If an application requests one PDF, prepare the cover letter and resume as separate files, then merge them in the requested order. Review the final page order and readability before uploading. If the application asks for separate files, follow that instruction instead.
Prepare each document first
Check the job posting or application portal for required file types, naming rules, page limits and whether a cover letter is wanted. Build or revise the documents individually, proofread contact details and dates, and export them as PDFs. FivoTools has an ATS Resume Builder and a Cover Letter Builder if you need to prepare either document.
There is no universal application package order. When one file is requested, a common sequence is cover letter first and resume second, but use the employer’s stated order if it gives one. Avoid adding extra certificates or references unless the application asks for them.
Merge and review the exported file
- Open the Merge PDF tool and select the two prepared PDFs.
- Arrange the files in the order requested by the application.
- Merge and download the combined PDF.
- Open the downloaded file and check that both documents appear, pages are upright, and text is readable and selectable where expected.
Keep a copy of each source file and use a clear filename that follows the application’s instructions. A readable layout does not guarantee how a particular application system will parse or evaluate a document. Confirm that the final file is within the portal’s current size and format limits.
Explore related tools in PDF Tools and Career & Documents.