You’ve spent hours perfecting your resume—tailoring it, aligning every bullet point, sweating the layout—and now comes the deceptively simple step: submitting it. But how you send your resume can matter just as much as what’s on it.
Email, online forms, job boards, internal referrals—each method comes with its own unspoken rules. Mess that up, and even the best resumes can slip through the cracks.
At Enhancv, we’ve helped over 5 million people craft resumes that don’t just look good—they land where they’re supposed to. This guide is about how you get that last step right.
Key takeaways
- Read the job posting carefully. Most resume rejections happen because applicants ignore simple instructions.
- Choose the right delivery method based on who you’re applying to and how they prefer to receive resumes. If you're unsure what to say, refer to Enhancv’s easy-to-use template messages for a quick, professional send-off.
- Match your resume format to the platform—especially when applying through ATS-heavy job portals.
- Apply early in the day, early in the week, or ideally right after a job is posted.
- Polish the small things like file naming, email tone, and cover letter personalization—they make a real difference.
- Treat submission like part of your strategy—because even the best resume won’t work if it never gets seen.
What to check in the job posting before submitting your resume
The silent resume killer: not following instructions.
You’d be surprised how many great resumes never reach a human because the applicant didn’t read the job posting carefully enough.
We’ve seen job ads ask for very specific things: “Attach your resume as a PDF titled Firstname_Lastname,” “Paste your cover letter in the email body,” or “Include the job title in the subject line.”
Seems minor, right? But to a recruiter buried under 200+ applications, it’s a quick filter. Didn’t follow the instructions? Gone.
Here are some common submission instructions from real listings:
- "Please send your resume and cover letter as a single PDF, titled ‘Firstname_Lastname_Resume’."
- "Subject line must include: Application for Junior UX Designer – [Your Name]."
- "Applications without a cover letter in the email body will not be reviewed."
Very often, these are tests. Tests of whether you can pay attention, follow directions, and take the job seriously. That’s why, you should know your audience before you press send.
A startup CTO and a Fortune 500 recruiter expect very different things. Some care about brevity and hustle, while others want formality and structure.
The job posting is your cheat sheet —it's the only peek you get into what employers care about, so treat it like gold.
Reading between the lines—tone, priorities, requirements—can help you tailor not just your resume, but how you deliver it.
The bottom line is: the resume you don’t submit correctly is the one that never gets seen. Don’t let a missed instruction undo hours of work.
PRO TIP
Your resume is like a commercial—but even the best ad falls flat if it’s shown to the wrong audience or on the wrong channel. Submitting a resume without first understanding who’s going to read it, and how they expect to receive it, is like running a Super Bowl ad for cat food during a late-night podcast. It misses.
Recruiters, hiring managers, startup founders—they each expect different things. Some want a formal attachment. Others want quick context in the email body. Know your audience, pick the right channel, and deliver your message the way they want to receive it.
Just like pitching a product, how you present it changes depending on the platform and the person.
Below are the most common ways of sending a resume, with tips to make sure yours doesn’t just land, but lands well.
How to submit a resume in 2025
Whether you’re applying through a company’s site, emailing directly, or using a referral, each channel comes with its own unwritten rules.
Here's how to play each one like a pro.
Submitting through a company website or job portal
Most mid-to-large companies rely on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to manage and sort applications before they ever hit a recruiter’s inbox. These systems are built to spot patterns, parse text, and filter out resumes that don’t match the job description. If you're applying through a company’s careers page or job portal, this is almost certainly your first “interviewer.”
What the ATS wants:
- Simple formatting: Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Rubik, or Tinos. Avoid tables, columns, or complex graphics that can break during parsing.
- Clear section headings: Use conventional labels like Work Experience, Education, Skills. Avoid creative phrasing like What I’m Good At or My Journey.
- Keyword alignment: Mirror the exact phrases used in the job description. This helps your resume surface when recruiters filter candidates.
- Correct file format: PDF is usually the safest bet, unless the job listing specifies a DOCX format (some ATS tools parse Word files better).
When applying for a job through a company website or job portal, consider the following:
Resume submission flow for company sites
- Upload your resume (and cover letter, if required): Some portals may request a single combined file, others will ask for each document separately.
- Manually complete application fields: Even if you've uploaded a resume, you'll usually be asked to enter your work history, education, and skills into separate fields. Rushing through it can result in your application being incomplete or misindexed.
