How should I mail my resume and cover letter when applying for a position?
If you were an employer, which would impress you more - a resume and cover letter folded in thirds and stuffed into an envelope, or a resume and cover letter placed neatly in a 9 x 12 envelope?
Many employers have told us that removing the folds and creases in an applicant's resume/cover letter give them negative connotations about that applicant. It is a subtle, but important fact to know.
When applying for a position, you have to ensure that every aspect of the hiring process that you control (resume preparation, mailing, delivery) is as professional as possible. Do not fold or staple your resume/cover letter - paperclip your cover letter to your resume, then place them in a 9 x 12 envelope.
To ensure that your documents do not become damaged in the mail, we recommend placing the 9 x 12 envelope in a sturdy, cardboard mailing container. We use Priority Mail's cardboard container to mail documents.
Future topics:
How to hand deliver your resume and cover letter.
The receptionist/secretary - make him/her your ally.