In the not-so-distant past, job seekers submitted resumes by regular mail. Today, of course, most application materials are sent electronically. While this enables candidates to quickly make contact with hiring managers, the process isn't without pitfalls. For instance, employers often ask applicants to copy and paste their resume into the body of an e-mail rather than attach a separate file. In these instances, paying close attention to formatting is key. Elements such as bullet points and boldface or italic type are not compatible among all computer systems.

Even if your document appears flawless, carefully reread your information once it's placed in an e-mail message to check for odd characters or line breaks. Consider this example from a resume submitted online:

JOB DUTIES: Yyrser% px.

If you do send your resume as an attachment, make it easy for employers to identify by using a label that includes your first and last name. A generic file name like "Resume.doc" could easily get lost on a hiring manager's desktop. And avoid using file names that make no sense at all:

RESUME FILE NAME: "HappyFourthOfJuly.doc

Do you realize it's October?

In addition, create an e-mail account to use on the job hunt. It will be difficult for hiring managers to take you seriously if you have a quirky address such as "ooosooprecious(at)example.com," which a job candidate listed on her resume. Here's another one:

E-MAIL ADDRESS: I wish I were "john.smith(at)example.com."

Along the same lines, don't reference a personal Web site or blog unless it closely relates to your career.

OTHER: I have a personal Web site that is located online.

Where else would it be?

Finally, display proper business etiquette by steering clear of Internet lingo, emoticons and abbreviations.

COVER LETTER: "You want the funny? I got the funny! LOL!

Thanks, but no thanks.

LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: I know English and :-)

You're fluent in smiley face?