- Triple-check autofill results: Many portals attempt to extract text from your resume to pre-populate fields—and they often get it wrong. Make sure your job titles, dates, and company names haven’t been scrambled or misaligned.
If the job portal accepts a plain text resume field, consider submitting both a PDF and a clean copy-paste version to cover all parsing bases. With Enhancv, you can export your ATS-friendly resume in plain text, making this step fast and formatting-proof.
Want to know how your resume performs in real-world ATS systems? Our AI Resume Checker gives you instant feedback.
Is your resume good enough?
Drop your resume here or choose a file. PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.
Uploading a resume via a job board or an online form
If the company website is the long game, job boards are the fast track. Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor are designed to make applying quick—but that convenience comes with trade-offs. You’re one of potentially hundreds applying with a click, so standing out becomes less about design and more about precision.
A few things to know before you hit “Apply”:
- Speed is the default: Job boards are built for volume. Hiring managers expect to get flooded with applications fast—sometimes within hours of posting.
- Your resume might be autofilled into weird fields: Many boards extract text from your file and jam it into forms. That’s where formatting gets mangled, job titles are misread, and dates shift out of order.
- Customization is limited: Quick Apply tools save time but usually don’t allow for custom cover letters or portfolio links, so your resume needs to do more heavy lifting.
- You’re not always applying directly: Some listings are posted by third-party recruiters, or synced across platforms. Your application may not land exactly where you think it will.
If a company page is linked in the listing, consider applying both through the job board and directly through their site. Also, consider the following tips:
Resume submission flow for job boards
- Upload your resume: Most job boards let you store a default resume on your profile. Always review yours and upload a tailored version that matches the job you’re applying for.
- Review autofilled fields: After uploading, the platform may attempt to parse your resume into individual form fields (e.g. job titles, dates, skills). These often get distorted, especially if your resume has columns or design elements. Fix any formatting issues manually.
- Add a personal note or message (if allowed): Some platforms offer a small text box to “explain why you’re a good fit.” Use it. Even two or three sentences of context can add a personal touch in an otherwise automated process.
- Double-check visibility settings: On platforms like LinkedIn, make sure your resume isn’t locked to private or outdated information isn’t being pulled from your profile.
- Submit, then document: After submitting, take a moment to note the job title, company, and platform in your job search tracker. It’ll help you follow up, avoid duplicates, and stay organized.
Submitting your resume by email
Sending a resume by email might feel more direct, but it comes with its own rules of clarity, tone, and formatting. Your message isn’t just delivering your resume—it’s setting the stage for how you’re perceived. Whether you’re writing to a recruiter, a hiring manager, or someone who referred you, how you send matters just as much as what you send.
What to get right before hitting send:
- File format: PDF is usually the safest and cleanest format. It preserves layout and ensures compatibility across devices. Only use .docx if the job post explicitly asks for it.
- File naming: Keep it clear and professional. Use something like: Firstname_Lastname_Position_Resume.pdf. Avoid generic names like CV_Final(2).pdf—they look sloppy and get lost quickly.
- Subject line: This is your first impression. Make it easy for the recipient to know what you’re applying for.
- Email body: Keep it concise, polite, and professional. In many cases, a brief e-note—a short, tailored message that stands in for a cover letter—is more than enough. It respects the reader’s time while still showing intent and relevance. In other cases, especially when formality is expected, you can use a more traditional but straightforward message.
To save you time, we’ve put together a few examples you can use right away:
Subject line examples:
- “Application for Marketing Manager – John Smith”
- “UX Designer Role – Resume – Chris Chen”
- “[Job ID: 2145A] Application for UX Designer – Jordan Lee”
- “[Req #9087] Software Engineer Application – Taylor Morgan”
And now, a quick email example you can adapt:
Email body template:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I’m excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. I’ve attached my resume for your review and would love the opportunity to contribute to your team.
Please let me know if any additional materials are needed.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn profile] [Portfolio URL]
Now you’re left to decide how to handle the enclosure. As always, refer back to the job ad and follow these steps carefully.
How to email a resume
- Attach your resume (and cover letter, if applicable): Always double-check that the file is actually attached before hitting send. You’d be surprised how many promising applications are followed up by the classic “Oops, forgot the attachment!” message.
- Attachment vs. inline—what’s best? Attachments are almost always the safer, more professional choice. Only paste your resume into the email body if the job posting specifically requests it or if speed and simplicity clearly seem preferred.
