Should I Put a CV or Cover Letter First?

Since the cover letter serves as your introduction, it can be beneficial to place it before the CV to make a strong initial impact. However, if you want to ensure that the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) properly assesses your CV, you may prefer to position the CV at the top of the document.

Additionally, ensure both documents have consistent formatting and design for a professional and cohesive appearance, which will make your application more appealing to potential employers. To simplify this process, consider using a dedicated CV builder and a cover letter builder with pre-set templates and easy formatting adjustments.

How we review the content at LiveCareer

Our editorial team has reviewed this article for compliance with Livecareer’s editorial guidelines. It’s to ensure that our expert advice and recommendations are consistent across all our career guides and align with current CV and cover letter writing standards and trends. We’re trusted by over 10 million job seekers, supporting them on their way to finding their dream job. Each article is preceded by research and scrutiny to ensure our content responds to current market trends and demand.