Help Wanted: Apply Online

HARTFORD — Job seekers are putting away their postage stamps and hitting “send” instead. In a recent survey, executives said 56 percent of the resumes they receive are submitted by email — a 22 percent increase from three years ago.

The national poll includes responses from 150 senior executives — including those from human resources, finance, and marketing departments — with the nation’s 1,000 largest companies. It was conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Accountemps, specialized staffing service for temporary accounting, finance, and bookkeeping professionals.

Executives were asked, “What percentage of resumes that you receive are sent via email?” The mean response was 56 percent. When executives were asked this question in 2000, the mean response was 34 percent.

“With a good strategy, job seekers can use email to conduct an ambitious, highly targeted search that vastly increases their odds of finding a position,” said Max Messmer, author of Job Hunting for Dummies®, 2nd edition (John Wiley & Sons, Inc). “Resumes should be easy to read and tailored to the opportunity. The closer a résumé matches the qualifications an employer is seeking, the greater the chances of getting an interview.”

“Some job seekers don’t refine their search as carefully as they should,” added Trish Bromme, Accountemps regional manager. “As a result, employers receive an influx of inappropriate resumes via email — many of which are deleted with little or no follow up.”

Mr Messmer offered tips for applicants to ensure their emailed resumes stand out:

Target your résumé. Don’t broadcast your résumé indiscriminately. Select positions that fit with your credentials , and customize your résumé to the opening.

Make it computer-friendly. Format your résumé in plain text so that nearly every computer can read it. Many employers use software programs that scan resumes for key words, including specific technical and managerial skills. Incorporate words in your résumé that are also used in the job description.

Send it in the correct format. While some companies have online application processes, others do not. Companies with firewalls and antivirus software usually discourage email attachments. Paste the text of your résumé in the body of the email instead.

Use the subject line wisely. Make your intentions clear to the recruiter or hiring manager by including the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

Prompt the recipient to continue reading. Include an introductory message briefly describing your skills and experience, and the reasons you feel you are right for the position.

Provide hard copies. Bring copies of your résumé printed on quality paper to interviews and keep them on hand when networking.