How to Write a Resume by Email

Now that we are in the age of computers and high-speed internet, we need to learn how to write a resume that is sent by email. Whether we like it or not, prospective employers are doing away with the traditional means of how to write a resume. Most, if not all, are no longer going through the traditional route of receiving resumes from potential candidates by mail or fax.

Let's face it. Companies too are going with the trend and want to make their recruitment process a whole lot faster and efficient. They are now relying more and more on the use of sophisticated programs and software to accept resumes and scan them for potential matches to an advertised available position. Many are also accepting resumes and applications through email. And while this makes it easier for you as a job seeker, it is essential that you know how to write a resume that will look presentable in both your sent email and the printed format.

These changes in how to write a resume, while making it a whole lot quicker, has also posed a challenge to job seekers. True, we no longer have to slave away in our old typewriter, pounding out letter for letter of our resume making sure not to make any mistakes because it is hard to erase. The computer has made the tedious task of how to write a resume easier. Making erasures is as easy as using the delete button. Then, we no longer have to walk all the way to the post office to drop our written resumes in the mail box. In fact, we no longer have to lift our butt of the chair. Just press the send button and presto, your resume is sent right to the employer's email or web site. Resume writing has never been this quick.

But as previously pointed out, your emailed resume is usually printed out especially when you are called for an interview to discuss more of your skills and competencies. It is important that both the email and print-out look professional to generate any interest in the employer. As such, you need to know how to write a resume that achieves this goal. Learning how to write a resume by email should also not be taken for granted as your job hunting success may depend on it. Below are some useful tips on how to write a resume when your are planning to send it by electronic means - by email.

How to Write a Resume by Email Tip No. 1

It is important that you have a text file of your emailed resume. This type of file usually uses the .txt extension. While it is necessary that you need to highlight some of the more important aspects of your resume, you need to have a simple text file of the same resume for employers to use when scanning it through their software. These scans are used in looking for certain keywords that employers use to look for matching candidates to an offered position. In making the text file, format your resume properly.

How to Write a Resume by Email Tip No. 2

Always follow the instructions laid out by the employer in sending out your application. If they require you to include your resume in the email body, do so. Do not include it as an attachment more so as a PDF attachment. It is unusual for a resume to be sent this way and it may result in your resume being rejected. To include it in the email body, all you need to do is copy and paste the text file that you saved in your email. There is generally no need to apply bolding or other formatting styles when sending your resume this way as it may get messed up when the employer's email program cannot recognize it. Simple is always better.

How to Write a Resume by Email Tip No. 3

Before sending your resume by email to the prospective employer, you may want to try sending it to a few of your friends to verify that it is received properly and in the correct format regardless on the type of software being used. By doing this initial test, you may weed out formatting problems that could cause your resume to be received not as you intended it to be.

How to Write a Resume by Email Tip No. 4

Even when the resume is included in the body of the email, you may still need to write a cover letter first to highlight key competencies and skills that you have that will increase your chances of being hired. There are a lot of useful guides on how to write a resume cover letter and some are covered in our previous articles. Since the address is already included in the cover letter, you may no longer need to write this when starting out your resume. You may simply start with your resume objective.

These are some of the important points on how to write a resume that is sent by email. While there are other means of sending out your application, knowing how to write a resume thru email will give you a better advantage.