Emailing Your Resume To Employers: Best Practices
When it comes to job hunting, sending out your resume to potential employers is a crucial step. However, with the widespread use of technology, emailing your resume has become the norm. Knowing how to properly email your resume to employers can significantly increase your chances of getting your foot in the door. Here are some best practices to follow:
1. Use a Professional Email Address
Before sending out your resume, make sure to use a professional email address. Avoid using personal or unprofessional email addresses such as hotstuff123@gmail.com or cutiepie@yahoo.com. Instead, use an email address that includes your name and sounds professional such as johnsmith@email.com or sarahjones@email.com.
2. Customize Your Email Subject Line
Make sure to customize your email subject line to make it clear that you’re sending your resume. Use a subject line that’s specific to the job you’re applying for and avoid using generic phrases such as “resume submission”. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing position with ABC Company, your subject line could be “Marketing Position Application: John Smith”.
3. Keep Your Email Body Concise
When it comes to emailing your resume, keep your email body concise and to the point. Avoid writing a long email and instead, make it easy for the employer to read. Your email body should include a brief introduction, a sentence or two about why you’re interested in the position, and a brief summary of your relevant skills and experience.
4. Attach Your Resume in the Right Format
Make sure to attach your resume in the right format. Most employers prefer receiving resumes in PDF format as it preserves the formatting and can be easily opened on any device. However, check the job posting to see if the employer has specified a preferred format. If not, go with PDF.
5. Name Your Resume File Properly
When attaching your resume, make sure to name the file properly. Avoid using generic names such as “resume.pdf” or “John Smith Resume”. Instead, use a name that’s specific to the job and includes your name such as “Marketing Position Application – John Smith.pdf”.
6. Proofread Your Email and Resume
Before hitting send, make sure to proofread both your email and resume. Check for any spelling or grammar errors and ensure that everything is formatted correctly. You don’t want to make a bad first impression with a potential employer due to careless mistakes.
7. Follow Up After Sending Your Resume
After sending your resume, it’s important to follow up with the employer. This shows that you’re interested in the position and proactive. Wait a week or two before following up and send a polite email asking for an update on your application status.
8. Keep a Record of Your Applications
It’s important to keep a record of all the job applications you’ve sent out. This can help you keep track of which companies you’ve applied to and when you sent your application. You can use a spreadsheet or a job tracking app to keep track of your applications.
9. Customize Your Resume for Each Job Application
When applying for different jobs, make sure to customize your resume for each application. This means highlighting the skills and experience that are relevant to the job and tailoring your resume to the job description. This can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview.
10. Maintain Professionalism Throughout the Process
Throughout the job application process, make sure to maintain professionalism. This means avoiding sending multiple follow-up emails, not bad-mouthing previous employers or colleagues, and being respectful in all interactions with potential employers.
Conclusion
Emailing your resume to employers is a crucial step in the job application process. By following these best practices, you can increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers and landing your dream job.
FAQs
What should I include in my email body when sending my resume to employers?
In your email body, include a brief introduction, a sentence or two about why you’re interested in the position, and a brief summary of your relevant skills and experience.
What format should I use when attaching my resume?
Most employers prefer receiving resumes in PDF format as it preserves the formatting and can be easily opened on any device. However, check the job posting to see if the employer has specified a preferred format.
How should I follow up after sending my resume?
Wait a week or two before following up and send a polite email asking for an update on your application status.
Should I customize my resume for each job application?
Yes, it’s important to customize your resume for each job application. This means highlighting the skills and experience that are relevant to the job and tailoring your resume to the job description.
Sarah Thompson
Sarah Thompson is a career development expert with a passion for helping individuals achieve their professional goals. With over a decade of experience in the field, Sarah specializes in providing practical advice and guidance on job search strategies, cover letters, resumes, and interview techniques. She believes in empowering job seekers with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate the competitive job market successfully.