How do you deliver your resume successfully?

    Different organizations and institutions have different processes for submitting resumes. Knowing how to navigate these differences can help you successfully submit your resume.

    Reviewing the instructions on the application

    • Does the organization tell you how to submit your resume?
    • Does it want your resume as an attachment or pasted into the body of an email?
    • Do the instructions specify the type of documents you can attach? (The most commonly accepted attachment is a PDF.)
    • If the instructions don’t specify, attach your resume to the email. PDFs or Word documents are preferred
    • If you are unsure, check with the Piper Center or contact the organization

    Printing your resume

    • Use a laser printer
    • Use 20 lb bond paper (standard printer paper)
    • Choose a basic color (white, off-white, cream, beige, or gray)
    • Print your resume and any other documents using the same kind of paper

    Scanning your resume

    • Use white paper
    • Use black ink
    • Make sure that you haven’t folded the paper, spilled on it, or marked it in any way
    • Send the scanned document to your email as a PDF

    Uploading your resume to an automated application system

    Many organizations and graduate or professional schools use automated application systems to simplify the process for reviewing applicants. A system is programmed with keywords that identify the qualifications desired in an applicant so that the system can search a pool of applicants for resumes that include those keywords. The organization will review the resumes with the most matches and skip the others.

    To increase the ability of an automated system to read your resume

    • Always follow the instructions in the application system
    • If permitted, upload a PDF file of your resume
    • Choose a well-known font such as Times New Roman, Garamond, Arial, or Helvetica
    • Pick a font size of 10 – 14 points
    • Do not condense spacing between letters
    • Avoid boxes, graphics, or vertical lines
    • If your resume is longer than one page, include your name and phone number at the top of the second page

    Sending your resume by by email

    • Include the position and your name in the subject line of the email
    • Keep the body of your email short, unless the instructions say otherwise. Type no more than 1 or 2 short paragraphs
    • Introduce yourself and state that your resume is attached
    • Include a greeting and a closing (followed by your name) within your email
    • Be e-friendly. Whenever possible, attach a PDF file of your resume
    • Label your attachment with your name (e.g., Beth Gardner — resume)
    • Send a test version of the email (including attachments) to yourself first. Make sure that the email text looks normal and that the attachments open.
    • If a PDF file type is not an accepted format, test your attachments by sending “practice” emails to yourself to see how the document appears on your screen.
    • Spellcheck and proofread one more time!

    Using an online resume service

    Using an online resume service is a great way to get your resume to potential employers. Some sites allow you to upload your resume; some have you scan your resume onto their site; and others create categories in which you can enter your information.

    Because posting your resume online makes your information very public, keep these safety tips in mind:

    • Limit your contact information to your email address and/or phone number.
    • Always ask callers to identify how they got your resume
    • Be assertive in letting callers know whether or not you’re interested. You cannot control the types of employers who will search online databases
    • If you’re not sure that a recruiter is legitimate, ask the caller to send you a position description and literature about the place of employment. Indicate that you will call if you’re interested
    • Be aware of third-party recruiters, agencies that are hired to recruit employees for temporary, part-time or full-time positions in client companies. They are always interested in expanding their candidate pool
    • If you are contacted by a third-party recruiter, ask for specifics on the service provided
    • Do not enter into any agreement in which you must pay a fee for placement services
    • Do not feel obligated to use a placement service or to provide any information to a third-party recruiter
    • If you have any questions or concerns about how to handle phone calls from recruiters, please contact the Piper Center for advice and assistance!