Best Practices for Sending Your Resume and Cover Letter via Email or Fax

When applying for jobs, the way you send your resume and cover letter can make a significant impact on your prospects. Whether you opt to send your documents via email or fax, there are specific guidelines and best practices you should follow to ensure they reach the hiring manager in the best possible condition. This article provides detailed advice on how to send your resume and cover letter to increase your chances of a positive response.

Choosing the Right Medium: Email or Fax?

Deciding whether to send your resume and cover letter via email or fax is a crucial step. Email is generally the preferred method, offering flexibility and easy accessibility. Fax, on the other hand, is more traditional and might be preferred by certain organizations, especially in industries that are still favoring more conservative communication methods.

General Guidelines for Email and Fax

Regardless of the method you choose, there are universal guidelines that should be followed to ensure your application is professional and legible:

Use a Professional Email Address

Ensure that your email address is professional. Avoid using personal or humorous email addresses such as funnylympics2019@ Instead, opt for something straightforward and professional, reflecting your brand.

Add an Informative Subject Line

Your subject line should be clear and to the point. For example, you might write: Application for Marketing Manager Position - John Doe. An informative subject line helps the hiring manager organize and quickly locate your application.

Save Your Documents as PDFs

When sending your resume and cover letter, it’s best to save them as PDFs. PDFs ensure that your documents will be displayed exactly as intended, regardless of the recipient's software or device. Simply select 'Save As' in your word processor and choose 'PDF' as the file type.

Use a Professional Email Application

Use a professional email provider such as Gmail or G Suite. These platforms typically offer excellent security features and customer support. Avoid using free or personal email accounts that might look unprofessional.

Specific Guidelines for Email and Fax

Here are some specific steps to follow when sending your resume and cover letter via email or fax:

Email

Directly write your cover letter in the email message body. This ensures that the cover letter is included with the resume in one document.

Attach your resume and any other relevant documents, but save them as PDFs.

Include a short, polite introduction in the email body. Example: "Dear Hiring Manager, I am applying for the Marketing Manager position advertised on LinkedIn... "

Fax

Use a professional fax number from an official source.

Fax both your cover letter and resume. Make sure to include the job title and your name on the cover page of your fax.

Remember to send during business hours. Early morning is ideal to ensure timely receipt.

Additional Tips for Success

Following these best practices, here are a few additional tips to increase your chances of success:

Follow Instructions Carefully

Check the job listing for any specific instructions regarding how to apply. Sometimes, organizations might ask for a certain format, attachment type, or even the inclusion of certain sections in your application.

Proofread and Customize

Proofread both your cover letter and resume for grammatical and spelling errors. Personalize your application to the job and the company. Highlight specific skills and experiences that align with the job description.

Mechanized Job Applications with LazyApply

For those seeking an even easier way to apply for jobs online, consider using a tool like LazyApply. LazyApply automates your job search on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter. By creating a profile and setting your job search parameters, you can apply for thousands of jobs all at once with just a single click. This innovative tool can save you time and increase your application volume, making it a valuable addition to your job search arsenal.

In conclusion, sending your resume and cover letter via email or fax is an essential part of your job application process. By following these guidelines and utilizing tools like LazyApply, you can increase your chances of standing out to potential employers and securing your dream job.