Email Tips for the Job Search

I frequently find myself combing sites such as Careerbuilder and Hotjobs for great information to share with our readers. On Yahoo! Hotjobs, I came across this great article on how to use Email to its best possible potential.

Email Can Be Key to Employment
By Erin Hovanec

Email can speed up your job search. It makes it faster and easier than ever to communicate with recruiters and hiring managers.

Unfortunately, email is also often used incorrectly. And a simple mistake can cost you an interview or even a job offer.

But, by following a few simple steps, you can help ensure that your email gets a response when communicating with recruiters and hiring managers.

Here's the first tip: Always put your name in the subject line.

Don't assume you're the only job candidate named "Pat." Include your full name (first and last) as well as the topic of the message in the subject line.

Here are some other tips on how to email your way to employment.

Keep Your Contact Information Handy

Of course your contact information is front and center on your resume. But there's another place you should also include it: In the body of your email.

This will make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to reach you.

You can create an email signature that will automatically appear in each message. Or, type your name, address, phone number and email address at the bottom of every email you send.

You shouldn't assume someone will take the time to look for your contact information in their files.

'Attach,' Then 'Open'

Always double-check attached files AFTER attaching them to your message.

Many people have multiple versions of their resumes and cover letters. Make sure you're sending the most appropriate resume or the cover letter addressed to the correct person. Attaching the wrong file, especially if it's a personal file, can be disastrous.

Be the Sender and the Recipient

Be smart: Test your e-mail messages by sending them to yourself.

If you're worried that a message won't look right or will have formatting problems, send it to yourself before sending it to the recruiter or hiring manager. You'll see exactly what they'll see, and you can fix any problems first.

Before You Hit 'Send' ...

Leave the "To" field for last.

You don't want to accidentally send an incomplete or error-filled email to a recruiter or hiring manager. Don't fill in the recipient's email address until right before you hit "Send." Adding the email address should be the very last thing you do.

Check the spelling, do a final proofread and THEN fill in the "To" field.