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Resumes and Colored Paper
How to Send Your Resume Through the Mail
To Whom it May Concern Letters
Reference Sheets
When mailing your resume package - what should it contain?
Cover Letters - Specific and General
Resumes and Colored Paper
When you have more copies made of your resume use a quality paper (24 lb. to 28 lb.) Studies have shown mild pastel colors like ivory, tan, light blue, rose, light gray, bordered and embossed presentation papers get more positive attention, over other colored papers. Avoid using bright or bold colors like orange, bright green, navy blue, as these colors can be straining on the eyes. For a minute, consider your resume in a pile with 1000 others. Employers scan a resume approximately 40 seconds before deciding if a resume should get more attention. In that time approximately 10% get selected for further reading, and the rest get moved to the end of the line. Why? Boring white paper, poor reading format, too much information or not enough. Remember, a mild pastel colored paper will make your resume "more interesting," and is easy on the eye to read.
How to Send Your Resume Through the Mail
When sending your resume through the mail, use a 9" X 12" inch white or matching "resume paper color" envelope. By sending your resume in a 9 X 12 inch envelope the resume is not folded when presented to a potential employer. It just makes a better first impression. Additionally, a flat piece of paper is easier to read, as well as handle compared to a resume that has been folded. Be sure to type your address and return address on mailing labels before securing them to your envelope. If you do not have mailing labels simply use a pen with black ink to address your envelopes.
To Whom it May Concern Letters - [Letters of Recommendation]
If you have not been requesting letters of recommendation from your past employer's you really should start. Sometimes a letter of recommendation can add that little extra appeal when applying for a new job. Especially if the letter of recommendation provides a good review on the qualifications that the new employer is looking for. Of course, a letter of recommendation talking up your good character is an asset, too. There are two ways to present a letter of recommendation to a prospective employer: one way is to state at the bottom of your resume that your letters of recommendation and references are available upon request. In this scenario, you would take your letter of recommendation and reference sheet (contained in a professional portfolio, folder or brief case) to the interview, and then present it during the interview (only if it is requested). The second way to present a letter of recommendation, and most commonly used, is to enclose it along with your resume during initial mailing. Please, send no more than two letters of recommendation. It is better not to overwhelm a potential employer with a lot of information to read (and of course, always send a copy of your letters, not the originals). A good word from your past employer can give you the added advantage you need, especially when your skills and the companies needs are the same.
Reference Sheets
References should only be given at the request of an employer, and should not be listed on your resume. Nor should you send a reference sheet in your "initial" resume mailing. It is better when an employer can meet with you personally before receiving second hand information about you from your references. The interview is the most important first step in the door, and who is better to sell your good character and qualifications, than you, yourself. Take your reference sheet with you to your interview (in a professional attaché, folder or portfolio), and present it during the interview, (only if it is requested). By making your reference sheet available during the interview, you will not waste personal marketing gear on initial mailings or employers who do not find a reference check necessary.
When mailing your resume package - what should it contain?
The resume package should contain a cover letter, a resume, and a letter of recommendation. An executive styled resume folder can be used if you feel one is appropriate for the position you are trying to obtain. If your resume is more than one page in length you can staple the two pages in the upper left hand corner. However, do not staple your cover letter to your resume. Mail your resume package in a 9" X 12" inch envelope. A step by step procedure would be like this. Say for example you decided to use an executive styled resume folder: you would open up the folder - place your letter of recommendation at the very back - place your resume on top of that - and place the cover letter on the very top. Then close the protective resume folder, and place the resume packet in a 9" X 12" inch envelope. When putting your resume packet into the envelope, make sure you position the packet where the cover letters heading is upright and facing the employer as he or she pulls it out of the envelope. Address the envelope using mailing labels and stick it in the mail. Before you know it, you will be receiving calls for job opportunities. Remember, your resume is a representation of you, a powerful sales tool that will work for you when you're present, and when you're not. Make sure to keep your resume up-to-date and accurate, and when you need your resume, it will be there for you.
Cover Letters - Two Types - Specific and General
Cover letters are necessary when sending your resume in the mail, but remember to keep your cover letter short. A cover letters purpose is to obtain an interview, not tell a lengthy story. The focus should be on your qualifications, and setting up an interview. There are two types of cover letters - specific and general. The specific cover letter is directed at a specific company, specific person, and position. The specific cover letter personally addresses the companies needs. It also sends a positive message to the employer that you are truly interested because you took the time to write an individual letter. A general cover letter is often addressed Dear Employer, (with date omitted) and emphasizes your qualifications in hopes that a position will be available to utilize your skills.
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