It is 21st century behind the window, the century of hi-tech and computer dependence. That is why it is quite logical to use all the opportunities these technologies give for your own benefit. Applying for a job through internet has become as simple and common as buying clothes or ordering a telephone via global net. If you decided to send your resume as an e-mail message, be sure to do it correctly.

1. Write your resume on a Word document, proofread it, spellcheck it. Make sure that it is readable and understood when it is sent in the e-mail format. Resumes that are difficult to decode or take too much time to open will most likely be deleted without being read even if it sent from the very qualified professional with years of experience.

2. Before e-mailing your resume, research on whom to contact (these may be Human Resources departments or contact people), so that you don’t send your resume to a wrong person. Pay attention to the instructions that might be set for the resume sent by e-mails (e.g. sending resumes as Microsoft Word file as an attachment, as ASCII file without any formatting, resume text in the body of your e-mail, etc.).

3. If there are no special instructions on how to send resumes through mail given on the company’s web page, then you have two variants to choose from:

• either send a cover letter in the body of your e-mail and your resume as an attachment (add the extension ".doc" to the name of your resume, so that the employer and his/her computer know that it is a Microsoft Word file. It is not recommended to send a .pdf file unless you are instructed to do so),
• or send two versions with one e-mail: your resume in the body of e-mail and as an attachment, this will give a recipient an opportunity to choose what is most comfortable for him/her.

4. Give appropriate names and headings:

• your e-mail alias should be your full_name@vt.edu (or something similar to this);
• your subject line must be clear and meaningful (“Application for business manager position” and the like);
• the name of your attachment should be logical for the recipient (“AshleySimensResume.doc”).

5. Choose the words in your e-mail. Don’t think that if it is a via internet way of communication, it can be informal. Be short, clear and direct. Don’t include unnecessary information. Respect the recipient’s time.

6. Include a signature block in the body of your e-mail. The employer must see the full name and full contact information of yours (address, e-mail address, contact phones).

7. Send your e-mail and save a copy of it on your computer. If you are contacting several companies, make sure you send a separate e-mail to every one of them (not just adding an addressee to make a whole group of people you want to contact).