Originally posted by: fredhe12
Buck,
Here are some things I've found useful when responding to job postings online:
1. Always, always, always include a cover letter. A resume is just a collection of experience and accomplishments. A cover letter gives the reviewer an idea of who you are and how you would fit in. All things being equal, a better fit will usually get the job.
2. Include at least your cover letter in the body of the email. Some people don't open attachments, and others can't receive them. You may also want to include your resume in the body as well. Personally, I do both - in the body and as attachments.
3. Convert your cover and resume into PDF. Some people request MS Word docs, but PDF is pretty ubiquitous these days, and it's easier to preserve formatting in your resume.
4. Most rules about good offline resumes and job searching also apply online, e.g. try to find out a name to address it to, do research on the company and position, follow up, etc.
5. See if there are other ways to submit, maybe fax, mail, etc., and send it a couple of ways. You never know which method a company favors, and if one gets lost or ignored you have a backup.
6. THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE - BE PERSISTENT!!!
Hope all this helps. Good luck.