Getting It Done: How to Email a Resume to Wow Employers

After reading this article, you'll never look at the email the same way again. Ever. The electronic mail, commonly known as email, isn't a letter in electronic format. It's rather a method of exchanging messages between two (or more) people using electronics. If you're applying for a job, you don't use an email to attach your resume. Recruiters won't bother to download it (and look at it) if your message isn't clear at all. In other words, applicants are expected to polish their so-called "email" skills. Luckily for you, this article will help you avoid embarrassment (and the kiss of death).

The email may look short and simple, which is a given. Look closely, as you focus on the details. What do you see? Your email address, the headline of your email, the first paragraph (of your email), the structure of your message, and your signature at the bottom of the message.

The 5 Email Dos and Don'ts

Your email address must command respect. You don't have to scratch your head over this one, as it's all about common sense. Use an email address that shows your name. For instance, your name is James Reed. The appropriate (email) address will be jamesreed@gmail. com or jamesreed@yahoo. com. You're not forbidden to pick Hotmail (or other webmails), but most users have Gmail and Yahoo accounts. What you shouldn't do is use an email address that may confuse recruiters. Let's say you've been afflicted with wanderlust. You often use thelittlesthobo@gmail.com as your primary email account. Don't ever think of sending your resume (using that account), as recruiters won't be thinking of traveling. Moreover, they might suspect your email as spam. Another mistake is the inclusion of numbers in your email address. It may pertain to your age, which is rather silly. If you want recruiters to know you right away, then let the right email address do it for you.

The headline must be straight and simple. You should state the attached resume along with the position you're applying for. It will be good enough to catch the recruiter's attention. Let's say you're applying for the position of a Sales Representative. A good headline will be "Resume Submitted for Sales Representative Position". On the other hand, you can forget about getting called (for an interview) after typing headlines such as "My Attached Resume for Your Consideration". For one, it comes off as informal. Second, it seems you didn't give it too much thought. Last but not the least, you're supposed to sell yourself. The smallest details can make or break your chances.

You must introduce yourself properly in the first paragraph. The headline must be your cue, as you explain who you are and tell (the recipient) about the reason for contacting him/her. Be straight to the point. Let's use the previous examples again; this task won't take you a minute at the most (e. g. "I've included a copy of resume, which I'm submitting for your Sales Representative position. A Microsoft Word 2010 version [JamesReed-Sales-Representative-Resume. doc] is attached for your convenience."). It will be better to add one more sentence, as it will be a mistake to assume that you read the recruiter's mind. (You can go along a line like "Kindly let me know if another format is preferred."). And don't ever consider an introduction without details. Recruiters won't read your mind.

Read the news. It will give you an idea of how a proper email should be. The headline must capture the recruiter's attention while the first paragraph must prompt them to download your resume (and look at it). It will only take seconds, so read the news feature closely. Let someone you know look at it, and give you feedback. (An ex-colleague can be your first pick. A member of the family, whom you trust, is another option. Don't exclude your friend.) How about the last paragraph? Most recruiters won't read THAT far. If you haven't grabbed their attention early on, then you can expect them to look at the other emails.

Always use the business signature. You're not sending an email to a friend, so it will be a huge mistake to type your first name only. A business signature must include your full name, job title, and contact details. Keep in mind that stating your job title won't be a blooper on your part, as it's rather a specialization that you want to be known for. If you're applying for your first job, then you can omit it and copy and paste your site(s), phone number and email address. If you opt for social media, then look at your page thoroughly. Personal thoughts (and photos) may be taken against you.

Avoid the Following When Sending Your Resume

Don't use "I" too often. It will turn your email into an informal message. The frequent use might intimidate the recipient. Lastly, you're not composing a prose. One use of that pronoun is good enough. If there's a need to do it one more time, then make sure there won't be another one. Avoid "hope" at all cost, as the reasons aren't different from the repetitive use of "I".

Check your email before clicking the SEND button. You must make sure that you're sending it to the right recipient. The email must consist of two or three short paragraphs. And proofread it. (You can send that email to your other email address, so you can have an idea of how it will look to the recipient. You can do further proofreading afterward.)

A job search can also be called a personal sale, so make sure that your email contains a few figures. Recruiters would take a look at the rest (in your resume), but it should be different emails (and resumes) for different recruiters.