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How To Write a Cover Letter for a CV (With Examples)

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter for a CV

Proofread before sending, cover letter template, cover letter sample, sending an email cover letter, more cover letter examples.

When you apply for a job with a  curriculum vitae  (CV), it's important to include a cover letter, also known as a covering letter. This letter allows you to make a favorable first impression, using narrative in your own tone of voice to catch the reader’s attention and encourage them to seriously review your attached CV.

Like a resume, a CV summarizes your skills and experience. The  difference between a CV and a resume  is length, the focus on credentials, and what the documents are used for. Typically, a CV is required to apply for roles in academia, scientific research, and medical fields. 

While your CV provides a detailed—and often lengthy—look at your experience and credentials, the cover letter is an opportunity to call out your most important qualifications and make a compelling case for your candidacy for the role at hand. Here's what you need to know to write a successful curriculum vitae cover letter. 

Tailor the Letter to Fit the Organization

The CV cover letter should be  tailored to respond to the unique and specific requirements  requested by each organization you are approaching. 

Do not use the same cover letter for every job you apply to, even though it may seem like a timesaver. 

Each letter needs to provide detailed information about why are you are qualified for the specific job in question, and it should outline the reasons for your interest in the company or organization. Being specific is advantageous. Even if you're applying for two similar roles in two different hospitals, the two hospitals may serve different populations or require slightly different responsibilities for people in the role. Your letters to each hospital should reflect that. 

Use your cover letter to identify the skills or experiences most specific to the job, rather than copying directly the information in your CV.

What to Include

As a candidate, it's tempting to feel like the cover letter is unnecessary, since it is likely that all the pertinent information is included in your CV. Still, as you can see, the cover letter is a helpful tool in your application. Here's what to keep in mind as you write a cover letter. 

Format Matters

The content of your cover letter should be brief and structured. Aim for 3-5 paragraphs in your letter.  Start with a salutation. Your letter should address the relevant contact, whose name often appears in the job advertisement. Avoid “Sir” or “Madam” if possible.

If the letter recipient's name isn't provided, try these  tips to determine the correct contact person . 

Start With an Introduction

Typically, the first paragraph will be an introduction—if you are applying to a job ad, mention it here. Mention the job title, any reference number, and where and when you saw it. The first paragraph is also where you should mention if someone referred you to the position. 

The Body of the Cover Letter

The body of the letter—the second and third paragraphs—should highlight your relevant skills and experience. Highlight your  transferable skills , achievements, and versatility. Explain what you can contribute and what makes you stand out from your competition. Include mention of your current or last job, qualifications, and professional and academic training, tailoring your information to make it as relevant as possible to the organization or job applied for.

In the body of the cover letter, you can mention personality traits relevant to the role at hand. You can also use this space to call out why you're interested in this specific role, at this specific company. Potential employers and hiring managers will appreciate it if you can show you've read the job ad and researched the company. 

Avoid lengthy repetition of information covered in your CV. Unlike a CV, it is acceptable to write a cover letter in the first person.

Conclude the letter by succinctly summarizing why an employer may want to meet and employ you. Include a polite expression of interest in further dialogue with the recruiter. Do mention that you would like the opportunity to discuss your suitability further in a personal interview and that you await a response in due course.

Follow Instructions 

In some cases, an advertisement will indicate that a more substantial letter is required. 

Always follow specific instructions and include any information if it is specifically requested. For instance, some employers may ask you to include your current salary or your desired salary range. 

Make Sure the Letter Reads Well 

Ensure that your CV cover letter flows freely. You do not need to precisely match every point on the job description. The reader should be left with an overall impression that you are a potentially valuable addition to the workforce.

The letter should be readable and engaging. 

Negative information of any sort should be avoided in your cover letter, as well as on your CV.

You'll want to be sure your letter is free from grammar or spelling errors. It should also be clearly presented—that means using standard formatting, and common  readable fonts  (such as Times New Roman or Verdana) in an appropriate size. 