- Personalize whenever possible: Just like with cover letters, skip the generic “To whom it may concern.” Use the hiring manager’s name if it’s available, or at least mention the team or department.
Submitting a resume via referral or recruiter
When someone offers to open a door for you, don’t let a sloppy submission be the thing that keeps it closed. Whether it’s a former colleague referring you internally, or a recruiter sourcing candidates, this method can fast-track your resume—but it also comes with expectations. Your job here isn’t just to send a resume—it’s to make their job easy.
Before you send, keep this in mind:
- This is a relationship channel: You’re not just applying, you’re leveraging trust. The person referring you is putting their name on the line, so your application should feel polished, thoughtful, and easy for them to pass along.
- Referrals go to the front of the line (if they’re packaged right): A sharp resume, a clear subject line, and a brief, respectful message can help the referrer forward your application with zero friction.
- Recruiters need clarity: They may be juggling dozens of roles. If you're replying to a recruiter’s outreach, make your resume specific to the role they're staffing, and don’t make them guess what job you’re after.
Write your message in a way that your contact can simply forward it. Keep the tone professional but light, and format everything clearly. The easier you make it for them, the more likely they’ll send it—and send it quickly.
Here’s an example message you can use when sending your resume through an internal referral:
Hi [Referrer’s Name],
Thanks again for offering to refer me for the [Job Title] role at [Company]. I’ve attached my resume below. Let me know if there’s anything else you need from me, and feel free to pass this along however works best.
Really appreciate the support!
Best,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn] [Portfolio]
Below is the process you might want to follow for optimal efficiency.
Resume submission flow for referrals
- Send a clean, final resume (PDF): No tracked changes, no "final_final_v3" filenames.
- Include a short intro message: Even if you’re close with the person referring you, always lead with context and gratitude. Keep it short and clear.
- Specify the role and location (if applicable): This is especially important when a company has multiple openings. Include the job title and location in both your message and your file name.
- Offer extras if needed: For referrals, this might be a cover letter. For recruiters, it could be your LinkedIn, portfolio, or availability for interviews.
Your goal here is to make life easy for the referrer. So, use a filename they can forward as-is and a short email they can copy if needed.
Lastly, let’s look at what to do when handing your resume directly to someone.
Submitting a resume in person
It might feel like a throwback, but yes—handing over a printed resume in person still happens. Whether it’s at a job fair, networking event, or even dropping by a local business, this method can create a real human moment in a mostly digital process. But that also means the margin for awkwardness is a little higher—so it pays to do it right.
When is in-person submission still relevant?
- Small businesses or local shops often welcome walk-in applicants, especially for retail, hospitality, or service roles.
- Job fairs and recruiting events are built for live interactions. Showing up prepared can set you apart from candidates who treat it like a flyer drop.
- Referrals and informal intros sometimes turn into spontaneous handoffs—like “Hey, I know someone hiring, want me to pass your resume on?”
In this case, you can be a bit more flexible with the resume type. Whether it’s a compact resume card or a more personalized format, the goal is to create something that catches the eye and holds attention effortlessly.
Take a look at an example tailored for a barista:
Here’s what to do when submitting in person:
In-person resume submission flow
- Bring clean, printed copies: Use quality paper (not copier paper) and make sure everything’s aligned, typo-free, and folded neatly—or better yet, not folded at all.
- Dress appropriately for the setting: You don’t need a blazer for a barista job, but you do want to look like you thought this through.
- Have a quick elevator pitch ready: Be prepared to say who you are, what role you’re looking for, and why you’re interested—in about 20–30 seconds.
- Ask before you hand it over: A polite “Are you currently accepting resumes?” goes a long way. It shows respect and gives the other person a chance to engage (or redirect).
- Follow up digitally: If possible, send a quick thank-you email afterward and attach your resume again. This ensures they have both physical and digital copies, and shows you’re proactive.
Even if you handed over the world’s most beautiful resume, it might end up in someone’s desk drawer. Be strategic and follow up with a brief message: “It was great meeting you—just wanted to share my resume here as well in case it’s easier to access.” Bonus points if you add a LinkedIn connection.
Submitting a resume via phone
It might not be the first method that comes to mind, but yes, submitting a resume via phone is a thing, especially when you're job-hunting on the go. Whether you're replying to a recruiter's text, applying through a mobile app, or sending a quick follow-up, the phone has become a legit part of the process.
