .docx file. It’s one of the first things a hiring manager sees, so it’s important to make sure your resume name is both professional and clear.

How to name a resume file

Unsure how to name your resume file? Below, Eva provides a video guide (2:21):

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Our Expert:

Eva Chan

To expand upon Eva’s advice on resume naming best practices, have a look at the instructions below:

First of all, it’s important that your resume name contains all necessary information.

Here’s how to name a resume file:

• Use your first and last name
• Include hyphens or underscores between each word
• Add “resume” at the end

Here’s an example of a proper resume name:

katherine-johnson-resume.pdf

However, this naming convention might not work for every applicant or for every scenario. Here are some additional instructions on how to name your resume file:

Check the application instructions

Before you name your resume file, make sure to follow any specific instructions that the employer posts on the job advertisement.

Some employers use a software system to organize resumes, and require that applicants use a particular naming convention. While this is rare, you should always check just to be sure.

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Keep it simple

Don’t make your title excessively long or use special characters like exclamation marks.

Why? An unconventional file name could make a bad impression by appearing unprofessional or careless. Using a long, complicated file name makes a hiring manager’s job more difficult by requiring more time for them to decipher.

Make the name of your file clean, clear, and easy to read. Then, hiring managers can quickly find and identify your resume.

Keep your formatting consistent

While you do have a few options to consider, you need to choose one naming convention and stick with it.

If you want to capitalize the first letter of every word, do so. If you want to use underscores between words instead of hyphens, do that. Just be consistent within each file name.

What to save a resume as

There’s one more thing to consider as you save your resume: whether to save your resume as a .docx file or a PDF.

The best way to decide is by checking out the application instructions to see if there’s a particular file type that’s preferred by the employer.

If the employer doesn’t specify a file type, PDF is the best file to save a resume. Sending your resume as a PDF is ideal because PDF files are easy to read, are compatible with any device, and guarantee that your resume’s formatting stays consistent.