This is a cover letter example. Download the cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Depending on the employer's submission requirements, cover letters can be submitted online with your CV, uploaded online, or mailed. Be sure to follow the application instructions and follow the directions on how to apply. Consider this template for how to structure your letter: 

Belinda Applicant 123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 belinda.applicant@gmail.com

October 25, 2021

Clark Lee, PhD Biology Department Chair Northwestern University 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Dr, Lee:

I am writing to apply for the position of assistant professor in the Biology department, as described in the Northern University website. The opportunity to teach biology appeals to me, and I believe I can be an asset to the department due to my experience as a field biologist, as well as my work as an adjunct professor at Southern State University. In accordance with your job description, I have the following skills:

• Experience lecturing to large audiences

• Experience with learning management systems and course design

• Ability to assist with labs for other professors

• Experience with grant writing and research

I have enclosed my curriculum vitae so you may examine my work and research experience, the papers I’ve published, and my educational background.

I can be reached anytime by email at Belinda.applicant@gmail.com or my cell phone, 555-555-5555. Thank you so much for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you about this position.

Signature (hard copy letter)

Belinda Applicant

When you are sending your cover letter by email, list your contact information in your signature rather than at the top of the letter. List your name and the job title in the subject line of the message. 

Here are more examples of cover letters that you can use as a starting point for your own correspondence.

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Email Cover Letter and CV | Sending Tips and Examples

What is an email cover letter?

An email cover letter is essentially a job application email through which you apply for a job. The email must contain your cover letter, either in the body of the email or as an attachment, and your CV as a separate attachment.

Do you need to send your CV and cover letter via Email?

With the massive technological boom over the past decade, we have seen the dramatic rise in email applications. Sending an email is free, it doesn’t require a stamp, visit the post office or a trip to the company you’re applying for. It all happens within seconds and with just one click of a button.

There are two main reasons why you would send an email to a recruiter:

• When you’re applying for a job
• When you’re enquiring about job opportunities at their company

In this guide, we will mainly focus on applying for jobs that have already been advertised . However, read on as there are also tons of tips and examples for those who wish to inquire about job opportunities via email.

The format of an email cover letter + template

The format of an email cover letter slightly varies from the format of a standard cover letter. For example, there is no need to include your personal details such as name and address on the right side of the letter because your attached CV will already contain all this information. Moreover, it will take up valuable space.

Your email to the recruiter should be in the following format:

Click here to download this template.

Before you start…

1. Have your perfect CV and cover letter ready

Before working on drafting your email, make sure that you have already written and prepared your CV and cover letter. Check out How to write a Cover Letter and How to write a CV guides for more tips and examples.

2. Be formal

The job application process is a formal process. As such, you have to have a formal approach to writing your email job application.

• Don’t use contractions (e.g. I’m instead of ‘ I am ‘ or Let’s instead of ‘ Let us ‘)
• Write in complete sentences
• Write in paragraphs (not in short lines, as you would in text messaging)
• Use formal greeting (use ‘ Dear Sir/Madam ‘, ‘ Dear [Surname], ‘ or ‘ To whom it may concern ‘ rather than ‘ Hey ‘, ‘ Hi ‘, or ‘ What’s up? ‘)
• Don’t write in capitals (IT’S NOT NICE TO READ TEXT IN CAPITALS!)

You can find more information on formal writing here .

3. Use a professional email address

You must use a professional email address when contacting the recruiter.

It should be:

• It should be short in length
• It should contain your name
• It shouldn’t contain any/many numbers

Acceptable examples:

• [email protected]

Unacceptable examples:

4. Keep it short and to the point

You only have one chance to grab the attention of the prospective employer, so keep the letter short and to the point. Employers only tend to scan CVs and cover letters for less than a minute. Anything longer than a single side of A4 will most likely not be read or considered. Why take the chance? You will have plenty more opportunities in the later stages of the recruitment process, including during the job interview, to fully impress the prospective employer.

