Turn your CV and cover letter into one PDF
Recruiters and applicant tracking systems prefer PDFs: they look the same on every device and can't be accidentally edited. Here's how to convert your Word CV to PDF and combine it with your cover letter and certificates.
Why send a PDF CV
A Word document can look different on someone else's computer, with fonts swapped and layouts shifting. A PDF keeps what you send consistent, and it shows you care about the details.
Many job portals allow only one upload. Combining your cover letter, CV and any certificates into a single PDF makes sure the hiring manager sees all of it.
Key benefits
- Word to PDF in secondsOpen your .docx and export a PDF, with headings, bold text, lists and tables carried across.
- One file for one upload slotPut your cover letter first, then your CV, then certificates or a portfolio.
- Your personal details stay privateYour CV contains your address, phone number and work history. It's converted on your device, not uploaded.
- Edit an old PDF CVLost the Word version? Use PDF to Word to get an editable copy back.
How to make a one-file job application
- Open Word to PDF and add your CV and cover letter (.docx). Add any certificate PDFs or photos too.
- Drag the pages so the cover letter comes first, then your CV.
- Name the file with your name and the role, for example "Alex Patel - Marketing Manager".
- Press Export PDF and check every page before you apply.
Tips
- Keep your CV to two pages where you can. Remove blank pages left at the end of a Word document.
- Complex Word layouts such as text boxes and columns are simplified, so a clean, single-column CV converts best.
- If you've designed your CV in Word with special layouts, Word's own File > Save as PDF will keep it exact; use Think Pages to combine it with the rest.
Questions
Should I send my CV as a PDF or Word document?
Unless the employer asks for Word, send a PDF. It looks the same everywhere and can't be changed by accident.
How do I combine my CV and cover letter into one PDF?
Open Word to PDF or Combine PDFs, add both files, put the cover letter first and export one PDF.
Do applicant tracking systems read PDFs?
Most modern systems read text-based PDFs well. Think Pages keeps your CV's text as real text, not a picture.
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