Emailing Resumes: Response from HR

CareerStriders:

Read below. Incorporate what you learned from my article Emailing Resumes and from the response letter below. Your job search will thank you.

Linda, I just read your article on the mistakes applicants make when emailing resumes. I have about 30 openings, yet I get so many emails where the subject line says “resume” or “your job opportunity” or just “Mary Smith’s Resume”. With over 300 applicant responses, how can I group them by job title or job code? I can’t! and I emphasize this in every job posting, over and over. Then to add insult to injury, they do not even include a cover letter!!

I won’t even open a resume from a candidate who does not know how the difference between a resume (what you did in the past) with a cover letter – which sells yourself on why you think you are best candidate for the job and heck, maybe tell us what you can do for us.

There’s a concept. Are cover letters old fashioned?? 90% of applicants I get either don’t include a cover letter or say “ I am very interested in your position (or opening)” Hmmm…which position would that be? And then go on to re-hash their resume. Or just say “ I have enclosed my resume for your review” duh! Really??

I feel like I have to educate these applicants one at a time. It is very frustrating. Thank you for this article. Job seekers don’t read the job descriptions posted, so I doubt they will read more than the first paragraph of your article.