How to Title a Cover Letter: Complete Guide [2025]
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TL;DR - Quick Answer
You don't need to add a title to your cover letter. The document title is simply "Cover Letter" (if needed), while your email subject line should be professional and specific: "Application for [Position] - [Your Name]" or as specified in the job posting. Your cover letter should begin with your contact information and the employer's details, followed by a professional greeting—not with a decorative title or heading.
Key Takeaways
No Title Needed: Unlike essays or reports, cover letters don't require a centered title at the top—jump straight to your header with contact information
Email Subject Line: This is your real "title"—use: "Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]" or follow the employer's specific format
File Naming: Save your document as "FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter.pdf" for professional identification
Common Mistake: Don't write "Cover Letter" or "Application Letter" as a centered heading—it wastes space and looks amateurish
Focus on Content: Recruiters care about your qualifications and fit, not decorative titles—use that space for compelling content instead
Do You Need to Title Your Cover Letter?
If you're wondering whether to add a title to your cover letter—like centering "Cover Letter" at the top or creating a creative heading—the short answer is: no, you don't need one. In fact, adding a title is generally considered outdated and unprofessional in modern business correspondence.
This confusion is understandable. We're taught to title almost every document we write—essays get titles, reports get titles, presentations get titles. But cover letters follow business letter format, which doesn't include decorative titles. Your cover letter should begin immediately with your contact header, followed by the date and employer's information.
That said, there are situations where "titling" matters for your cover letter—just not in the way you might think. Your email subject line, file name, and document header all serve as identifiers that help hiring managers organize and find your application. Understanding how to handle each of these elements professionally can make a significant difference in how your application is perceived and processed.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore exactly how to format your cover letter, what to include in your email subject line, how to name your file, and why traditional titles are unnecessary. For a complete overview of cover letter creation, check out our guide on how to write a cover letter.
Why Cover Letters Don't Need Traditional Titles
Unlike academic papers, blog posts, or reports, cover letters follow business letter format—a standardized structure that's been refined over decades of professional communication. This format prioritizes clarity, professionalism, and efficient use of space.
The Structure of a Proper Business Letter
A correctly formatted cover letter begins with:
Your contact information (name, address, phone, email)
Date
Employer's contact information (name, title, company, address)
Professional greeting ("Dear [Name],")
Body paragraphs
Professional closing ("Sincerely,")
Your signature
Notice there's no title in this structure. The document immediately establishes who you are (through your header) and who you're addressing (through the recipient's information), making a separate title redundant.
Why Adding a Title Looks Unprofessional
Adding a centered title like "Cover Letter" or "Application for Marketing Manager Position" at the top of your document can actually hurt your application because it:
Wastes valuable space: Cover letters should be one page maximum—every line counts for showcasing your qualifications
Appears amateurish: Experienced professionals don't title business correspondence this way
States the obvious: Hiring managers know it's a cover letter—you're sending it as part of a job application
Disrupts professional formatting: It breaks the standard business letter structure that recruiters expect to see
Suggests unfamiliarity: It signals you may not be familiar with professional communication norms
For insights on what your cover letter should actually look like, see our visual guide on what should a cover letter look like.
What Really Matters: Your Email Subject Line
While your cover letter document doesn't need a title, your email subject line is crucial. This is the true "title" of your application—it's what helps hiring managers identify, organize, and prioritize your submission among hundreds of other emails.
Best Practices for Email Subject Lines
Your email subject line should be:
Specific and clear: Include the job title and your name
Professional: No informal language, emojis, or creative flair
Easy to search: Use keywords that make your email findable later
Following instructions: If the job posting specifies a format, use it exactly
Recommended Email Subject Line Formats
Use one of these proven formats:
"Application for [Job Title] - [Your Full Name]" (Most common and professional)
"[Job Title] Application - [Your Name]" (Clean and direct)
"[Your Name] - Application for [Job Title] Position" (Name-first approach)
"[Reference Number]: [Job Title] - [Your Name]" (When job posting includes a reference number)
Examples of Good Email Subject Lines
"Application for Senior Marketing Manager - Sarah Johnson"
"Software Engineer Position - Michael Chen"
"Job Ref #2847: Data Analyst - Emily Rodriguez"
"Application: Content Writer Role - James Patterson"
What to Avoid in Email Subject Lines
❌ "Resume" or "Cover Letter" (too vague)
❌ "Job Application" (doesn't specify which job)
❌ "URGENT: Please Review My Application!!!" (desperate and unprofessional)
❌ "Your Next Great Hire 🎯" (too casual, includes emoji)
❌ "Following up on my application" (if this is your first email)
❌ Leaving it blank (makes you look careless)
For more guidance on the application process, read our post on what is a cover letter for an application.
How to Name Your Cover Letter File
When you attach your cover letter to an email or upload it to an application portal, the file name becomes another important identifier. A professional file name makes it easy for hiring managers to organize documents and quickly identify whose cover letter they're reviewing.