5. Write the content of the email in a separate document first

It is highly recommended to write your letter in a separate Word document first rather than typing it up on the actual email client in one go. This is because there will be a smaller chance of losing your work because of the loss of internet connection or the software crashing in the middle of writing your letter.

It also gives you additional time to properly check your written document for grammar and spelling mistakes.

How to send a cover letter and CV via email

Let’s get started…

1. Email subject line for job application

The subject of your email should be the job position followed by the job ID or job reference number:

• IT Manager (ID: W124)
• Receptionist (Job Ref. A2014)
• Cleaner (Job ID: AFT2421)

That’s all that is required.

If you decide to add anything extra, e.g. including your name or a short message, please keep it short as there is a limit on how much of the subject line will be shown to the recruiter when they receive it in their inbox.

Do not write your subject line in capital letters

Some applicants, in a desperate attempt to make their email stand out from the rest, write the subject line of their emails in capital letters, like this:

This is not recommended for two reasons:

• It is awful to read, and;
• You come over as either too desperate or too aggressive. In the worst case scenario, you come over as both.

QUESTION: Should you write the cover letter in the body of the email or send it as an attachment?

Some employers prefer attachments, whereas others prefer the letter in the body of the email. Please check for company requirements on the job advertisement. If the company has not specified their preference, it is up to you how you’d like to send your cover letter to them.

It’s decision time!

As previously stated, there are two acceptable ways of doing this:

1. Include the cover letter as an attached file

If you decide to attach your cover letter separately to the email, always write a short message in the body of the email introducing yourself and giving the reason for emailing the recruiter – don’t leave it blank! The content of your email body should be short, informative and to the point:

Another good example:

Please find attached my CV and Cover Letter for the position of Senior Research Fellow.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Kind regards, Michael Harper.

2. Write the cover letter in the body of the email

This is the most popular way of sending an email job application.

I can already hear you ask “which one is better?” glad you asked.

Our recommendation is to write the cover letter in the body of the email. It gives the opportunity to make a strong and memorable first impression, allowing you to grab the prospective employer’s attention within seconds.

If you send it as an attachment, on the other hand, the employer has to take the additional step of finding and opening your letter in order to read it. Some recruiters will not open attachments out of fear of infecting their computers by viruses.

Warning: Don’t include the same cover letter in the body of the email and as a file attachment. That is just a weird thing to do and makes you look very indecisive.

The remainder of the guide will show you step-by-step how to write your email covering letter in the body of the email:

How to start an email

2. employer’s personal details.

The first few lines of your letter should be the personal details of the recruiter:

• Recruiter’s full name
• Recruiter’s job title
• Company name
• Company address

Good example:

3. Opening salutation/greeting

The next line of your covering letter is the opening salutation, which should be written in the following format:

“Dear” followed by their honorific title (Mr, Mrs, etc.) and surname.

• Always use formal greeting (e.g. ‘ Dear Sir/Madam ‘, ‘ Dear [Surname] ‘ or ‘ To whom it may concern ‘ rather than ‘ Hey ‘, ‘ Hi ‘, or ‘ What’s up? ‘)
• It’s always best to find out the name of the employer to whom you are written the letter. This makes the letter more personal and convincing.
• If you’re addressing the employer by name, only include their surname (Dear Mr Kent) and not their full name (Dear Mr Simon Kent).

The next line should include today’s date in full ( 10 November, 2018 instead of 10/11/18 ), aligned to the right.

5. Introductory paragraph

State the reason why you are writing this covering letter.

For example:

I am writing to express my interest in the Electrical Engineer role listed in The Worcester News, 19th of March 2017. After carefully reviewing the job requirements, I feel I have all the necessary experience and technical skills to excel in this position, and I would wholly appreciate your consideration.

