In order to seek out and apply for the jobs you are interested in, you will most likely post your profile and resume on a job search website, such as monster dot com or hotjobs dot com. These search engines allow you to upload your resume in a Microsoft Word or text file format, or create one using their forms. One of the ways to send your resume is direct via email, this should only be done if the employer states it on the website. Keep in mind that requirements for accepting files via e-mail can vary with each employer or headhunter.

Lots of employers will accept resumes in Microsoft word format and this is why its very important to get the formating right, remember just because it looks OK on your computer doesn’t mean it will on theirs. Before you send it make sure all the formatting is correct especially the tabs and bullet points as they will mess up the formating if not corrected before you send it. Keep in mind the plain text files do not support bolding, italicizing and/or underlining; therefore ensure that all your text is properly laid out - it should be left justifies and properly spaced.

When you include your resume in an email, instead of treating it like a word document, you need to treat it like a text document. If you treat it like a word document you will find that the formatting will not be sent correctly. The basic fonts used by many employers are Arial or Times New Roman so make sure you use the same especially if you are cutting and pasting your CV directly into your email instead of sending it as an attachment. Align the bullet points and adjust the spacing if appropriate. It is always important to keep you email easy forgo italics or bold lettering as you really are not sure what type of email software the recipient has.

When sending your CV as an attachment make sure you format the body of the email as a covering letter remembering to include the address of the recipient and obviously your own name and address. The same guidelines of an emails content should be used when sending it in the emails body. Do not make the mistake of just sending your resume in the body of the email and think this is the only information you should be sending. You still need to let your employer know a little bit more about yourself via a cover letter,even if it is copied into the email. Even a cut and past resume is not enough, make sure you include more information in a covering letter even if this is also icluded in the body of the email.

Many people find that starting their CV with career goals and objectives is better than starting it with their address. If you are putting your address in the top of the email, they know who you are already, so give them something that new right off the bat. One way to test the formatting of your sesume after you have pasted it into the body of an email is to send it to a different email address that you have access to, this way you can see exactly what your employer will see. Take any precautions needed to ensure that your resume clean and professional appearance is reaching prospective employers successfully.