Appropriate formats for emailing a resume/cover letter through the Internet (the basics)

Recently, I have been meeting with some job seekers who are just getting their feet wet in a professional job search. Wanted to review some of the basics for applying through the internet, as I thought it would be helpful for many.


The standard method for applying to a job through the internet, when emailing the designated employer contact, is to place your cover letter in the body of the email and attach your resume in MS Word format.

• Please note: If you have your resume saved in MS Word 2007 format, many companies that have not yet upgraded to that format will be unable to open your resume. Make sure to save as a ‘Word 97-2003’ document.

If they would like you to do otherwise, employers will make a note in the job description (such as “no attachments will be opened. Place resume in the body of the email”).

Additionally some companies will ask you to apply through their website or a major job board. Go through each screen carefully and fill out all required information. Copy and paste or attach your resume and cover letter as instructed.