Most companies require you to submit your resume and cover letter online through their website or a job posting on one of the job boards. It is best to tailor your resume and cover letter to each job posting to ensure they have keywords included and showcase why you are the best candidate for the role.
Certain factors need to be considered when submitting your resume online. Suppose they ask that you send a simple email. In that case, all you need to do is attach the requested documents and send a polite and concise message to the organization explaining the position you’re applying for and which papers you’ve enclosed.
Compatible Formats
Before sending that email, ensure your attached documents are universally compatible. Most people use Microsoft Word, so the .doc format is widely accepted. Some Word versions are incompatible with all operating systems, and formatting can get skewed in the sending process.
Word documents can be modified and edited—the last thing you want is for characters to be deleted from your resume accidentally. It’s advised that you save your documents as a .pdf. Most, if not all, systems can recognize and read a .pdf.
When Using a Separate Website
You may be asked to submit your resume via a separate website. If you are asked to directly upload your documents to the page, adhere to the same caution as mentioned above, mainly if you are using a Mac computer—some versions of Mac programs are not PC-friendly.
Copying and Pasting
Another option you may be given is copying and pasting in your resume and possibly a cover letter. If this is the case, remove formatting such as bold, italics, underline, borders, frames, etc. They do not translate well in many of the online programs. One method for overcoming this is saving your original documents in Text Format (.txt) and pasting that version. Text Format can be used instead of Rich Text when emailing or uploading resumes.
If you must cut and paste your resume online and are asked to reformat it, do it. Following the instructions is paramount. Some companies don’t want a straight Text Format but want to see what your resume looks like. If you choose not to reformat your document online and it looks messy or wonky, the potential employer will judge you on this. The hiring authority may view you as lazy and uninterested in the job.
If there are many applicants, your resume could automatically be discarded, with the company choosing to look at a more professional-looking document—and professional person—instead. To avoid the time it takes to reformat online, use minimal formatting in the first place—only use bold and italics to emphasize points or bullet points to make critical information stand out.
Check for Extra Information to Be Filled Out
When submitting, ensure you have filled out all other required information. Some organizations ask that you fill out the information about past positions and cut and paste your resume. This may seem repetitive or redundant, but make sure that you do it and follow their directions precisely.
After your resume is sent, you may receive a confirmation on that website or via email. If you don’t, wait a few days, contact the company, and ask if your documents have been received. It’s okay to explain that you’re unsure if there was a technical malfunction, and you wanted to double-check that your resume made it through since this position is so important to you.
Keep track of the positions you apply for, so you can follow up if necessary.
Need additional help? Reach out to Candace for assistance!