How to Mail a Resume and Cover Letter

If you've never mailed a resume and its accompanying cover letter, you may be wondering how to do so correctly. It doesn't happen very often, but it's smart to be prepared if you're asked to send your job application by postal mail.

With this guide, get the tips you need to make sure your materials arrive in the mail on time and looking professional.

When to Mail a Resume

Even though most people apply for jobs online or via email, sometimes an employer will ask applicants to mail resumes and cover letters.

Other times, job applicants who want to stand out from the crowd mail in their application materials to prospective employers to make sure their resumes and cover letters don't sit unread in a general email inbox.

Even though the process of applying for jobs is becoming more digital by the day, you can cover your bases and send a snail mail application in addition to an emailed one, especially for local jobs with traditional storefronts.

Should a Resume and Cover Letter be Stapled or Paper Clipped?

Most employers will scan your resume into a database or copy and distribute it to any individuals who will be screening candidates. So, it's not a good idea to staple your documents. It's an extra step for the employer to remove the staple prior to scanning or copying.

You don't need to use a paper clip either, but you can. You can simply stack your documents in order with the cover letter on top, followed by the resume and then any other materials the employer has requested. If you want to be sure they remain in order, you can use a paper clip.

Use Professional Stationery

Resumes should be printed on a good-quality bond paper that's either white or cream.

Double check to make sure that the documents print correctly. If the print is blurred, you'll need to clean your printer heads or otherwise service it so that it produces clean text.

If using manila envelopes, it's best to print address labels. If you choose to use a business-size envelope, print the address on it cleanly if you don't have a label. Do not handwrite the address since this is business correspondence.

Remember to Sign Your Cover Letter

Don't forget to sign your cover letter prior to mailing it. Your signature is a small way you can leave an impression on a potential employer. Also, signing the cover letter shows that you're a professional who understands the intricacies of the employment process.

Mailing Resumes and Cover Letters

How to Mail a Resume

When mailing your application materials, you can either use a manila envelope (9 X 12) or fold and place them in a business-size envelope. A manila envelope is preferred because it will be easier to scan or copy your resume and letters if they haven't been folded. 

Use a Folder

Rather than just sticking your application into a manila envelope, you can purchase a folder from an office supply store or even the school supply aisle of the grocery store. For just a few dollars, you can buy several folders in different colors.

Add Your Business Card

If you want to be an even more competitive job candidate, buy a folder that holds business cards and include yours in the designated spot. You'll likely have to go to an office supply store for such a folder or else order a bundle online. 

If you don't have business cards, order some. They're relatively inexpensive. You may be wondering what to put on your business card if you're out of work, but even if you're not on staff at a particular company, the business card can include your name, email address, cell phone number, and your preferred title, such as consultant, writer, artist, attorney, educator or accountant. 

If you're looking for work, you may not be thrilled about the prospect of spending money on a job application, but sometimes you have to spend money to make money.

Check the Postage

When you've presented your application materials in the most suitable way possible, put them in your envelope and be sure to add enough postage.

You may want to go directly to the post office and have your envelope weighed to guarantee that there's enough. And if there's an application deadline for the job you're seeking, mail your materials early to give your application plenty of time to arrive.