What’s the Most Efficient Way to Send Resumes? Email vs. Calling – Which Is Better and Why?

When you’re job hunting, one question looms large: What’s the most efficient way to send resumes? Should you fire off an email with your resume attached, or pick up the phone and call the employer directly? Both methods have their merits, but the best choice depends on your goals, the job, and how you want to stand out. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of emailing versus calling, explore why one might edge out the other, and offer practical tips to maximize your job application success. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, understanding these approaches can streamline your job search and boost your chances of landing an interview.

Why Efficiency Matters in Job Applications

Efficiency in sending resumes isn’t just about speed—it’s about reaching the right person, at the right time, with the right impression. A 2023 Jobvite report revealed that recruiters spend an average of 7.4 seconds reviewing a resume. With hundreds of applications flooding in for a single role, your method of delivery can make or break your shot at standing out. Emailing and calling are two of the most common ways to submit resumes, but they serve different purposes. Let’s dive into each to see which reigns supreme—and why.

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Sending Resumes via Email: The Modern Standard

Email has become the go-to method for job applications, and for good reason. It’s fast, widely accepted, and aligns with how most companies manage hiring today. Here’s why emailing resumes often tops the efficiency charts.

Pros of Emailing Your Resume

1. Convenience and Speed: You can send an email in minutes from anywhere, attaching your resume and cover letter as PDFs. No need to wait for office hours or navigate phone menus.

2. Trackability: Most email platforms (e.g., Gmail, Outlook) let you see if your message was delivered or opened (with read receipts). This beats wondering if a call was forgotten.

3. Professional Formatting: An email lets you craft a polished message, tailoring your pitch to the job. You can include links to your LinkedIn profile or portfolio, enhancing your application.

4. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Many companies use ATS software to screen emailed resumes. Keywords like “project management” or “customer service” from the job description can help you pass these filters—something a phone call can’t replicate.

5. Scalability: Applying to 20 jobs? Email lets you send tailored resumes to multiple employers quickly, saving time compared to individual calls.

Cons of Emailing

1. Risk of Being Overlooked: With 70% of job applications submitted online (per Glassdoor), your email might drown in a crowded inbox.

2. No Immediate Feedback: Unlike a call, you can’t gauge the recipient’s reaction or answer questions on the spot.

3. Spam Filters: A poorly worded subject line (e.g., “Resume”) might land your email in the junk folder.

Best Practices for Emailing Resumes

• Subject Line: Use a clear, specific subject like “John Doe – Marketing Assistant Application” to grab attention and avoid spam filters.

• Body: Keep it concise—introduce yourself, mention the role, and highlight one key skill or achievement. Example: “I’m excited to apply for the Sales Associate position at [Company]. With 3 years of retail experience, I boosted sales by 15% at my last role.”

• Attachments: Name files professionally (e.g., “John_Doe_Resume.pdf”) and ensure they’re under 5MB to avoid delivery issues.

• Follow Up: Wait 5-7 days, then send a polite follow-up email to nudge the hiring manager.

Why Email Often Wins

Email aligns with modern hiring workflows. A 2022 CareerBuilder survey found that 89% of employers prefer receiving applications digitally, citing ease of organization and ATS compatibility. For efficiency, it’s hard to beat—especially if you’re targeting multiple roles or large companies.

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Calling to Submit a Resume: The Personal Touch

Calling an employer to send or discuss your resume is less common today, but it can still pack a punch in specific scenarios. Here’s why picking up the phone might work for you.

Pros of Calling

1. Direct Connection: A call lets you speak to a real person—potentially the hiring manager—bypassing crowded inboxes and ATS filters.

2. Memorability: In a sea of emails, a friendly, confident call can make you stand out. A recruiter might remember “the candidate who called” over “email #47.”

3. Immediate Clarity: You can ask questions (e.g., “Is the position still open?”) and get instant feedback, saving time if the job’s already filled.

4. Showcases Communication Skills: For roles like sales or customer service, a call demonstrates your verbal confidence—something a resume alone can’t convey.

Cons of Calling

1. Time-Intensive: Finding the right contact, waiting on hold, or leaving voicemails eats up more time than sending an email.

2. Risk of Annoyance: Busy recruiters might see unsolicited calls as intrusive, especially if they’ve specified “apply online” in the listing.

3. No Paper Trail: Unlike email, a call doesn’t leave a record of your resume unless you’re asked to follow up digitally.

4. Cold Call Challenges: Without a warm introduction, you might stumble or face rejection, denting your confidence.

Best Practices for Calling

• Research First: Find the company’s main line or the hiring manager’s number via LinkedIn or their website. Avoid calling blind.

• Script It: Prepare a 20-second pitch: “Hi, I’m Jane Smith. I’m calling about the Graphic Designer role posted on Indeed. I have 5 years of experience in branding and wanted to see how to submit my resume. Is now a good time?”

• Timing: Call mid-morning (10-11 AM) when people are settled but not swamped—avoid Mondays or late afternoons.

• Follow Up: If instructed to email your resume, do so immediately and reference the call: “As discussed with [Name] today…”

Why Calling Can Shine

Calling works best for small businesses, local employers, or roles where personality matters more than paperwork. A 2021 study by Robert Half found that 34% of hiring managers at small firms appreciate proactive calls, valuing the initiative.

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Email vs. Call: Which Is Better?

So, is emailing or calling the most efficient way to send resumes? It depends on your situation. Here’s a breakdown:

Email Wins If:

• You’re applying to large companies with online portals.

• The job listing says “email applications to…” or “apply via [website].”

• You’re targeting multiple roles and need to scale your efforts.

• You want a low-pressure, polished first impression.

Calling Wins If:

• You’re targeting a small business or local employer with no clear online process.

• The role demands strong interpersonal skills (e.g., sales, hospitality).

• You’ve already emailed without a response and want to follow up personally.

• You have a specific contact name and a compelling reason to connect.

Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds

For maximum efficiency, combine the two:

1. Email First: Send your resume with a tailored message.

2. Call to Follow Up: After 3-5 days, call to confirm receipt and express enthusiasm: “Hi, I emailed my resume for the [Role] last week and wanted to ensure it reached you.”

This method leverages email’s reach and calling’s personal touch, doubling your visibility.

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SEO Tips for Job Seekers Reading This

If you’re searching “best way to send resumes” or “email vs call job applications,” you’re not alone. Job seekers often wonder how to break through the noise. The answer lies in tailoring your approach. Keywords like “efficient resume submission,” “job application tips,” and “how to contact hiring managers” can guide you to resources like this article. Optimize your own materials—use job-specific terms in your resume and email to rank higher with ATS systems.

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Final Verdict: Email Edges Out Slightly

For most job seekers, emailing resumes is the most efficient method. It’s fast, scalable, and aligns with how 21st-century hiring works. Calling has its place—especially for niche roles or follow-ups—but it’s less practical as a primary strategy. That said, efficiency isn’t just about speed; it’s about results. Test both, track what gets responses, and adjust. A well-crafted email might land you an interview in days, while a strategic call could seal the deal with the right person.

Action Steps

• Today: Update your resume, draft a reusable email template, and send it to 5 jobs.

• Tomorrow: Research 2-3 employers, call to introduce yourself, and note their response.

• Next Week: Refine your approach based on what works.

The job market rewards persistence. Whether you email, call, or both, the key is to start now. Your next opportunity is waiting—how will you reach it?