If you submitted a resume and haven't heard from the employer yet, you should send them a short, emailed note. Resumes are often lost in transmission and many hiring managers are slow to get the process started. Wait a week before sending your inquiry; asking may even lead to an interview.

Get the appropriate name of the hiring manager. Call the company to find out who is doing the hiring for the position or contact the person to whom you addressed in your cover letter.

Set up the email as you would a business letter. Include your name, the position for which you are applying and your contact information.

Keep the letter short and professional. Tell the hiring manager that you are following up on the resume you sent on a specific date and that you are wondering if the resume has been received. You may ask where he is in the hiring process and whether interviews have started yet.

Don't contact the employer again until you've heard from them. If you don't get a response from the hiring manager after a week, move on to the next job.

Don't be afraid to call the hiring manager and ask directly. You may get a quicker response by picking up the phone and leaving a voice mail message.