What to name your resume file (and what never to name it)
Recruiters open dozens of resumes a day. Yours needs to be findable. Here's the naming convention.
3 min read Updated November 1, 2025
A file named 'resume_final_v7_ACTUAL_FINAL.pdf' is the sign of an amateur. Fix it in ten seconds.
The rule
'Firstname Lastname Resume.pdf'. Optionally add the role if you're worried the recruiter will lose it: 'Alex Morgan Resume — Product Designer.pdf'.
Why it matters
Recruiters store files by candidate name. A generic 'resume.pdf' gets overwritten or lost in a downloads folder within a day.
FAQ
PDF or DOCX filename — same rule?
Yes, same format either way.
Put this into practice.
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