Is it better to send an application by post, email or in person?

I find it interesting that the majority of people have warned you against email! I work in HR now and my past experience is in recruitment, and I would much rather receive an application by email. People need soft copies of your CV! The vast majority of offices these days are paperless, people have got nowhere to put a piece of paper and they need to be able to edit your CV or to share it electronically with others!

If you're unsure, I would suggest that you phone first and say that you are enquiring about work experience, and ask how they would prefer to receive your application.

I would never just drop it off in person without calling first. Many companies do not like to receive unannounced visitors, even if you're not going any further than reception. And a large company may have a mailroom with people whose job it is to distribute items - it isn't the receptionist's job, and the receptionist may not even pass it on.

It is entirely up to you which way you choose to do it. Plus, accept that the local office may not be the place where the HR team sit and work, or the team you may want to work in.

The answer to the question is: have you ever wondered why in the world of electronic communication, we still have pieces of paper flying around? Because, letter marketers know that letter marketing gets a better response, because psychologically recipients feels that the writer took more effort and was more attentive to their needs. Therefore they are more likely to read it!

Click and send is far to easy, and won't make an impact: all recruiters know this, and so do rejected job applicants. Hence, before you send any speculative paper application, why not try telephoning he company first? Ask if they offer job experiences programs, have any vacancies; and if they do in what areas are they and what skills are required? If they don't have vacancies presently, then the receptionist/telephonist will be briefed to not forward calls on.

If you meet the inevitable "sorry" response, you then have to ask yourself: is this THE company you want to work for; or just a company without a job? If the later, move on to the next potential employer. If it's the former, then you have some work to do by creating a portfolio solution to what you find from their annual report or website as something you could help them with, and include it in your letter as a project study. I suggest you bind the application, with: transparent cover; Cover Letter; CV/resume; and finally project report. Send it to the CEO or director in charge of the area in which you want to work, and follow up three working days later by phone. You may find you get directed by his PA to someone in HR, but that's fine - you are in, and then have to sell yourself

In summary, paper and focus on an employers counts, so make sure that is where you really want to work and you can get that job.

Good Luck!

Frankly, it's all about the same. If there is a job opening and you're a potential good match as a candidate, then your odds are the same no matter the form of delivery.

Many places have moved into high tech and some places only accept on-line applications. Furthermore, if you go in person, you're not going to be "remembered" by anyone doing the hiring for any position - the "intake" people at front counters of HR are simply that - clerks who intake the information. This doesn't put you "ahead" by any stretch of the imagination. What does put you ahead, however, is an impeccable application, resume and cover letter - not even with ONE typo, good, solid references, precise communication skills, and the type of experience that is being advertised in the position you are applying for.

If you are in close proximity, drop it off in person. This allows you to observe the scene and make use of the 'tone' of the place. You can also gain a contact if you leverage the person at the reception desk. Always as for a follow-up contact person as well.

Many firms operate with a web presence. Email would be fine if you know of a person or department specifically. Otherwise, it presents a challenge for you if you were to follow-up.

Postal mail is acceptable for a follow up thank-you card or similar letter. Otherwise, I would avoid it.

Pink is right emails are so often overlooked. Unless of course they specifically ask for an electronic application! As this is on spec I would send by post, but either post or by hand would be better.

Good luck!

I'm all for meeting and real penpaling contacts if they were interested. I think it would be great. People need to meet other people the way we use to before internet. We're losing out communication skills and our social skills when we just rely on pc's as a "real connection" w/ people. I wish we used it more as a starter/introduction way of meeting people and not using it as the only way to meet people... If only we can all be that trusting, right?

A personal appearance is always best. It shows that you are interested and keen to let your prospective employer know that you have taken the time and trouble to visit them, not simply shoved a stamp on an envelope!!

by person... a name and a face will always stick better in someones mind, it shows ur confident and your keen, if you have taken the time to come in and talk to them about the work experience they will regard this highly.

I wouldn't do it by email because it is likely to get lost in their inbox. By person they will most likely remember you and your face the best.

def in person. Whenever I apply somewhere by email, it takes longer.