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Sign Up, It's Free Thanks for subscribing! Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.While today’s job application process typically starts in an online portal, it’s sometimes beneficial to email your resume and cover letter.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to email a resume in ways that increase your chances of progressing in the hiring process.
Need to send your resume via email? Try Teal’s free Job Application Tracker with email templates to craft the perfect message in the same place where you write and manage your resume.
When you email your resume and cover letter, you’re pitching yourself for the job.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing an email to a recruiter or hiring manager:
Pro Tip: If you accidentally send an incomplete email using Gmail, you’ll see that your message has been sent and the options to “Undo” or “View Message” in the bottom left. Click “Undo” right away to unsend your email.
These email best practices can help you start on the right foot. This is your first interaction with a company and you want to give a positive impression.
Emailing a resume may seem simple, but there are nuances to consider when applying to a specific job.
Here are top tips for sending a resume via email:
Resume creation is one of the most important things job seekers need to focus on. Your resume needs (not should) to be well-optimized and formatted. That means two things:
Using a resume template that fits your needs can help simplify the process. Teal offers a variety of templates to choose from, so your resume is easy to read and you don’t have to worry about the design and formatting all on your own. That way you can include the required sections and format your resume based on your desired role. Create a perfect resume using resume templates.
Using Teal Analysis Mode and Matching Mode, you can easily create a well-optimized resume. Just enter the job description and get a Match Score on your resume. Plus, you’ll get keywords and tips for how to improve your resume so it can stand out.
Start by using Teal’s Resume Builder. Simply upload your LinkedIn profile or existing resume and get a customizable resume. From there, you can make changes and access the Analysis and Matching tools.
Your resume format matters. In a single document, you’re sharing highlights of your career journey and relevant skills. Choosing the right one can grab a hiring manager’s attention. Some common resume formats include:
These formats showcase information in different ways. Based on where you’re at in your career and the job you’re applying to, you can choose which format is ideal for your situation.
Once your resume is ready and your resume emails optimized, the question remains:
People often wonder what’s the best format to send a resume. First, go back to the job listing and see if there are instructions on how to email a resume. Some listings might say which format they prefer. If there’s no preference listed it’s up to you. But there are some things to consider when deciding between sending a PDF or Word doc for your resume file.
Nicholas Hopkins, director and head of contract recruitment at VIQU IT Recruitment suggests using a Word Document for some important reasons:
"You'd be surprised, but people still include personal details such as age. If the recruiter is committed to upholding diversity recruiting, they may also need to remove information such as your name, name of your school or university, and start and end dates for job experience. This is to limit potential occurrences of unconscious bias. Some common mistakes I have found people make when emailing their resume are including pictures or not including information on how recruiters can contact them."
Scott Lieberman, founder of Touchdown Money hires people for his small business and has been on the HR hiring committee of various companies for over 10 years offers a different point of view:
“Use a PDF formatted resume to attach to the email. A PDF ensures your resume is opened with the same formatting as you typed it.”
So if you’re applying directly to a company, you might consider using the PDF format. You can feel confident that your formatting is intact. On the other hand, if you’re emailing a resume to a recruiter a Word Document may be a better option.
Ultimately, the type of file you send is secondary to the contents of your resume. Make sure your resume looks organized and legible and that it’s optimized based on the job description.
