There are several different ways to submit a resume. You may submit your resume:
by mail
in person
via fax
through email
online through a company website
online through a job bank website
How to Submit a Resume
To determine the best way to submit a resume when you’re applying to an advertised job, simply follow the instructions exactly as they are outlined in the job ad. Read the directions very carefully so you do not miss any details. If the ad states “no phone calls please” or “only those selected for an interview will be contacted”, do not call the employer. If you ignore this type of instruction when you apply for jobs you will very likely be immediately taken out of consideration for the job. Many employers feel that if you ignore instructions in their job ads, you will not follow instructions at work.
Do not fold or staple your resume, instead, use a paperclip to secure a two page resume. A folded resume will not sit flat on the employer’s desk, and a stapled resume will simply be pulled apart because employers usually like to look at the pages side by side. Folds and staples detract from the professional look of your resume.
Do not submit your references page with your resume unless the employer has specifically asked you to do so. Employers who call references do so after an interview, so employers don’t need your reference page until you are called for an interview.
If you are given the option to drop off your resume, do submit it in person. You’ll get an opportunity to meet some staff at the company, make a good impression and perhaps discover some more information about the company. Submitting your resume in person (when it’s appropriate) shows initiative, allows you to become a person and not just a piece of paper in the mind of the employer, and can make a great impression. Showing just a bit of extra initiative that’s above and beyond what other job seekers will do often helps you to get to the next stage in the hiring process.
If you drop off your resume in person, dress to make a good impression. You may not meet the person who has the authority to hire you, but the person who accepts your resume will likely be asked to provide input regarding his or her impressions of the candidates.
Submit your resume as early as possible. When jobs are advertised, employers are often overwhelmed by the number of resumes they receive. It’s typically best to submit your resume quickly so they’ll see it before they are exhausted from looking through piles of resumes. When you apply to new jobs, give yourself the time you need to write a great resume and cover letter, but do apply as soon as possible.
