If the position was advertised, the ad usually states the preferred method of resume submission. Follow their directions. In most cases they will ask that you reply by mail, which means it's time for Envelope Stuffing Assuming you're using a standard business envelope, you would first place your cover letter on top of your resume, then fold the documents into thirds so that the blank sides of the paper are showing on both the top and bottom. Then you stuff the package into the envelope and voila, you have your first complete self-marketing package. Just make sure that the letter you place inside the envelope is indeed intended for the addressee. Mix-ups have been known to occur, and it's never a pretty sight when Ms. Johnson opens your package only to find in it a letter that was intended for Mr. Novak.
When You Need Speed
If time is truly of the essence, the good old U.S. Postal Service may just be a little too slow. Many employers wanted to fill their vacancies yesterday. For the ultimate in speed, faxing is the way to go. First, call the organization and find out if they will accept a fax. If so, terrific, but always supplement your fax by sending a hard copy through the mail. If the organization won't accept a fax or doesn't have a fax machine, you always have the option of sending your package via Federal Express or some other courier service. True, this is an expensive proposition, but in addition to sending your resume, you will be sending a message loud and clear that you want the job pretty badly. In addition to using a courier service, you also have the option of hand delivering your letter and resume, provided the employer is within close proximity. This approach has the added benefit of enabling you to get a peek at your potential place of employment, as well as the opportunity to take a gander at some of your prospective colleagues in action.
Follow-up is Key
Did you know you are probably feeling pretty good right now. We'll bet you just sent off ten or so letters and resumes, and now you're thinking it's time to sit back, relax, and wait for the phone to ring. Wrong! It's time to start compiling a list of when you're going to make your follow-up calls.
As a general rule give the employer between ten days and two weeks to respond to a written communication. If you've still heard nothing by then, get on the phone and find out if they received your package. If so, ask if they had an opportunity to review your qualifications.
If a thousand personnel executives did nothing else but evaluate all the resumes currently circulating, it would take each executive approximately seventy-one years to get through his share of the load with a reading time of four minutes per resume.
Source: Professional Association of Resume Writers
Do your best to arrange an interview while you're on the phone with the employer. At the very least, find out when he expects to begin the interviewing process. While you're waiting to hear, you can always drop them a line to reaffirm your interest, and notify him of any recent developments which might enhance your candidacy. This will keep your name fresh in the employer's head and demonstrate that your interest in the job is serious.
Those who don't follow up fall prey to the "out of sight, out of mind" syndrome. Of course you must always be careful not to cross the line between being assertive and being a pain in the butt. If you phone too frequently, you'll be labeled a nuisance. Use your best judgment, and always follow the employer's lead. If she seems visibly perturbed that you're calling her? Politely excuse yourself by saying that you just wanted to check on the status of your application, and that you're sorry if you caused her any inconvenience.
Now It's Time to Say Goodbye
In closing your cover letter, your goal is to ask for an interview, and politely thank the employer for taking the time to consider you for employment. There is no need to drag this out. Just get right to the point. You could even state that you will be following up with a phone call in a specified period of time. Also, if you are writing to an employer in another part of the country, it's a good idea to let them know when you will be in their region. Of course there's always the chance that they might fly you out for an interview, but don't bank on it.
Should You or Shouldn't You?
'The best way to send your resume depends to a large extent on an employer's comfort level with technology. Those who embrace new technology would probably be delighted if you send your resume via the Internet or by fax. Those who are less receptive to new technology would prefer you to mail it to - Pamela Davies, Recruitment Coordinator, New York University, Office of Career Services.
