Resumes Work Best Unfolded

How to keep them unfolded? By mailing in a 9x12 envelope? Even better--keep them unfolded by not mailing them at all. The best use of the resume is when it is passed hand-to-hand. Resumes have a place in the process, but it is not in the form of the "cross-my-fingers-and-mail-it-out- and-hope-I-actually-get-a-response" mailing that most people use. Mailing the resume gives us a false sense of security that we are actually doing something. In reality, very few people are hired by this passive approach. You are much more productive making direct contact (by phone or in person) with the potential employer.

But if you must mail out a resume, the 9x12 envelope is a sure eye-catcher. For even greater impact, consider the Priority Mail envelope from the post office. You get a free cardboard envelope (with its bold red, white and blue colors), which will arrive in two or three days and will be screaming out its in-basket importance until it is opened.

Then always make sure you follow up by phone. You will greatly increase your odds by this simple act. Woefully, more than 95% of mailed resumes are from the "cross-my-fingers" crowd. Take the simple step toward standing out from the crowd.

Refer to information here at CollegeGrad.com for how to make active use of your resume in getting the interview.

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