• These are the first few sentences that the prospective employer will be reading about you; make sure the introductory paragraph is short , to the point and is written for high impact .

6. Paragraph 2

In this paragraph, clearly outline the reasons why you would be a suitable candidate for this position. Make mention of your relevant education, qualifications, work experience, strengths, skills and abilities.

I graduated in 2014 with a first-class degree in Librarianship from the University of Essex, and I worked for a year as a Junior Librarian at Summerfield College. Both my education and work experience have given me a great insight into the purpose, function and processes of libraries. I am trained in all the standard library information and data management systems.

• Try to back up your statements with real-world examples. For instance, if you wrote that you have an “ excellent track record in sales “; back it up by tangible and verifiable performance information, e.g. by stating that you “ increased the company’s sales by 23% in six months. “

7. Paragraph 3

Following on from paragraph 2, expand on more reasons why you would be the ideal candidate for this job position.

I graduated in 2015 with a 2:1 degree in Business Management from the Queen’s University Belfast, something which kindled my passion for business and the economy. I studied a broad variety of topics ranging from Marketing Principles and Corporate Responsibilities to Leading Change and Strategic Management. I am a driven, ambitious and analytical individual with the excellent ability to analyse current business operations and offer meaningful solutions based on the findings.

8. Paragraph 4

This is going to be the final information-packed paragraph of your cover letter. Mention any other selling points that you have and state the reason why you are interested in working for this particular company.

I am especially attracted to joining your organisation because of the emphasis it puts on long-term growth and training within the company. Challenges motivate me, and I believe that I would be able to bring together my prior knowledge and skills as a competent Recruitment Officer. I am confident that my records of impressive accomplishments over the past few years prove that I will become a valuable asset to Lancefield Recruitment.

• Do research about the company you are applying for and use your findings to draft this paragraph. This will make you look interested, intelligent and resourceful in the eyes of the prospective employer.

How to end the email

9. closing statement.

The final paragraph is usually a polite call for action in which you state that you are looking forward to meeting the prospective employer. It must also contain a reference to your CV that you have attached with the application.

Useful phrases you can use:

• Please find attached my CV for your consideration.
• I have attached my CV with this email.
• For your consideration, my CV is attached with this email.

10. Closing salutation

The closing greeting should be “Yours sincerely” only if you addressed the employer by name (e.g. Dear Mrs Sanders) at the beginning of the letter.

If you used “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern” as the opening greeting of your letter, it should end with “Yours faithfully.”

Other alternatives that you may use instead of “Yours faithfully”:

• Best regards
• Kind regards
• Best Wishes

11. Signature & Sender’s name

Sign off the letter with a signature followed by your name.

If you do not have a scanned or electronic signature, you can write the signature in the following format:

• Email address
• Telephone number
• LinkedIn profile – optional

That is it – you should now have a perfectly written email cover letter!

• Don’t rush by writing and sending your email in one go – you will most likely forget to include important things or make many factual, grammatical or spelling mistakes. Write a draft version first, take a break, and then come back again in a few hours time to review it.
• Don’t forget to attach your files ! You only have one chance to make a good impression, make sure you don’t mess it up with clumsy mistakes.
• Send a test email to yourself first to double-check the email’s format and whether attachments can be opened.
• Give the attachments identifiable file names, for example, “ Julia_McCaree_CV.pdf ” is better than “ newhkh34.pdf “

Shall I send my documents in Word (.doc or .docx) or PDF format? Both methods are acceptable. However, we recommend you send it as a PDF file because that will preserve the format and presentation of your documents; including margins, padding, spacing and indentation.

How do I find out if my job application email has been received? Unfortunately, you can’t be sure whether the employer has opened or read your email unless they tell you so. Some email clients allow you to ask for a “Read” receipt after the sender has opened your email. However, you will only receive a “Read” receipt if the recipient decides to send you one.

After how many days shall I follow-up my application? Most job vacancies will state the timeframe in which you should hear back from them if you have been shortlisted for an interview. Many job vacancies will state: “If you do not hear back from us within 2 weeks time, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful this time.” If, however, this is not specified you should get in touch with them after a week to follow-up on your initial application.

Should I use the “ high importance ” flag when sending my application? No, not really. The high importance flag has lost its value years ago. Besides, there is a chance that you will come across as rude as why should your job application email be more important or urgent than those of other senders? More than 90% of emails are sent without one.

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14 Better Ways To Say “Please Find Attached My Resume”

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“Please find attached my resume” is a classic phrase you might find on a professional email template. While certainly still useful, many believe that the exact wording of “Please find attached my resume” is a little stuffy or outdated.

If you’re applying for a job and need to submit your resume via email or online application, keep reading: We’ll explain how to say, “Please find attached your resume” in the best way possible, as well as why this phrase is useful.

Key Takeaways

Saying, “Please find attached my resume ” is technically correct, but it sounds old-fashioned and odd.

Use a phrase like, “I’ve included my resume for your reference,” or, “Please refer to my attached resume for more information about __.”

You can email your resume as an attachment before an informational interview, when a job application calls for it, or when responding to an invitation request.

Why you shouldn’t use the phrase, “Please find attached my resume”

How to say, “please find attached my resume”, why tell hiring managers you’ve attached your resume, when to attach your resume to an email, bad alternatives for “please find attached my resume”, tips for attaching your resume, resume attached faq, final thoughts.

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You shouldn’t use the phrase, “Please find attached my resume,” because it sounds dated and stuffy.

If you read aloud “Please find attached my resume,” you may bumble over the words. Why?

Because no one in the 21st century speaks English like that. The phrase seems archaic, and many may wonder if it is even proper grammar. Saying, “Please find attached my resume,” sounds like you have written it in the 1800s; while it does sound proper, it may be too proper.

If you use the phrase, “Please find attached my resume,” it probably won’t match the writing style of the rest of the application or email. Saying that your resume is attached to the application or email doesn’t have to be something extremely formal, but it does need to be said.

To say, “Please find attached my resume,” in a natural yet professional way, use phrases like, “I have attached my resume,” or “My resume is attached.”

For a hint on the best way of saying “Please look at this resume I’ve attached,” think of how you would it verbally to your current employer, professors, or other professionals in your world.

If it sounds polite and well-worded when said out loud, then it probably would make an excellent sentence in an email to a stranger.

Here are some examples:

Examples of how to say, “Please see attached resume”

Let me know if you have any questions about my resume attached below I have attached my resume for your review My resume is attached for your consideration I have included my resume for your review You will find my resume attached below As the attached resume/documents show(s)… Please refer to my attached resume for more about… The resume I’ve attached includes more information about… I’ve included my resume for your reference To learn more about my involvement/experience with [something], refer to my attached resume Please see my attached resume for more details about… Please have a look at the attached resume The resume you requested is attached Attached are my resume and cover letter

Hiring managers, like most other professionals, get a lot of emails every day. Because of this, it’s easy for them to miss things like attachments, especially on mobile devices.

Most of the time, they will see that you included an attachment, but you still have to mention that the attachment is there anyway — it is part of proper job etiquette .

Mentioning that you have attached a resume should be left until the end of the email. It is a good segue into ending the email, and if written correctly, will help the email flow well.

There are a number of points in the application process where you might send an email with your resume attached, including applying for a job and when responding to an interview invitation.

Depending on your situation, your usage and choice of phrase pointing the reader to your attached resume might differ.

Some of the scenarios where you’ll use a variation of “please find attached my resume” include:

Applying for a job online or through email. Depending on how the employer asks you to submit your job application, you might use a phrase indicating you’ve attached your resume to the email or on the company’s online job application.

Sending an email after submitting an application allows you to present extra information about yourself.

This email should be short; briefly introduce yourself , state why you’re writing, the position you’re applying for, and indicate that you’ve attached related documents.

Hiring managers and recruiters have a lot of emails to sort through, so making it easy for them to find the relevant information they need works in your favor.

Emailing your cover letter directly. Depending on the company, placing your cover letter directly in the body of your email can be a great way to stand out and grab the hiring manager’s attention. Of course, you can’t also include the resume in your email’s body.

In these cases, you can include an indication that a resume is also attached to the email, near the close of your cover letter .

Starting off with a winning cover letter and then moving into the resume can be a powerful way of doing things if you’re applying for a job where written communication skills and writing effective emails are big parts of the job.

When responding to an interview request email. Depending on how long it’s been between you initially sending your application and receiving an invitation to interview, you may want to attach your resume in your response.

They’ve clearly chosen you to move on to the next round of the hiring process , so your resume and cover letter worked.

Refresh their memory and maybe mention that you’ve included an “up-to-date resume” for the interviewer’s benefit. You’ll come across as extra thoughtful and it may help make the hiring manager or recruiter’s life easier, which is always a good thing.

Before an informational interview . Informational interviews are great for learning more about an industry and/or role that you’re interested in moving into. They can be equally handy for recent college graduates and possible career-changers . If you’re cold-emailing someone to pick their brain, it’s useful to attach your resume.

That way, they can read up on your background and provide more practical and applicable information for you. It’s also a sly way to get your foot in the door for any potential job openings without committing to an application for just one. This conversation can help grow your network and possibly lead to a job offer .

There are alternatives to “Please find attached my resume” that are just as bad, if not worse. Make sure you avoid these phrases as well.

Please find my resume attached. While this phrase sounds better grammatically than, “Please find attached my resume,” it still has a hint of being overly proper. People do not often use “please find” in English other than as a command (e.g., “Please find your shoes so we can leave.”)

So having it in an email probably doesn’t mesh well with your writing style.

Please find attached my resume for your review and consideration. Again, the word “attached” is in an awkward spot. Since there are other far more natural-sounding and professional ways to say this, it’s best to avoid this one.

Attached herewith is my resume. If, “Please find attached my resume,” sounds outdated, this phrase sounds archaic. It also sounds more like a joke than a professional statement — not the impression you want to give when submitting your resume.

Attached is my resume for your reference. While there isn’t necessarily anything inherently wrong with this phrase, it’s awkward and abrupt. Saying, “I’ve attached my resume for your reference,” is just as easy and sounds much more polite.

Please see attached resume. Again, there isn’t anything actually incorrect about this option, but it’s unnecessarily direct and brusque. It sounds more like something you’d say when telling workers to read the employee handbook than how you’d ask a hiring manager to look at your resume.

In addition to picking the best phrase for directing hiring managers to your attached resume, it’s important to make sure you mention the attachment at the end of your email, follow all directions, and name the file appropriately.

Wait until the end of your email to mention that you have attached your resume. Even if the only reason you’re sending the email is to submit your resume, it’s polite to give some kind of context.

his could be a note about how you applied for the job and your excitement about the prospect of working for the company. It could also be how you’re looking forward to meeting with them for an informational interview and you wanted to make sure they had your resume for reference in case it would be helpful.

Be sure to follow any directions listed on the job posting. If the job posting says to not attach a resume to the email, but rather upload it to the application portal, follow those instructions and don’t email it. If the posting asks for a PDF versus a Microsoft Word document, make sure you convert it beforehand.

If they ask for a CV, make sure you are attaching a CV and not a resume. There are differences between the two formats , and you don’t want to disqualify yourself by sending the wrong one.

Make sure that the attachment has an appropriate file name. Include your full name and the word “resume” in the file name so that it’s easy for the employer to locate it later. Make sure you delete any notes like “new new resume” that you made for yourself as well.

