How to Submit Your Resume To Potential Employers

Statistically, employers scan resumes for an average of six seconds, thus making it critical for you to submit your resume and have it stand out. However, even the most qualified candidate won’t even get their foot in the door if a resume is improperly submitted! It is therefore critical to insure that correct submission procedure is followed. So, where do you start?

1. Edit Language

When checking over your resume, a professionally written resume which is simple and clear works best. Fancy language and formatting get lost in the process, and make it tedious for employers to read. Third-person language works best as well.

Example:

“I am in charge of managing accounts at McGregor Corporation” vs “Manages accounts with attention to detail and accuracy.”

2. Tailor Your Skills to the Job

Highlight your qualifications and experience that apply to the job you are seeking. It is helpful to read the job description in order to get an idea of what potential employers are seeking in order to get an idea of what skills are required for the position and to adjust your resume to their lingo. Additionally, be specific when listing your skills. By adding exactly what you have done and how it is associated with a specific skill makes it clear to employers what you bring to the table.

Example:

Content Writing-Wrote content for five companies over a span of three years generating high engagement and consumer growth

3. Follow Employer’s Instructions

Once your resume is ready to send, it is crucial to send it in the proper format that is requested by the employer. If there are no specific instructions on format or delivery, a PDF is the way to go as it is easily read on any device and operating system. Word (.DOC) format is only acceptable when requested by the employer. Also, if you created your resume in Google Docs, make sure to convert it properly to PDF or .DOC. Once your resume is in the proper format, find out exactly where to send your resume or CV so that it is received by the correct person and is not discarded.

4. Send as Attachment

While your resume should be sent as an attachment to your email (and not be the body of the email), you have the option of including your cover letter as either an attachment (allowing employers to print it out and share) or have it be the body of your email. However, if your cover letter is sent as an attachment, make sure to include a short introduction of yourself, briefly letting potential employers know what you are contacting them about. Further, including your phone number, email, and LinkedIn profile in your cover letter allows potential employers to contact you with ease.

5. Email Address

When sending out your resume, having a professional email gives an employer the opportunity to see you in a professional light. Email addresses that you may have created years ago, such as “cutiepie123@gmail.com" or “brownfamilybears@sbcglobal.net" simply don’t give the same impression as your first and last name or your first initial and last name. Having a professional email also ensures that your work emails won’t get lost in your general mail and personal items. You can also add a signature to your email with all relevant contact information, providing employers with a clean, easy way to reach out without opening a document.

6. Subject Line

First, check to see if the employer has any specific instructions on how they want the subject line written. Secondly, make sure the subject line is clear and direct. List the job title and position (and if listed, the job ID) that you are applying for, making it easy for employers to scan. You can also list a brief description of your qualifications.

Examples:

IT Engineer Application for Tel Aviv Position

Application for Graphic Designer-Jane Doe with 10 years of experience

Software Developer-John Doe Application

Account Manager-John Smith CPA

If you have been referred for a position by a mutual friend, including that in your subject line grabs attention quickly

Example:

Referred by John Smith for Pastry Chef position

Lastly, never use ALL CAPS on a subject line as it will definitely get the employer’s attention, albeit in the wrong way.

7. Edit, Edit, Edit

You have a limited time frame to make an impression (remember the six-second stat?) Before sending out your resume, re-read it, as well as your cover letter. Taking the time to check grammar, spelling, and formatting (converting it to PDF and then verifying that the page is clear and easily readable) ensures that you have a document that you feel reflects your professional abilities and manner. If you have used a template, be sure that all fields are filled in or eliminated, as empty template spaces reflect poorly on your attention to detail! Send a test run to yourself to ensure everything works well.

8. Follow Up

Following up with employers in a professional and appropriate manner, demonstrates your interest in the job opening and casts you in a positive and favorable light. Following up can also compel employers to have a closer look at your resume, as well as help inform you if the company is still in the hiring process. Follow-ups can be sent two weeks after you have submitted your resume. Keep the email brief, edit and check before sending, and remember to include your name and that you are following up in your subject line. Do not resubmit your resume!

Example:

Jane Doe following up for Graphic Design position