haven't sent out resume in a while, microsoft word used to be andard back then...is it expected now to use adobe pdf instead?
sending out cover letter & resume, so should i create in one pdf file (pg. 1 and 2) or 2 separate pdf's (or docs)?? don't mean to be paranoid, but thanks.
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Expected standard is pdf.
If you send word, when they open it you run the risk of formatting changes, them typing accidentally, etc. Also, there will be red underlines from any words not recognized as standard English. If you absolutely must send a .doc, at least finalize it so they can't edit it.
Agreed - PDF. I usually do two files, one for the resume, one for the cover letter. Also, try to name them something descriptive, ie. "First_Last_Resume.pdf" and "First_Last_Cover_Letter.pdf".
PDF
will send 2 SEPARATE pdf attachments as it seems..thanks again all
Your cover letter should be typed in to the body of the email if you're emailing HR. If you're using an online application, there will be 2 separate places to upload resume and cover letter, both of which should be PDF.
For online apps, PDF docs for your resume and cover letter if possible (preferred). For emails sent directly to recruiters, HR, etc, I generally insert the cover letter as the body of the email and then attach the resume as a PDF.
Sending a Word doc isn't a dealbreaker by any means, but as others have said, formatting glitches, etc can cause some headaches.
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why do you guys say that we should type the cover letter in the body of the email?
I've been doing just the opposite. In my email, i just say something like "hey xxx recruiter, i'm zzz and applying for xxx. see my CL and Resume attachments" So my email is actually a 1 liner.
I have honestly done both - I have given the 2-3 liner email and attached the CV and CL, and I have also attached the CV and inserted the CL as the email body. It is more a matter of preference than a necessity as both can be ignored and brushed over just as easily as they can be read. For me, I usually recommend inserting the CL into the email body because it makes the email read as a letter to the recruiter, as opposed to a letter talking about a letter to the recruiter. It is a subtle issue, but I prefer to get right into it and in a sense cut out the middle man - why ask them to see my CL, when I can just use that opportunity, since they are reading the email already, to use that space to draft my CL. If you are more comfortable with the CL attachment, and have had success with that, then stick with it. I have generally found a slightly better response with the CL in the body.
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I heard that pdfs can get jumbled up in online application systems and that systems' have a search mechanism -- searches for "code words" like target school names, finance terms -- that works better with word files...I'm not computer smart, so maybe this was a lie, but I heard it
If that were true, I would have to assume that the company would require, or strongly recommend that you upload your files in MS Word format. If the company recommend you upload in Word form, then you absolutely should - if PDFs and/or Word docs are fine, then go with the PDF.
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