CV and Cover Letter: What Goes in Each Document?

Give each document a job

Put the full chronology, qualifications and core achievements in the CV. In the letter, choose one or two examples that explain your fit. Avoid copying the CV summary into the first paragraph: use that space to identify the role and your reason for applying.

Check consistency before exporting

Job titles, dates, qualifications and contact details must match. You can change emphasis for a vacancy, but the underlying facts should stay consistent. If you mention a project in both documents, use the letter to explain a relevant decision rather than repeating the same bullet.

Separate files or one PDF?

Follow the upload instructions. When there are separate fields, use them. If one combined file is explicitly requested, put the letter before the CV, insert a page break and inspect the exported file. Do not combine files simply because it feels tidier if the portal asks for separate documents.

• Use descriptive filenames with your name and document type.
• Open every attachment after exporting.
• Remove comments, tracked changes and placeholders.