Best File Naming Conventions
Follow these guidelines for naming your cover letter file:
Standard format: "FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter.pdf"
With company name: "FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter_CompanyName.pdf"
With position: "FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter_JobTitle.pdf"
Always use PDF: PDFs preserve formatting and work on all systems
File Naming Examples
✅ Sarah_Johnson_CoverLetter.pdf
✅ Michael_Chen_CoverLetter_Google.pdf
✅ Emily_Rodriguez_CoverLetter_DataAnalyst.pdf
✅ James_Patterson_CoverLetter_ContentWriter_TechCorp.pdf
File Naming Mistakes to Avoid
❌ coverletter.pdf (no identification)
❌ CL.docx (too vague, wrong format)
❌ My Cover Letter Draft v3 Final FINAL.pdf (unprofessional)
❌ John's Application.pdf (possessive, casual)
❌ cover letter - new job.docx (spaces, lowercase, wrong format)
❌ Document1.pdf (generic default name)
Learn more about proper cover letter components in our guide on what to write in a cover letter.
What Goes at the Top: Your Contact Header
Instead of a title, your cover letter should begin with a professional contact header. This serves as your identification and makes it easy for employers to contact you.
Standard Header Format
Your header should include:
Your full name (larger font, bold)
Phone number
Professional email address
LinkedIn profile (optional but recommended)
City and state (full address no longer necessary)
Example:
SARAH JOHNSON
(555) 123-4567 | sarah.johnson@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson
Seattle, WA
Modern vs. Traditional Headers
Modern header (recommended):
Centered or left-aligned
Contact info on one or two lines
Clean, minimal design
Should match your resume header
Traditional header:
Left-aligned
Each piece of contact info on separate lines
Includes full mailing address
Takes up more vertical space
Both are acceptable, but modern headers are increasingly preferred as they save space and reflect current communication norms. Your header should be consistent with your resume's header for a cohesive application package.
For more details on structure, check our guide on what does a cover letter consist of.
Common Cover Letter Titling Mistakes to Avoid
Even knowing that cover letters don't need titles, many job seekers still make formatting errors that can hurt their applications. Here are the most common mistakes:
1. Adding "Cover Letter" as a Centered Heading
Wrong:
COVER LETTER
Sarah Johnson
...
This wastes space and looks amateurish. Hiring managers know it's a cover letter—you don't need to announce it.
2. Using Creative or Quirky Titles
Wrong:
"Why I'm Your Perfect Marketing Hire!"
"My Journey to Your Team"
"A Letter of Introduction and Enthusiasm"
Unless you're applying to an extremely creative field where this is explicitly encouraged, these types of titles come across as unprofessional and suggest you don't understand business communication norms.
3. Including Job Title as a Title
Wrong:
APPLICATION FOR SENIOR DATA ANALYST POSITION
Sarah Johnson
...
While slightly better than generic "Cover Letter," this is still unnecessary. The job title belongs in your email subject line and your opening paragraph, not as a centered heading.
4. Poor File or Subject Line Choices
As discussed earlier, these are the places where your "title" actually matters. Common mistakes include:
Generic file names ("document.pdf", "untitled.docx")
Vague subject lines ("Job Application", "Resume")
Overly casual or creative choices that don't convey professionalism
5. Not Matching Resume and Cover Letter Headers
Your cover letter and resume should have matching headers with the same:
Font and font size
Color scheme (if any)
Layout and alignment
Contact information
This creates a cohesive, professional application package that looks polished and well-thought-out. Mismatched headers suggest the documents were created at different times or that you didn't pay attention to details.
Wondering if you even need a cover letter? Read our analysis: does your resume need a cover letter.
Special Situations: When Formatting Varies
While the standard rule is "no title needed," there are a few special situations where formatting might differ slightly:
Online Application Portals
Some application systems have specific fields:
"Document title" field: If the system requires you to title your document, use: "[Your Name] - Cover Letter"
Text box submissions: If pasting your cover letter into a text box, start directly with your header (no title)
Character-limited fields: Don't waste precious characters on a title—jump straight to your opening
International Applications
Business letter conventions vary by country:
US/Canada/UK: No title expected
Germany: "Bewerbung als [Job Title]" (Application for [Job Title]) may appear as a subject line, but not as a document title
Other regions: Research local conventions or ask contacts in that country
Academic Positions
Academic cover letters (for faculty positions, postdocs, etc.) still don't use titles, but they:
May reference the position in the opening: "I am writing to apply for the Assistant Professor position in Computer Science..."
Often include "RE: [Position Title]" below the date and before the recipient's address
Follow standard business letter format otherwise
Creative Fields
Even in creative industries (design, advertising, media), cover letters typically don't have titles. However:
Your header design can be more visually interesting (matching your portfolio branding)
Layout and typography can show your design sense
Content stays professional and focused on your qualifications
The creativity should come through in your design execution and writing voice, not in adding an unnecessary title.
