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How to Drop Off a Resume in Person
Dropping off your resume for a job in person makes a statement. It tells your prospective employer that you are serious about the position and also allows you to leave the recruiter with a good first impression. While your resume should stand on its own merit, dropping it off in a cordial, polite and organized way could be the difference between rejection and an invitation to interview.
Print, fold and pack your resume into a smart, clean envelope. Address the envelope to the person responsible for recruitment. This will be the person whose name is listed at the bottom of the job listing or advertisement. Write out the full address of the company as if you were mailing a hard copy of your resume to the recruiter. Store your envelope in a waterproof folder to keep it dry, safe and secure.
Dress as if you were attending a job interview at the company. Before arranging your outfit, consider the type of company for which you're applying. If you are applying for a shop floor job at a fashion shop, for example, you might want to wear the type of clothes sold in that store. This allows you to look both casual and relate to the shop's style. Wear smart clothes, such as a suit, if you are a man applying for an office-based role. Make sure the clothes you wear are freshly laundered and don't have any stains. Iron any clothes you plan to wear to drop off your resume.
Drop off your resume unannounced, without making a prior appointment. If you call ahead to arrange to drop your resume, you have lost that sense of casualness exhibited from dropping by in person. Matthew Vuturo's Wall Street Blog warns that you will not always be received well when dropping off a resume in person. Vuturo says that personally handing in his resume is received well "about 50 per cent of the time." Ask the receptionist if you can drop off you resume to the personnel manager or whomever your contact is at the company. Wait for them in the front entrance or lobby area before meeting them. Then introduce yourself and shake their hand. Gauge how much time they have available and, if possible, ask a couple of questions about the job to demonstrate your interest and knowledge. Research the company ahead of time so that your questions demonstrate a knowledge of that company.
Follow up after you have dropped off your resume, as you would after emailing or posting a document. Wait for a week to 10 days before making a phone call to the personnel manager. Remind the personnel manager who you are and ask him if he has a minute to talk to you. Chat to him about your resume, your interest in the job and be sure to ask any questions about the position.
Tip
Address your contact at the company as Mr. or Ms. when first speaking to them, even if you know their first name from their correspondence. Only refer to them by their first name if they invite you to do so.
Warning
Make sure your resume can stand on its own. There is a possibility that you will not be able to meet the person responsible for recruitment and will have to leave your resume with the receptionist.
References
Tips
- Address your contact at the company as Mr. or Ms. when first speaking to them, even if you know their first name from their correspondence. Only refer to them by their first name if they invite you to do so.
Warnings
- Make sure your resume can stand on its own. There is a possibility that you will not be able to meet the person responsible for recruitment and will have to leave your resume with the receptionist.
Writer
I have been involved in coaching and administration of youth soccer with the Herts FA for several years. I have many years experience with the technical side and equipment of soccer, cricket, rugby, snooker and poker. I studied the health and fitness and dietary side of competitive sport while at University. Currently, I am not ready for on-camera opportunities, but this could change with access to training and equipment.
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