How to Send a Resume to an Employer
If you are required to send your resume via email to apply for a job, you may find yourself puzzled about the best way to do this. Should you send the cover letter and resume as attachments or should you include them in the body of the email?
Most importantly, always follow the employer’s instructions on how to submit your work materials. Your job posting should provide detailed information on how you are expected to apply. You may be asked to upload your resume online or send it via email.
Choosing the Right Subject Line
The email subject line is the first thing the employer will see when deciding whether to open your message. Make sure the subject line clearly indicates the purpose of the message so the employer does not consider it spam or ignore it. The subject line should include the job title and your name and should be edited to avoid spelling errors. Here are some examples:
- Customer Service Representative – Your Name
- Resume for Administrative Assistant – Your Name
- Social Media Manager – Your Name
Simplicity is Best
Whether you paste your resume in the body of the email or send it as an attachment, keep the font and style simple. Use an easy-to-read font and avoid any complex formatting. Do not use HTML, emojis, colored fonts, or images. You do not know what email program the employer uses, so simplicity is best. Otherwise, the employer may not see the message formatted the same way you do.
Attachments vs. Plain Text Pasting
Keep in mind that some employers do not accept attachments. In such cases, paste your resume in the email message as plain text. However, when there are no instructions, the easiest way to send your resume is as an attachment. This will preserve the content and formatting of your resume. The cover letter can also be sent as an attachment or written in the body of the email.
How to Create a Plain Text Resume
Here’s how to paste your formatted resume to create a plain text version:
- Copy your resume into a plain text editor like Notepad (which should be available as an application on your computer) or in a Word document or Google Docs. In Google Docs, right-click and select “Paste without formatting.” In Word, depending on your version, select “Paste Options: Keep Text Only” or “Paste Special: Unformatted Text.” Align the text to the left.
- Replace bullets with dashes or asterisks. Use capital letters for section headings, such as Work Experience, Education, etc.
- Add space between sections so that your resume is easy to read.
Choosing the Resume File Format
If you are uploading your resume online or sending it as an email attachment, make sure to read the job posting carefully for any guidance on the employer’s preferred format for your resume. If there are no instructions, submit the resume as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or as a PDF file. These are the formats typically preferred by employers.
If you have saved your resume in Google Docs or using other word processing programs that are not Microsoft Word, convert it to the required format. You should be able to click “File” and then “Download” and save it as a Word document or PDF.
Depending on your word processing program, you may be able to save your document as a PDF by selecting the “File” menu and then the “Save As” (or “Save a Copy”) menu and then selecting “PDF” as the desired file format. If not, you can use free programs to convert the file into a PDF.
Naming
The Attachment
If you attached your resume to the email, remember that the employer can see the document’s title. Include your name in the title so the employer knows, at a glance, who you are. For example, you might name your resume “YourName_Resume.”
Do not use a generic title like “Resume” or “Resume 1” or “Resume 2.” This may lead the employer to think you do not care enough about the job to customize your materials specifically for the position. It also does not help the employer remember who you are.
Include Your Signature
At the bottom of the email, include an email signature with your contact information to make it easy for the hiring manager to reach you. In your signature, include your name, email address, phone number, and a URL to your LinkedIn profile, if you have one.
Example of an email signature:
Your Name
Your Email
Your Phone Number
linkedin.com/in/YourName
How to Send a Cover Email
When applying for a job via email, you may be asked to send a cover letter in the body of the email. If so, you can write your message directly in the email or copy an existing message and paste it.
If the job posting does not specify how to send it, you may also choose to include the cover letter as an attachment. If you do this, use the same format you used for your resume (for example, if your resume is a PDF, your cover letter should be as well). You should also use the same naming instructions you used for your resume in naming the cover letter, for example, janedoecoverletter.doc.
Include an Introduction in the Email
If you are sending your resume and cover letter as attachments, include a brief introduction in the email. In this, mention the position you are applying for, and note that your resume and cover letter (and any other required materials) are attached.
Review the Example Email
Below is an example of an email sent to apply for a job. It notes that the candidate’s resume and cover letter are attached.
Subject: Customer Service Manager Position – Your Name
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am very interested in applying for the Customer Service Manager position mentioned on Monster.com.
I have attached my resume and cover letter. If you need any additional information, please let me know.
Thank you very much for your consideration.
Sincerely,
First Name Last Name
Email
Phone Number
linkedin.com/in/YourName
Tips for Sending Your Resume via Email
Before you send your resume to the employer, make sure the final version is perfect.
Edit and Review Your Documents Carefully
Make sure to use spell check and check for grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. Employers expect the same level of professionalism in emails as they do in written correspondence. Be sure to review the subject line, email body, and any attachments.
Many email programs have built-in spell check tools you can use. Alternatively, write your message using a word processor and proofread it, then paste it into the email.
There are free online programs, like Grammarly, you can use to check your documents.
No matter how you write it, make sure not to rely solely on spell check programs, which may miss many grammatical and spelling mistakes. Reread your message yourself and ask a friend to take a look at it, too.
Use a Professional Email Address
Make sure to use
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-email-a-resume-2063299
Leave a Reply