How to Send a Resume & Cover Letter

Send the right impression with your resume and cover letter.

Your resume and cover letter are the essential first impression for any potential employer---everything from the content, right down to the type of paper you print on, is a statement about yourself. You can tell the employer that you are professional, have good attention to detail and are organized, just from the way you package your resume and cover letter---or you can send the reverse signal also, which means that getting your resume and cover letter sent right is crucial for attaining an interview.

Things You'll Need

• 24 lb. presentation paper, pastel colored
• Printer
• Staple (optional)
• Resume folder
• Envelope, 9 by 12 inch
• Mailing labels/back pen

Instructions

1. Type out your resume and cover letter, making sure the details are up-to-date, spelling is correct and information is relevant. Make sure the cover letter is only one page long with your name and contact details in the upper-right corner. Use a 12 point font, and be sure to mention in the closing paragraph of your cover letter that your resume and any other documents, such as reference letters, are attached.

2. Print your resume, cover letter and any other documents onto the presentation paper; choose a light pastel color---ivory, light gray, tan, cream---as this sets your application apart from the rest. If your resume is more than one page, staple the resume pages in the left hand corner.

3. Insert any other documents other than your resume and cover letter into the resume folder. Place the resume on top and the cover letter on top of that. Make sure the pages are all lined up and flat.

4. Slide the resume folder into the 9-by-12 envelope so that when the recipient takes out the folder, it will be the right way up.

5. Print off your mailing label, including one with the recipients' details, and one with your own, for the back. If you don't have mailing labels, use black pen and write in clear, block letters on the envelope prior to inserting the resume folder.

6. Seal the envelope and send it.

References

• Career Consulting Corner: Resume Presentation And Procedure Tips