Complete Example: Properly Formatted Cover Letter
Here's what a correctly formatted cover letter looks like—notice there's no title:
---
SARAH JOHNSON
(555) 123-4567 | sarah.johnson@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson
Seattle, WA
January 15, 2025
Michael Roberts
Senior Hiring Manager
TechCorp Solutions
123 Innovation Drive
San Francisco, CA 94103
Dear Mr. Roberts,
I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Marketing Manager position at TechCorp Solutions. With over seven years of experience leading successful digital marketing campaigns for B2B SaaS companies, I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your team's growth objectives.
[2-3 more body paragraphs demonstrating qualifications, achievements, and fit]
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing how my experience in scaling marketing operations and driving customer acquisition can contribute to TechCorp's continued success. I am available for an interview at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Sarah Johnson
---
Notice how the document flows naturally from your contact information directly into the business letter format, with no title interrupting the professional presentation.
For more cover letter examples, visit our sample cover letters page.
Using Modern Tools to Create Professional Cover Letters
Creating a properly formatted cover letter from scratch can be time-consuming, especially when you're applying to multiple positions. AI-powered tools like Cover Letter Copilot automatically generate cover letters that:
Follow standard business letter format (no title needed)
Include professional headers with your contact information
Are tailored to specific job descriptions
Can be downloaded as professionally formatted PDFs
Save you hours of formatting and writing time
These tools handle all the formatting details automatically, ensuring your cover letter follows professional standards without you having to worry about layout, spacing, or whether you need a title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to title my cover letter?
No, cover letters do not need titles. They follow standard business letter format, which begins with your contact header rather than a decorative title. Adding "Cover Letter" or a creative heading wastes space and looks unprofessional.
What should I write as the title of my cover letter?
You don't write a title on your cover letter document itself. However, your email subject line serves as the "title" and should follow formats like "Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]" or as specified in the job posting.
Should I put the job title at the top of my cover letter?
No, don't center the job title as a heading. Instead, mention the position you're applying for in your opening paragraph: "I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position..." This is more professional and follows standard business correspondence format.
What should I name my cover letter file?
Name your file using the format: "FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter.pdf" or "FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter_CompanyName.pdf." This makes it easy for hiring managers to identify and organize your document. Always save as PDF to preserve formatting.
How should I format the top of my cover letter?
Start with a professional header containing your name (in larger or bold font), phone number, email, LinkedIn profile, and city/state. This should match your resume's header. Below that, add the date, then the employer's contact information, then your greeting.
Can I use a creative title for my cover letter?
No, even in creative fields, cover letters shouldn't have decorative titles like "Why I'm Perfect for This Role" or "My Journey to Your Company." These appear unprofessional and suggest unfamiliarity with business communication standards. Let your creativity show through design, writing style, and content instead.
What should my email subject line say when sending a cover letter?
Use a clear, professional format: "Application for [Job Title] - [Your Full Name]." If the job posting specifies a particular subject line format or reference number, follow those instructions exactly. This is your opportunity to make your email immediately identifiable.
Is it OK to write "Cover Letter" at the top of my document?
No, don't add "Cover Letter" as a centered heading. This is unnecessary—hiring managers know it's a cover letter from context. The space is better used for your contact information and letter content. This practice looks dated and amateurish.
Do academic cover letters need titles?
Academic cover letters also don't use titles. However, you may include "RE: [Position Title]" below the date and above the recipient's address to immediately identify which position you're applying for. Otherwise, they follow standard business letter format.
Should my cover letter header match my resume?
Yes, absolutely. Your cover letter and resume should have matching headers with the same fonts, colors, layout, and contact information. This creates a cohesive, professional application package that looks polished and shows attention to detail.
What's the difference between a cover letter title and a file name?
A document title would be a centered heading on the document itself (which you shouldn't use). A file name is what you save the document as on your computer, which is important and should follow the format "FirstName_LastName_CoverLetter.pdf."
What if an application portal asks for a document title?
If an online application system has a required "document title" field, use: "[Your Name] - Cover Letter" or "[Your Name] - Cover Letter - [Company Name]." This is for the system's organizational purposes—don't add this as a heading in the document itself.
Conclusion: Focus on Content, Not Titles
The question "how to title a cover letter" reveals a common misunderstanding about professional correspondence. The truth is simple: cover letters don't need titles. They follow standard business letter format, beginning with your contact header and moving directly into the employer's information and your greeting.
Instead of worrying about titles, focus your energy on:
Writing a compelling email subject line that clearly identifies your application
Naming your file professionally with your name and "CoverLetter"
Creating a clean, professional header that matches your resume
Crafting strong content that demonstrates your qualifications and fit
Following proper business letter format throughout
Remember, hiring managers don't care about decorative titles—they care about quickly identifying your application and understanding why you're a strong candidate. A professionally formatted cover letter with a clear email subject line and proper file name accomplishes both goals far better than any centered heading ever could.
Ready to create a professionally formatted cover letter without worrying about titles, formatting, or structure? Try Cover Letter Copilot to generate tailored, properly formatted cover letters in under 60 seconds. Our AI handles all the formatting details automatically, so you can focus on landing your dream job.
For more guidance on crafting winning cover letters, explore our comprehensive resources:
