Delivering Your Resume
There are a couple of ways to deliver your resume, and for each of these ways there is a way to excel. Make sure that your resume is delivered in a way that demonstrates your professionalism
In Person
If you are delivering your resumes and cover letters in person, dress neatly and professionally. Wear clothing appropriate to the position that you are seeking. For instance, if you are applying at a bank, wear a suit or nice outfit. If you are applying to be a server at Applebee’s, however, wearing a suit or black skirt and heels would be out of place: instead, you should wear casual clothes that are clean and presentable. Generally avoid wearing jeans or sneakers to drop off your resume, unless perhaps you are applying for a job as a camp counselor, in which case jeans might be acceptable.
Be sure that you choose an appropriate time to drop off your resumes. If you are applying to be a server, do not stop by the restaurant during the lunch or dinner rush. Wait until there is a lull when you will not be interrupting, such as around 3:00 p.m. Similarly, if you are applying for a church administration position, Sunday morning is not the wisest time. Establish when the office is closed (often Mondays) and then come on another weekday with your resume.
When you arrive at your place of prospective employment, ask to speak to the manager, or the person in charge of human resources. You’ll want to introduce yourself and briefly explain what position you are seeking. This shouldn’t take longer than thirty seconds. Make direct eye contact and be self-assured. Remember, you’re perfect for the job.
If the manager isn’t available, you can decide to leave your resume with someone else, or to return another day. This choice is up to you. If you choose to leave it with another person at the company, smile and give the same short introductory spiel that you prepared. If appropriate, ask for a business card of the hiring manager so you can follow up the next day. Remember that impressions count at all levels – the receptionist who passes on your resume will often accompany it with a comment “He was very presentable and polite” – you definitely don’t want their impression to be one of a pushy and rude person who was upset when they couldn’t speak to the manager!
Above all, remember to smile! Nothing makes a bigger difference to the way you are received than if you present yourself as approachable, friendly, and optimistic. Smiling portrays all of these positive traits.
As you leave your place of prospective employment, it is appropriate to conclude your brief meeting with “I look forward to hearing from you!” or another equally honest yet optimistic phrase.
By Mail
If you are sending a resume by mail, be sure to include a personalized cover letter. Also, make sure that your cover letter is signed!
Use a plain white envelope. Be sure to use correct postage.
Make sure that the envelope is not crumpled or messy.
You can choose to type an address label for the front of the envelope, or to print the address neatly. Be sure to put a name (and possibly a department) on the envelope such as:
Susan Henson
Human Resources
Microsoft Corp.
1234 CompuDrive
Silicon Valley, California, 90210
By putting a name on the letter, it ensures that an individual will handle your resume, and it decreases the chances of being disregarded immediately. To get the name, contact the company and simply ask who the HR manager is, or who would be the appropriate name to direct a resume for X position. If you are unclear of the spelling, be sure to ask. Nothing looks worse than misspelling your contact’s name!
Electronically
For information on submitting resumes electronically, see online job banks, electronic resumes, or electronic applications.
Be sure to check out our information on interview tips as well.
Bypassing Human Resources
Should you bypass Human Resources? Although most companies express dislike of skipping the human resources chain, if you have an ‘in’ with someone inside the company in your area, such as the vice-president of your department, consider sending your job application to that person instead. It annoys human resources, but studies prove that if an authority in your department wants you there, you are more likely to get the job. If you are able to provide your resume to the hiring manager directly, there is no harm in including a second copy for HR, or cc’ing your email to the HR department.
