Take the time to compile your application materials, carefully proofread and edit them, test-send them to yourself to be sure everything is in working order before you email the documents to the employer, and keep a copy for your records so you can follow up on your application. Here’s advice on how to apply for a job via email, including every step in the process of getting your resume and cover letter ready to send your message. Here’s how to save your resume:
Save as a Word Document
If you have word processing software other than Microsoft Word, save your resume as a Word (.doc or .docx) document. “File, Save As” should be an option in whatever word processing program you use. For a Google Doc: click “File, Download, Microsoft Word (.docx).”
Save as a PDF
To save your documents as a PDF, depending on your word processing software, you may be able to select “File, Print to Adobe PDF” or “File, Save As,” and choose the PDF option. For a Google Doc: click File, Download, PDF Document (.pdf).
PDF Converter Programs
If the word processing software you’re using doesn’t have a conversion option, there are programs you can use to convert a file to a PDF. Saving documents as PDFs helps ensure that no formatting errors will appear if the person opening the documents has a different operating system from your own.
Use Your Name as the File Name
Use your name as the file name, so the employer knows whose resume and cover letter it is, i.e., janakamalresume.docx and janakamalcoverletter.docx.
Email Cover Letter Example
Here’s an example of an email message to accompany an attached resume and cover letter. Dear Hiring Manager, I am very interested in applying for the Sales Trainee position that is listed on Indeed. I’ve attached my resume and cover letter. If I can provide any further information, please let me know. Thank you very much for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you. Respectfully, Jana Kamaljana.kamal@email.com555-123-4567linkedin.com/in/janakamal First, open your email account. Then click on “Message” at the top left of the screen or click on “File, New, Message.” You can either type your cover letter directly into the email message, copy and paste it from a word processing document into an email, or if the company requests an attachment, send your cover letter with the email message. Add a Subject to the email message before you start writing it. That way, you won’t forget to include it afterward. To add your signature to your email message, click on “File, Insert, Signature” if you have a signature saved that you use for job searching. If you haven’t created an email signature, type your contact information (name, email address, phone) at the bottom of your message. Microsoft Outlook: Click on “Insert, Attach File.” Microsoft Outlook will display a list of files in the default file folder of your computer. If your files are stored in a different folder, click on the appropriate folder. Gmail: Click the paperclip image (“attach files”) to add your documents to the message. Click to select the file you want to add to your email message and click on “Insert” to attach the document to your email message. Then send a test message to yourself to be sure all the attachments come through, and your email message is perfect. Finally, send a copy of the message to yourself, as well as to the company, so you have a copy for your records. Add yourself as a Bcc (blind carbon copy) by clicking “Bcc” and adding your email address. Then click “Send,” and your cover letter and resume will be on the way to the employer. Be prepared to upload your resume and cover letter in the format requested by an employer. The application system will provide instructions on how to apply and upload your materials.
