Do’s and Don’ts for Emailing Resumes

Resumes are one of the best ways to stand out from a crowd in a competitive application process. Not only the contents of your resume matter–every interaction you have with employers leaves an impression, good or bad. We've compiled a list of 5 easy to follow Do's and Don'ts for emailing resumes to help you succeed and land the job.

Tip #1

• DO: Read employers' instructions on how to submit a resume for consideration.
  Are instructions to apply directly on the company website or is there an option to email a resume for consideration?
• DON'T: Ask how to apply.
  Instructions have been given in the ad on how to be considered for a position, don't waste the recruiter's time making the explain it again.

Tip #2

• DO: Clearly name the file attachment.
  Resume names should include your first and last name. Examples of good file names are 'FirstName LastName.pdf' and 'FirstName LastName Resume.pdf' – keep it simple and make sure to identify yourself.

• DON'T: Be too vague or too specific.
  File names like 'Resume,' 'Resume 1,' or 'Resume 2' are too vague to be helpful to employers looking at resumes for large applicant pools. But, be careful to avoid be too specific and including too many details that will clutter up the file name, such as the date.

Tip #3

• DO: Include an introduction in your email.
  Including a brief introduction of who you are, what you are interested in, and how you found out about a position are all great ways to help the recruiter form a personal connection with you from the beginning. A sample version of an email to send is below:

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am very interested in the _____________ role advertised on ______________. I have attached my resume for your review.

Thank you for your consideration,

Sincerely,

First Name Last Name

• DON'T: Send a blank email with only an attachment.

Tip #4

• DO: Include a relevant subject line.
  When emailing recruiters, be sure to customize the subject line of the email to be specific and include the job title you are applying for so that recruiters can easily find them.

• DON'T: Leave the subject line blank.
  This is also impersonal and will get your email lost in the inbox you're sending it to.

Tip #5

• DO: Proofread and send a trial run.
  Before emailing your resume to an employer, send yourself a test run to see what your email and attachment will look like. This is when you should catch any spelling mistakes, and ensure that the attachment is sending properly. Getting a second set of eyes to read it over is also always a good idea!

• DON'T: Make careless mistakes.
  Don't send an email missing an attachment and then follow up with a separate email stating “oh I forgot”. If that does end up happening, send the email as if it were your first time and send the introduction to your email along with the attachment.

If you follow these tips and tricks, you will be sure to stand out from other applicants and land the job. Check back to our blog at a later date for more pro-tips from recruitment professionals on how to make a great resume, too!