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It is common today for employers to ask job seekers to submit their resumes via email. And as simple as it does actually seem, it is possible to blunder when emailing your resume. A simple mistake can be very costly when sending a resume via email.

Imagine never getting a reply after spending sleepless nights preparing a customized resume. It hurts, right? That is why this post is tailored to help you email your resume in the right manner.

Below are tips on how to email your resume to a potential employer:

• Follow the instructions given: Your ability to follow instructions means a lot to any employer. Now, if the job posting has specific directions that must be followed to email a resume, make sure to follow them in the letter. So, before you hit the submit button, make sure you have read and understood all the instructions given.
• Send it as an attachment: The easiest way to send your resume is as an attachment. Sending your resume as an attachment helps preserve your resume content and format. However, it is good to note some employers don’t accept attachments. In such a case, follow the instructions given.
• Name your attachment: Before hitting the submit button, always make sure your file is well labeled. Using generic names will only make you look bad and may trigger employers to think that you are not careful to customize your resume well. Including your name in the name of your attachment not only help employers at a glance know who you are but also takes you seriously. See the format below for more information on how you could name your resume:

“Firstname_Lastname_Resume.”

• Use a professional email address: Your email address can speak a lot about you. If you want to be taken as a serious candidate, consider using a decent email address. Any fancy or funny email address will only tarnish your image. A decent email address carries your name.
• Pick the right resume file format: Again, it is good to watch out for the instructions on what format the employer would prefer for your resume. In most cases, employers accept .doc and PDF documents. But it is always good to double-check what format the employer has requested. 

The best thing is that you can always shift from one file format to the other seamlessly.

For example, you can use Microsoft Word to convert a word document to PDF and vice versa.

• Keep it simple: Whether sending your resume as an attachment or pasting it into the body of the email message, try your best to keep the font and style simple. As much as you love the formatting, keep in mind your employer may be using a different email client, which may not see your formatted message the same way you do.

The best way to send your cover letter via email

Although a cover letter is a totally different document when sending it, whether as an attachment or after pasting it into the email message, make sure it is well labeled.

Use the same naming convention you did use for your resume, make sure to keep your formatting simple, and watch out for instructions before hitting the send button.

Tips for emailing your job materials

Whether sending a resume or cover letter or both, remember to keep the following tips in mind:

• Use a clear subject line: Do you want employers to open your message? Then make sure to add a subject line that clearly states the purpose of your email. Otherwise, your email may be overlooked or treated as spam. This is something you don’t want to happen to you when searching for a job.
• Use a professional email address: As mentioned above, using a professional email is something you need to consider very seriously. Such an email address includes your name or part of your name. In case you don’t have one, consider creating one. It is easy to do so.
• Keep it brief: It is professional to include a brief message in the body of the email that says who you are, what you are writing, and what material you have attached. Not including a brief message gives employers an easy time disqualifying you. Why give recruiters a chance to overlook your application?
• Add your signature: At the bottom of the email message, add an email signature with your contact information. Why? Adding a signature makes it easier for hiring managers to get in touch with you.
• Look at samples: Not sure how to format the message in the body of your email? It is simple, start by going through a few samples before writing and formatting your message. Going through samples gives you a sense of how to format your messages.
• Send an email test message: Before you send your job materials, consider sending yourself a test email message. Doing this allows you to see whether your application looks good or not. If happy, then proceed to send it to your employer. If not, go back and make the necessary adjustments.
• Proofread your work: There is no better way to emphasize this. Errors in your application will automatically disqualify you. Proofreading your job materials is the only way of making sure no errors will hurt your professionalism and the image you want employers to see. You can even use tools like Grammarly to improve your application.

When to send a resume email?

While you can send an email any day of the week, it is best to send a resume email on Mondays between 6 am and 10 am. Why Mondays? Research has shown that applying on Mondays boosts your interview rate by 46% compared to the average.

Further, sending your email between 6 am and 10 am increases your chances of securing a job.

Again, remember the golden rule: first come, first served also increases your chances of securing a job. Often, it is a good idea to apply for a job 4 days since the job posting goes live.

 

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