I recommend to all my clients to never send a resume in a #10 envelope. Why?

1. Because everyone else does, and doing something totally different from the pack will make you stand out.

2. Many companies are scanning resumes as soon as they open them up and they don’t bother to read them until they request a search using key words. Have you ever seen how a folded page scans? That’s right, you get the folds included in your document copy, and that means two lines of text may be wiped out or become illegible because of a crease in the paper. Crazy but true.

Instead, invest in a box of white 9X12 catalog style envelopes. They are available at any Office Depot or Staples. Make sure they open on the longer side of the envelope rather than the shorter. Also go to the Post Office and request stamps in smaller increments and use a postage scale to weigh each package. If you’re sending less than an ounce, it’s only 49 cents.

Always double check the amount by going to USPS.com before sending your resume package to get the exact amount. The last thing you want to do is send your resume “POSTAGE DUE.” Further, using exact change shows you know how to manage money, and you don’t pay more than you have to.

Here’s wishing you all the best in your job search.

Susan Geary, CERW — 1st Rate Resumes