Tips for Combining Job Application Documents into One PDF
Key points
- If there is no specified order, put the most important first
- Name the file so it shows your name and what it is
- Check size and page orientation before submitting
In job hunting you are often asked to submit several documents as one PDF. Here are points that reduce mistakes.
Order
Follow the order in the call for applications if there is one. Otherwise this order is easy to read:
- Résumé
- Application form (entry sheet)
- Transcript and certificate of expected graduation
- Recommendation letter, portfolio and so on
File name
Use something like "Name_Document.pdf" so it is obvious whose document it is. Reviewers handle many files, so clarity matters. Follow the specified format if there is one.
Size
Application forms often limit files to 2–5 MB. If the merged file is heavy, shrink it with "Compress PDF" to fit.
Pre-submission checklist
- Is the order correct?
- Are all pages in portrait (or the intended orientation)?
- Are there any blank pages?
- Is even small text such as your name and dates readable?
- Does it match the specified file name and format?
Copies of certificates contain personal information. Check the destination once more before sending.
Use "Merge PDFs" (free)
Tools that go well with this
- Compress PDF: Shrink a PDF to fit under a size you choose, for upload limits.
- Add Page Numbers to PDF: Add page numbers to a PDF, choosing position and style.
- Extract or Delete PDF Pages: Keep only the pages you need, or remove the pages you don't.
More guides for this tool
- How to Combine Several PDFs into One (Phone and Computer)
- How to Choose the Order When Merging PDFs and Rearrange It Later
- What to Do When a Merged PDF Becomes Too Large
- Why a PDF Can't Be Merged or Shows an Error
- How to Combine Photos and PDFs into One File
- Safety Checkpoints When Choosing a PDF Merge Tool