When mobile submission makes sense:
- You're applying through a job board app like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor—which often encourage quick taps and autofilled resumes.
- A recruiter texts you directly asking for your resume—common if you’ve been referred or previously contacted.
- You're following up via email from your phone, and want to send a file or drop a short reply.
What to keep in mind when submitting via phone
- Double-check file access before sending: Make sure your resume (and any attachments) are stored in a mobile-friendly format like PDF and are easy to attach from apps like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Preview before hitting send: Mobile keyboards = typos. Read your message twice, especially names and job titles.
- Use a clean, professional email app: Avoid sending from a cluttered personal inbox. Gmail or Outlook are safest.
- Keep the message short but intentional: You don’t need a full cover letter—but don’t send a blank email either. A 2–3 line e-note that references the role and includes your resume is perfect.
Prep your phone like it’s your job search HQ. Store a PDF version of your resume, save a few quick templates in Notes, and test sending a resume to yourself. If you can apply in 60 seconds without scrambling, you're set for real-time opportunities.
Teya’s take
Now that you’ve nailed the how of sending your resume and cover letter, let’s talk about the when. Timing matters more than most people think—and the right moment can give your application an extra edge.
The best time to submit a resume
So, you’ve got the content right, the format nailed, and the delivery sorted. Now comes the final power move: timing. Yes, when you submit your resume can influence whether it’s seen first—or buried in the Monday morning pile.
While timing won’t rescue a bad resume, it can amplify a good one. Recruiters are humans, after all, and their inboxes fill up fast.
Beyond just picking the right day or hour, timing your resume submission is also about understanding when people are most likely to pay attention.
Here are a few subtle but important factors that can make a difference:
Factors that can influence timing
- Peak focus hours: Most professionals are sharpest and most focused in the morning—typically between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Submitting your resume during this window increases the chances it gets seen while inboxes are still under control.
- Avoid lunch hours: Submissions sent around noon often get buried while hiring managers step away or mentally shift gears.
- End-of-day fatigue: Sending after 4 p.m.? Expect lower odds of it being opened the same day. Energy dips, meetings pile up, and your resume may get marked “for later”—and forgotten.
- Fridays are for wrap-up, not reviews: Recruiters are often closing loops or preparing reports on Fridays, not starting new reviews.
- Watch out for holidays and long weekends: Applications sent right before a holiday can get buried under a pile when people return. If you're applying around a break, time it to land just after everyone's back.
- Consider company culture and timezone: A startup in San Francisco will have different rhythms than a law firm in Boston. Always send based on their working hours, not yours.
With that said, look at some recruiter-approved tips on when you should send you application.
Best days to apply
- Tuesday is the sweet spot. Multiple studies show that applications submitted on Tuesdays tend to result in higher callback rates. It’s far enough from Monday’s chaos and early enough in the week for hiring managers to take action.
- Monday mornings are also solid—especially before 10 a.m. You catch recruiters when they’re planning their week and less distracted by meetings.
- Apply as soon as the job goes live. ATS sort applications chronologically and recruiters often start reviewing resumes as they come in—not after the deadline. One recruiter on Reddit said it best: “If I get too many people who apply and two candidates are equal on paper... I’ll go with the one who applied earlier.”
Best times of the day to apply
- Early morning = first in line. Aim for 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. (in the company’s time zone). Your email or portal submission lands at the top of the inbox when recruiters first sit down.
- Late at night? Not ideal. Submitting at 11 p.m. might feel productive, but you risk getting buried by morning traffic. Unless you're responding to a very time-sensitive post, hold it until the next early slot.
Why timing works
Good timing consistently shapes how your resume is seen. It’s not just a matter of luck—it’s about workflows, volume, and psychology.
- Recruiters review in batches, not real-time: Very few recruiters read applications the second they arrive. Instead, they review them in chunks—often once or twice a day, or only when they hit a certain volume. Being near the top of that batch means you’re more likely to get real attention before decision fatigue sets in.
- Early applications face less competition: Applying early in the day and earlier in the week means fewer resumes ahead of yours in the stack. It's basic math: less noise, more signal.
- ATS systems often timestamp your submission: Some applicant tracking systems automatically log the exact date and time your resume comes in. Recruiters can (and sometimes do) sort candidates by submission date to find the most proactive applicants.
