These days companies prefer applicants who send in their resumes and cover letters via e-mail. This allows HR managers to weed out unqualified candidates without going through the process of interviews and examinations.

For the potential employee, though, it’s really not enough to send an e-mail. As a job-seeker, you have to do more than that to ensure it gets read and replied. To help you, follow these important and useful steps:

1. Customize every e-mail.
Ensure that the cover letter and resume reflect the qualifications for the open position. If the manager’s name is given, use it for the salutation instead of the more generic “Dear Sir/Madam.” Clearly indicate the position for which you are applying.

2. State that you are attaching some files.
A lot of managers are wary about opening attachments, especially if the e-mail sounds so ambiguous. If you are attaching your resume and other requirements as files, state it in your e-mail. It’s a confirmation that the attachments truly came from you.

3. Follow instructions.
Some companies would include additional (and sometimes bizarre) instructions to those who are sending their resumes in the e-mail. This is actually a test to see how good you are in following simple instructions. Also, with over a hundred e-mails to read, attaching the job code into the subject line, for example, can help them distinguish and filter the resumes from others.

4. Write the position you are applying for in the subject line.
Unless instructed otherwise, it is safe to use the position you are applying for as your subject line. It is clear, direct, and it will save both you and the HR manager a lot of time. For instance, if you’re applying to be an “SEO content writer”, put it as your email’s subject.

5. Know their business hours.
Some organizations want you to send your resume only at their corresponding business hours. As a good practice, you should also follow this even if it is not mentioned in the ad. This increases the chances of having your e-mail read and replied. Sending your e-mail at night, on off hours, and / or during the holiday might bury your e-mail at the bottom of other applications.

6. Check your resume.
Your resume is a reflection of you. Make sure there are no errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. You can be creative with regards to your resume (such as presenting your credentials in a PowerPoint or Flash), but it is still the content that matters. Content is the King as they say.
Remove those pieces of information that are irrelevant to the position you are applying for. Do not forget to include enough contact details, such as your home / mobile phone number and email address.

7. Make a follow-up.
There is nothing wrong making a follow-up especially if you definitely like and want the job. You can do this at least three days after you’ve sent your e-mail. If you don’t want to wait for an e-mail response, you can make a call.

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