Hand Delivering vs. Mailing a Resume
- Hand delivering your resume might sound like a good idea, but many companies will no longer except hand-delivered resumes. Delivering a resume in person can cause a disruption and may leave a negative opinion. Some companies allow receptionists or other low-level employees to accept hand-delivered resumes. You should, however, always call the company prior to hand delivering a resumed. Ask if the company accepts hand-delivered resumes and inquire with whom you should leave the resume. Make sure that you then deliver the resume to the specific person within the company that accepts hand-delivered resumes. An advantage of hand delivering a resume is that the company will have a hard copy of your resume.
- Mailing a resume will also result in a hard copy of your resume delivered to the potential employer. Again, prior to mailing a resume you should contact the company and ask if the company accepts mailed resumes. Even though it is sometimes advantageous for a company to have a hard copy of your resume, many companies have policies to reduce paper waste. Mailing a resume uses a paper envelope and typically also includes a cover letter. This can create an unfavorable impression at companies with policies to limit paper waste. In other words, while a hard copy might allow a potential employer to see your resume, it can just as easily cause the prospective employer to ignore your resume if you do not follow the company’s protocol.
- The most important consideration when submitting a resume to a prospective employer is to follow the instructions listed in the job description. Following instructions will give your resume a better chance of being evaluated. However, regardless of how carefully you follow instructions, there never exists a guarantee that the prospective employer will consider your resume. Additionally, you should always try to tailor your resume to fit s specific job.
- Today, many companies will only consider emailed resumes. While this sounds impersonal, many companies find emailed resumes the most effective and efficient way to process the numerous resumes received for every job listing. If you mail or hand deliver your resume, many companies will not consider your resume. If you choose not to follow the resume delivery instructions in the job listing, always call the company and inquire about using alternative resume delivery methods prior to mailing or hand-delivering your resume.