- Psychologically, first impressions stick: If you’re among the first five people a recruiter sees for a role, your name becomes part of their mental benchmark. Everything else is compared to you—not the other way around.
Time your resume like a pro
Enhancv users are most likely to download their resumes on Mondays and Tuesdays—right when recruiters are most active. That means the most successful candidates aren’t just applying; they’re applying strategically. Finish your resume over the weekend, and submit early in the week for maximum visibility.
A flawless resume won’t help if you fumble the handoff. Here’s a quick pre-flight checklist to make sure everything’s in place.
Final checklist before submitting your resume
This quick checklist is designed to help you catch last-minute mistakes that can derail even the strongest application.
Before you hit send, take 60 seconds and run through this list:
| Question | Tips |
|---|---|
| Is your resume file named clearly and professionally? | Use a filename like Firstname_Lastname_Position_Resume.pdf. Avoid anything vague like ResumeFinal_v2. |
| Have you used the correct file format? | PDF is usually the safest choice, unless the job posting asks for DOC or DOCX. |
| Have you customized your resume to match the job description? | Check that your keywords, skills, and phrasing align with the language in the posting. |
| Is your contact information accurate and up to date? | Double-check your phone number, email address, and any links (like LinkedIn or portfolio). |
| Did you address your cover letter/email to the right person or team? | Avoid “To whom it may concern.” Use a real name or department wherever possible. |
| Is your email or application message clear and mistake-free? | Reread your subject line, your body text, and any attachments. One typo can kill the tone. |
| Have you followed all the instructions in the job posting? | Submission method, file naming, attachments, subject line wording—match exactly what’s requested. |
| Are you submitting at the right time? | Aim for early in the day, early in the week—especially if the job was just posted. |
Three extra steps that make you look like a pro
Most candidates do the minimum. That’s your advantage. These small but strategic extras can help position you as someone who’s not just qualified—but thoughtful, serious, and easy to work with.
- Use a professional email address: It sounds obvious, but it still trips people up. An address like firstname.lastname@gmail.com shows you mean business. Skip anything quirky and outdated.
- Include a short, personalized cover letter (when it makes sense): You don’t need a full page. Just a few targeted lines that explain why you’re a strong match for this role at this company. Most applicants skip it—and that’s exactly why you shouldn’t.
- Follow up the right way: If you haven’t heard back after a week or so (and the job listing doesn’t say not to), a polite follow-up can help you stay top-of-mind. It’s not pushy—it’s professional.
How to follow up after submitting a resume
Wait about five to seven business days after applying—unless the job posting specifies otherwise. Then, send a short, polite email to the hiring manager or recruiter. Mention the role you applied for, express continued interest, and ask if they need any additional information. Keep it brief, positive, and professional.
Example:
Hi [Name],
Just following up on my application for the [Job Title] role. I’m really excited about the opportunity and happy to provide any additional info you might need.
Thanks again,
[Your Name]
Frequently asked questions when submitting a resume and cover letter
If you’re still wondering about the small details, check out the quick answers to the most common questions job seekers have at this stage.
What is the purpose of submitting a resume and cover letter?
A cover letter is often necessary to accompany your resume—especially when the job calls for more than just credentials. While your resume highlights your qualifications, the cover letter explains why you're the right fit for the role and company. Together, they tell a complete and compelling story.
Can I use the same resume for every job I apply for?
You can, but you shouldn’t. Tailoring your resume to match each job description—especially in skills, language, and keywords—significantly increases your chances of getting noticed.
How do I properly address a cover letter when submitting it with a resume?
Ideally, use the hiring manager’s name. If you don’t know it, go with “Dear [Team Name] Team” or “Dear Hiring Manager.”
How long should I wait before following up after submitting a resume via email?
Wait five to seven business days. If the job posting didn’t specify a timeline or say “no calls/emails,” a polite follow-up is totally appropriate.
What should I say when submitting a resume?
Keep it simple and professional. Mention the role, include a brief greeting and close with a thank-you. (See our email template above.)
Should I include my salary requirements when submitting a resume?
Only if the job posting explicitly asks for it. Otherwise, save that conversation for later in the hiring process.
Conclusion
Submitting your resume is a strategic move that can either open doors or silently close them. When you get the timing, delivery, and details right, you give your resume the best possible shot at being seen and seriously considered. And now that you know exactly how to do that, you're not just applying—you’re applying on purpose.
Make one that's truly you.
