When applying for a job, don't email your web address and expect anyone to go there to look up your resume. They usually won't. If you are emailing someone your web site address, be courteous and at least email them a copy of your resume. Don't expect someone else to do work to help you get work.

If you want to be sure someone gets your emailed resume, send it as a message rather than as a an attachment that must be downloaded. Not everyone has the same software as you, and many people don't download attachments. Sure you might lose formatting, but the chances are they received it. The best way to submit a resume is by fax or mail. Do not include graphics on your resume. They don't fax or copy well and can obscure important information.

Don't include personal information on your resume or in your cover letter, including a photo, marital status, sexual orientation, age, health, religion, ethnic background, race, or disabilities. In the United States, employers are forbidden by law to ask questions about them in advance of offering a job and they have nothing to do with your qualifications for the job.

Be sure your name and current phone number (with correct area code) is on your resume. Include your email address too, if you have one. It's pointless to send a resume to someone if they can't reach you. I've received many emailed resumes with no phone number.

Make sure your resume and cover letter do the job to get you work.

If you have a question you would like answered in this column, let us know.

Pamela Kleibrink Thompson is a recruiter and career coach who has rewritten many resumes and cover letters. She is currently recruiting for Big Idea Productions, Stan Lee Media and Talkie.com. She will be moderating a panel on resumes, demo reels and portfolios at ASIFA's Animation Expo on March 4. For more info on that event see http://www.asifa-hollywood.org.