Make Your Email Resume Stand Out

Make Your Email Resume Stand Out

By: Accountemps

July 2004 — More and more people are sending their resumes electronically. In a recent survey, executives said 56 percent of the resumes they receive are submitted by email -- a 22 percent increase from when the question was asked three years earlier.

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With a good strategy, job seekers can use email to conduct an ambitious, highly targeted search that vastly increases their odds of finding a position. Resumes should be easy-to-read and tailored to the opportunity. The closer a resume matches the qualifications an employer is seeking, the greater the chances of getting an interview.

Following are some tips for ensuring your emailed resume stands out:

• Target your resume. Don't broadcast it indiscriminately. Select positions that fit with your credentials, and customize it accordingly. 
  
  
• Make it computer-friendly. Format your resume in plain text so that nearly every computer can read it. Many employers use software programs that scan resumes for key words, including specific technical and managerial skills; incorporate words that are used in the job description, as appropriate.
  
  
• Send it in the correct format. While some businesses have online application processes, others do not. Companies with firewalls and anti-virus software usually discourage e-mail attachments. Paste the text of your document in the body of the email instead. 
  
  
• Use the subject line wisely. Make your intentions clear to the recruiter or hiring manager by including the title of the position in the subject line of your email.
  
  
• Prompt the recipient to continue reading. Include an introductory message that briefly describes your skills and experience, and the reasons you feel you are right for the position.