Merge Your Resume and Cover Letter into One PDF
Combine your resume and cover letter into one PDF in your browser. Files never leave your device, text stays readable by applicant tracking systems. Free, no signup.
Quick answer
Open the free Merge PDF tool, add your cover letter first and your resume second, then download one file. Merging runs inside your browser, so your resume is never uploaded, and the text stays selectable for applicant tracking systems.
Step by step
- Export both files as PDF Save your resume and cover letter as text-based PDFs from Word, Google Docs or our resume builder. Avoid scanning or printing to image.
- Add them to Merge PDF Drop both files into the Merge PDF tool. Nothing is uploaded; the files are read on your device.
- Put the cover letter first Recruiters usually expect the cover letter on page one, followed by the resume. Drag to reorder if needed.
- Download and name it clearly Save as Firstname-Lastname-Role.pdf, then run the Resume PDF Checker to confirm the text is still readable.
At a glance
| Order | Cover letter first, resume second, unless the posting says otherwise |
|---|---|
| File name | Firstname-Lastname-Role.pdf |
| Text | Stays real and selectable; nothing is flattened to images |
| Privacy | Processed in your browser; no server upload |
Tips before you apply
- Only merge when the portal has a single upload field or the posting asks for one file. If there are separate fields, upload separately.
- Use the same font and header on both documents so the merged file reads as one application.
- Check the merged file size against the portal limit shown on the upload screen.
- Remove blank pages before merging; use Organize PDF if a page slipped in.
Questions
Should I combine my resume and cover letter into one PDF?
Only when the application has a single upload field or the job post asks for one document. When there are separate fields, upload each file in its own field.
Which goes first, the resume or cover letter?
Put the cover letter first and the resume after it. That mirrors how a recruiter reads a printed application.
Will an ATS still read a merged PDF?
Merging keeps the original text layer, so a text-based resume stays readable. Run the Resume PDF Checker on the merged file to confirm.
Is my resume uploaded anywhere?
No. The Merge PDF tool runs in your browser, so the files stay on your device.
Related free tools
Organize PDF — remove blank pages
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