There is a school of thought that says it is better to send a paper resume and cover letter than to apply online or via email. The logic is that your application materials will make a better impression if they actually arrive on a person's desk, rather than ending up in a computer database somewhere online.
Online Employment Application Options
Many companies, however, no long accept paper resumes. Cendant's web site says, for example, "Please note: We no longer accept paper resumes for open positions." In some cases, like at Citibank, job seekers are required to register and to build an employment profile. Once you've built your profile, you can apply for jobs online and set up search agents to email you when new jobs are added to the system.
Other companies give you an option. Dell, for example, will accept either an online employment application, an online resume, or a faxed resume. Online applicants can utilize Dell's resume builder that steps you through the process of resume writing or you can copy/paste an exisiting resume into the resume builder. Walmart's online job application system is simpler. There are instructions for sending your resume via email in each job posting or you can click on the "apply for this job link" to open your email client. Paste your resume into the email and send.
Still other companies think differently. A manager at a small high-tech firm told me that if the candidate is qualified, they'll take anything. An online job application, a resume, an email, or a phone call are all acceptable. Small companies, like this one, are often more flexible because they are not managing a large number of resumes or hiring many employees.
Before you spend time sending a paper resume and cover letter, review the job posting for application instructions and/or check with the company web site. Career / Job information is usually listed in the "About Us" section. Review how the company wants you to apply and follow the directions. If you don't, your application may not be considered.
Employer Preferences for Online Job Applications
Why do employers prefer online job applications? About.com's Human Resources Guide, Susan Heathfield, says, "Employers prefer online resume and application submission for several reasons. With online submissions the amount of paper in the office is minimized. Opening mail, filing and resume retention and the problems with resume retrieval for subsequent positions are eliminated. Even the space necessary to store paper resumes is a problem in many offices."
Heathfield adds, "Most employers record resumes and applications into an HR database of some kind such as Great Plains. Access to qualified candidates is easy through the search functions in the database. Some employers provide online forms that applicants use to paste in their resumes."
"Finally," Heathfield says, "more and more employers are deserting their traditional newspaper classifieds in favor of online job postings. Responding to these online postings is difficult except via the job board's system or email; many employers do not put their address in their postings anymore to encourage online applications. I am definitely a fan of emailed and online resumes. If nothing else, we kill fewer trees."
Benefits for Job Seekers
From the job seeker perspective, online employment application systems work well. Applicants can apply online for specific positions at any time that is convenient for them, with just a few mouse clicks. At larger employers, and on many job sites, job seekers can keep track of the positions they have applied for. There's no need for printing, copying or mailing and applying online saves on postage.
In addition, it's faster - applicants can apply online, resumes can be reviewed and interviews scheduled very quickly. For example, a candidate for employment that I know was called within an hour of emailing her resume. She interviewed the next day and was offered a position the day after. If she had mailed her resume it would have still been in the mail.
It is important to keep track of where you have applied, so, you're not confused when you hear from an employer wanting to schedule an interview. You will need to know what job you're interviewing for so you can represent your qualifications for the position.
If you have multiple copies of your resume, keep track of which one you sent. Again, you'll need to address your skills and qualifications in an interview, so you'll need to match what you said when you applied. It's not quite as easy to remember when it's all done online!
Job Application Resources
