E-mail and online job application systems are often used by employers to facilitate the application process and avoid paperwork. Using e-mail to apply for jobs is beneficial to a prospective employee because it saves the cost of resume paper, envelopes and postage. By adapting your resume and cover letter for e-mail submission, your job application process will be simple and efficient.
Step 1
Read all of the application instructions for the job opening. Determine whether the employer wants your resume as an attachment or in the body of the e-mail. Write down the name, title, address, phone number and e-mail address of the contact person to whom you must apply. List all special requirements that the employer might request, including answers to specific career-related questions, documents or other information.
Step 2
Format your resume in plain text so you can include it in the body of your e-mail. A resume in plain text looks neat and organized in any e-mail or word processing system. According to the Riley Guide, most employers prefer your resume in the body of the e-mail so they don't have to deal with possible viruses or compatibility problems when downloading attachments. Remove any bullets, automatic numbering, special characters or automatic formatting in your resume. Use plain-text characters, such as hyphens as bullets. Space all of your sections evenly and skip lines between sections.
Step 3
Attach your resume to the e-mail if the employer prefers an attachment. CV Tips recommends that the title of your resume file include your name and the word "resume"--for example, "JohnDoeResume.doc."
Step 4
Use your cover letter as the body of the e-mail. In your cover letter, describe your work experience and explain how you are qualified for that specific job. Format the cover letter the same as a business letter and do not exceed four paragraphs. Address the cover letter to the contact person listed on the job opening. Tell the contact person that your resume is either attached to the e-mail or included in the body of the e-mail below the cover letter. Be sure to provide your name, mailing address, e-mail address and phone number in your cover letter.
Step 5
Include the job opening name and reference number, if any, in the e-mail subject line along with your name--for example, "John Doe application for Auditor position #12345."
Step 6
Proofread your e-mail completely before sending. Perform a grammar and spell check and also check the spelling of company names and contact person names.
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