I’m guessing that if you’re submitting your resume, you’d like to get hired, right? Many people spend hours honing their resume to perfection, only to forget the last-minute details that make a significant impact when actually submitting it to the hiring manager. There are three important things to keep in mind when you are submitting that all-important document that just may be the ticket to your dream job:
- Format
In almost* all situations, it’s best to submit your resume in PDF format. It attaches well, it’s usually not a large file size, and most importantly, the formatting will remain the same. Most resumes contain some sort of goofy formatting whether it’s precise margins, unique fonts, or creative spacing. If you leave your resume in a Word (or any other editable) format, these will end up looking completely different on the hiring manager’s end.
*There is an exception to this rule – if you are working with a third-party recruiter (like us!), ask your contact which format you should send. We prefer to receive resumes in Word. It is our policy to never edit or alter the content in any way, we simply add our logo to fast-track your resume to our contact within the company. Because we work hard to establish a trusted relationship with our clients, our logo signals a pre-qualified and outstanding candidate.
- Title
Naming your resume is more important than you may think. So many candidates simply name their resume “Resume” or “Resume 2017”. Think for a moment about how many resumes that recruiter or hiring manager is receiving. If they save your resume to a folder, it will be impossible to find you among the thousands of other “Resume”s. Instead, title your document “First Name Last Name Resume” (ex: Patrice Sutton Resume). Then, title all accompanying documents similarly (cover letter, portfolio, references, etc.)
- Message
This one depends on how you’re submitting, but if you’re given the opportunity to add a note (either through email or through an online submittal system), ALWAYS do it! Even just a brief, “Thank you for taking the time to review my application, I look forward to discussing this opportunity further” will make a significant impact compared to blank space. This can also be a good opportunity for you to reiterate your qualifications, highlight your personality, or add on any last-minute details. Just remember to keep it brief!
