Sending Resumes by Email, Snail Mail Or Carrier Pigeon

But seriously who uses a snail? The question was raised by one of my clients recently as to the content and layout differences that may be needed to a resume based on the method by which it is being delivered. We are going to look at why you should use different methods of delivery and some of the issues associated with each, together with content and format questions. There are 5 typical ways in which a resume can land on the desk of a hiring manager or recruiter, email, traditional post, fax, web site submission or by hand.

By Hand - To get someone to read your resume is the goal of your submission and without a doubt the best way of doing that is to have someone deliver it by hand. The implied endorsement and reference of having someone who works at the organization take your resume in the door and ask the HR or Hiring Manager is the optimum solution. If you have the chance to give a printed copy then do so on good quality paper and printed on a laser.

By Email - Email submitted resumes in a "Word" format can lose their format when printed, to overcome this problem and make sure that the format remains attractive save and submit the resume as a PDF. This also works when you are compelled to send your resume to the person who is delivering your resume by hand. This is the second best option for delivery if you have the direct email of the hiring manager or recruiter.

Traditional Post - Not such a common choice these days but maybe that is a good reason to use it. Again a quality printed document with a great cover letter and addressed to individual in question. This can also be a great option after you have submitted by email to follow up with the hard copy postal delivery.

Fax - Unless this is a necessity it is to be avoided. You don't know the quality of the machine or service you are sending the document to.

Web Site Submission - This can take many forms and may be as simple as attaching a word or a text document or completing a form that may be scanned and recompiled into a different form of resume.

Content Issues - Keywords, keywords and keywords. Read the job description, understand the needs and requirements of the position and then make sure that the resume contains ALL of the keywords. The resumes are often scanned by a machine or software and failure to have sufficient keywords will probably be a cause for failure to be selected.

Good hunting

Barry


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