A fax cover sheet is not a cover letter
The cover sheet tells the office who the fax is for and what it is. Your cover letter is a separate page that makes the case for hiring you. Keep the message on the cover sheet to two or three sentences: the job you are applying for, what is enclosed, and how to reach you. Then put the full cover letter behind it.
Fields worth filling in
- Recipient: the hiring manager's name if the posting gives one, otherwise Hiring Manager and the department.
- Position applied for, word for word from the posting.
- Job reference or requisition number. Large employers and agencies sort applications by it.
- Available from: a start date or notice period, if relevant.
- Pages: cover, cover letter and resume together, so the recipient knows nothing is missing.
Who still asks for faxed applications
Some local government offices, clinics and hospitals, staffing agencies and smaller trade businesses still list a fax number in their job postings. If a posting offers fax or email, email is usually better. If it asks for fax specifically, send it, then follow up with a short phone call or email a day or two later to confirm it arrived and reached the hiring manager.
Make your resume survive the fax
Fax is black and white and lower resolution than a screen. Use a plain font at 10 points or larger, avoid colored text, shaded boxes and light grey, and drop photos and graphics. Save the resume as a PDF before you send it so the layout does not shift.
Choose the Minimal or Modern style for a tidy, modern look. The Minimal style hides empty fields, so the cover stays uncluttered.
Frequently asked questions
What do I write on a fax cover sheet for a resume?
The hiring manager's name or Hiring Manager, the company and fax number, your name and contact details, the position and job reference number, the page count, and a short line such as: please find my resume and cover letter for the Office Manager position.
Should I send a cover letter as well as the fax cover sheet?
Yes. The cover sheet only routes the fax. Put your cover letter as the page after it, followed by your resume.
How do I fax my resume without a fax machine?
Fill in this cover sheet, attach your resume PDF, and choose Fax it now. Your cover is added as page one and the fax is sent for $2.99, with no account or subscription.
