Seeking Employment by E-mail

Inquiries seeking employment are no different by e-mail than if they were on formal stationary in regard to the formality that should be used. First, I suggest you create your inquiries to be tailored specifically to the company you are approaching. Generic mass mailings are viewed as just that.

You want to make a deliberate and specific point of addressing exactly what the company is seeking. They really don’t care what you did 10, 15 years ago. Describe what you’ve accomplished recently that applies directly to their needs and requirements.

Unless you know the company you are contacting is accepting such inquiries by e-mail, I would send a hard copy professional letter via snail mail. E-mail is sometimes looked at as too informal and unprofessional when up against those who took the time to create a formal cover letter on quality paper which includes a properly created resume targeted to the appropriate individual.

If the organizations you are targeting have a Web site, see if they have listed the name of the specific person you should e-mail with your employment inquiry and follow their instructions on how to do so to the letter! This will reflect whether you are able and/or willing to pay attention to detail when required. In addition, your e-mail could be viewed or blocked as spam and not make it through without a specific e-mail address to send to.

Otherwise, pick up the old fashioned telephone and get that name so you can send your information to the right person. To blindly e-mail (especially unasked for resumes) could create not only a poor impression but by many corporate HR folks it is viewed as taking the easy way out and not likely to be considered.

Taking the time to make a good impression is exactly how you do just that!