Emma and Julia applied for the same job over the internet. Emma emailed her resume to the HR head five times over a period of three weeks. Julia sent her resume once. When the HR did not respond, she sent a reminder note after a month. Julia got the job. Why? Emma and Julia were equally qualified for the job. The only difference between Emma’s application and Julia’s job application was online etiquette or ‘netiquette’.
Today, many organization post job ads online and people respond to these ads by emailing their cover letters, resumes, and other documents. Here there is no face to face communication and intentions can always be misinterpreted. Certain words could be misinterpreted. Therefore, it is imperative that you pay careful attention to online etiquette while emailing your resumes.
Style matters
When you are posting a response to a job ad, make sure you do not respond in all capital letters. Using ALL CAPS is rude and not polite. It makes it appear that you are shouting. Your resume could easily be ignored because you haven’t adhered to the etiquette guidelines.
Honor the hiring agent’s request
If you have been requested to send a resume in text only or ASCII only format, make sure you do just that. If your current resume is not in the prescribed format, then find out how to do so. HR agents always to want to view your resume in a format that is easily compatible with the database they are using. It’s important to honor the HR’s request. They want your resume copy-pasted in an email then do that. They want your resume in a Word document. Make sure you send only a Word document and nothing else. This is no place to get creative.
Multiple copies are a NO-NO
You may have sent in your resume before the deadline and now you are impatient for a response from the HR. Yes sure, the deadline has gone past but the hiring agents need time to sort through the resumes. Give them time to respond. Sending one copy of your resume is sufficient. In case, you have made some updates to your resume, make the changes and send across the final updated resume with a small note. Do not email multiple copies of the same resume. This is considered impolite. Most importantly, it could anger the hiring agent if you end up spamming their inbox.
Run a Virus Scan
John had everything going for him. His credentials were superb and he was perfect for the job. However, a virus in his email attachment to the HR personnel damaged his chances completely. He should have run a virus scan before sending out his resume.
Respond to the right person
You have been asked to send across the resume to XYZ of the company. Don’t make the mistake of sending your resume to ABC. ABC will not forward your resume to XYZ but will simply discard it.
Follow instructions
Remember to follow instructions as mentioned on the company’s website or the job advertisement. Don’t try to do your own thing here.
Be precise
When you are sending an online resume you have to be specific about your objective and goals. Hiring agents look out for specific tailor-made resumes and they do not have the time to go through generic resumes. All they will do is scan, look out for the key points, and sort your resume. Grab the HR agent’s attention quickly. That will increase your chances of getting the job.
Cover letter – only if needed
Sometimes organizations specifically request for a cover letter to accompany your resume. Only then you should send across a cover letter that is short and precise. Sell yourself but don’t oversell. Cover letters usually carry additional information missing from the resume. Do not send a cover letter if it has not been asked for.
If you don’t like it then no one will
If a particular habit annoys you then make sure you don’t do the same thing. If spam upsets you then do not spam the company’s inbox. Keep etiquette in mind when you want to make a good impression. The first impression here is your e-resume. So this impression has to be perfect. Do not annoy the HR person who is the first point of contact at your prospective company.
Online etiquette has truly become important in this era of faceless interactions. Actions could be misinterpreted and relationships broken because of improper etiquette. Keep these tips handy the next time you email that resume.
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