In a survey by Accountemps/RHI, 48 percent of executives said their firms prefer to receive resumes via email. This method isn't just helpful for employers, however. You may receive more timely responses because electronic resumes reach companies more quickly than those sent through standard mail.

Following are some tips for emailing you resume:

• Call ahead. Always check with the company first to confirm their preference for receiving applications. Most accept electronic versions, but this may not always be their first choice.
• Keep it professional. While email is typically a more casual form of communication, online submissions must remain professional. You'll hurt your chance of being invited for an interview if your resume is sloppy or lax in tone.
• Do your homework. Many firms now utilize screening software that looks for particular words or phrases.  Analyze the wording the company uses in its advertising and collateral materials to describe to the job you're seeking, and use those terms in your resume. 
• Include a cover letter. Use this as a forum to discuss your interest in the job and why you'd be a good fit for the company. This should be placed in the body of the email.
• Use plain text formatting. Otherwise, the information may not read correctly.
• Note the desired position in the subject line. If you simply put "resume," you run the risk of being lost in the shuffle.
• Make it accessible. When you submit your resume to a company, include it in the body of the email and as an attachment. This will give you a safety net in case there are technology-related translation errors.