It is an old school tradition that says it is better to send a paper resume and cover letter than to apply online or via email. The logic is that your application materials will make a better impression if they actually arrive on a person’s desk, rather than ending up in a computer database somewhere online. But paper is very loseable. Online resources offer a much broader impact on job searching opportunities.
Many companies no long accept paper resumes. In some cases, like at Citibank, job seekers are required to register and to build an employment profile. Once you’ve built your profile, you can apply for jobs online and set up search agents to email you when new jobs are added to the system.
Some companies give you an option. Dell, for example, will accept either an online employment application, an online resume, or a faxed resume. Online applicants can utilize Dell’s resume builder that takes you step-by-step, through the process of resume writing or you can copy/paste an existing resume into the resume builder. Walmart’s online job application system is simpler. There are instructions for sending your resume via email in each job posting or you can click on the “apply for this job link” to open your email client. Paste your resume into the email and send.
Before you spend time sending a paper resume and cover letter, review the job posting for application instructions and/or check with the company web site. Career / Job information is usually listed in the “About Us” section. Review how the company wants you to apply and follow the directions. If you don’t, your application may not be considered.
From our perspective, online employment application systems work well. Applicants can apply online for specific positions at any time that is convenient for them, with just a few mouse clicks. At larger employers, and on many job sites, job seekers can keep track of the positions they have applied for. There’s no need for printing, copying or mailing and applying online saves on postage.
In addition, it’s faster, much faster to apply online. Applicants can apply online, resumes can be reviewed and interviews scheduled very quickly. For example, it is not all that uncommon to be called within an hour of emailing a resume, or to be interviewed the next day and offered a position the day after. But if applications could only be submitted through mail, your resume would have still been in the mail.
It is important to keep track of where you have applied, so you’re not confused when you hear from an employer wanting to schedule an interview. You will need to know what job you’re interviewing for so you can represent your qualifications for the position.
If you have multiple copies of your resume, keep track of which one you sent. Again, you’ll need to address your skills and qualifications in an interview, so you’ll need to match what you said when you applied. It’s not quite as easy to remember when it’s all done online!