Do not forget to attach the document. Once you have figured out how to best say that your resume is attached, make sure your resume is actually attached. You do not want to have to send a follow-up email explaining that you forgot to attach it. (Although if this does happen, don’t panic — it isn’t the end of the world.)

How do you politely send a resume via email?

Politely send a resume via email by introducing yourself, mentioning your reason for sending your resume, and closing with a thank you and your contact information. This note gives the recipient some context for why they’re receiving your resume.

Is, “Please find attached my resume” grammatically correct?

Yes, please find attached my resume is grammatically correct. However, it sounds old-fashioned, stilted, and stuffy, which is not what you want to be associated with your resume. Instead, use a phrase like, “I have attached my resume for your review.”

How do you send your resume to someone you just met?

Send your resume to someone you just met by mentioning something positive and specific about your interaction and the reason why you’re sending your resume.

This may be something like, “I enjoyed meeting you today at the OSU career fair. Waterford Tech sounds like a great company to work for, and I’m sending my resume as you requested.”

“It was so nice getting to talk to you the other day — I hope you enjoyed the rest of the conference. You mentioned that Welsh Finance was hiring entry-level accountants, and I’d love to apply. I’ve attached my resume for your consideration.”

How do I send a professional email with an attachment?

You send a professional email with an attachment by mentioning the attachment in the body of your message. You can’t expect anyone to notice an attachment unless you draw their attention to it, and it’s polite to explain what it is and why you’ve included it.

What do you write in an email attached to a resume?

Write the context behind why you’re sending your resume in an email attached to a resume. For example, you could say, “Dear Jim, I’m applying for the Assistant Writer position at Howard Publishing, and I’ve attached my resume for your review. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you , Amy Marquez.”

So you have finally gotten to the stage in the job application process where you have the recruiter ’s email.

You excitedly write an email to them about how you would love to be considered for the position and attach your polished resume to the email.

Attaching a resume is such a small part of the process, you don’t have to do anything special for it, right?

When writing emails and applications to future employers, you want to make sure you are giving them the best impression possible.

For each step of the process, the details matter, and letting the recruiters know that your resume or CV is attached is just one of many details you have to perfect when applying for jobs.

You may have thought that “please find attached my resume” is a job application classic, but be warned — Writing “please find attached my resume” may just come across as “please find my application and delete it.”

With a better way of saying the standard job-search phrases, you’re one step closer to standing out in the minds of recruiters and hiring managers.

Enhancv – Here’s When You Should Send a Resume in PDF or Word (And Why)

Harvard University – Resumes and Cover Letters

Stanford Career Education – Resumes/Cover Letters

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Heidi Cope is a former writer for the Zippia Career Advice blog. Her writing focused primarily on Zippia's suite of rankings and general career advice. After leaving Zippia, Heidi joined The Mighty as a writer and editor, among other positions. She received her BS from UNC Charlotte in German Studies.

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What to write in an email when sending a CV

When sending your CV to employers or recruiters via email, it’s important to write an effective message

But what should you write to catch their attention and persuade them to open your CV?

This guide will explain everything you need to write, and even has some example emails to copy.

CV templates 

Subject line

When sending an email applying for a job, keep in mind that your first goal is for the recruiter to open your message – this means capturing their attention and giving them a reason to click on your email.

So rather than writing the same subject as everyone else, use this chance to start selling yourself right away.

Use the subject line to highlight your skills and experience in a short, screen-friendly heading: consider your key selling point as a candidate and find a way make it into your subject line. For example:

“Digital Copywriter with 7 years marketing experience”

“Solicitor with 15 years in property law”

Don’t forget that subject lines are short, so you only have around 30-35 characters to make use of.

CV filename

CVs titled “CV”, “new CV” or, worse, a random constellation of letters (CV_778778.pdf) will simply look messy and get lost amongst the other hundreds of CVs that a recruiter receives daily.

At the minimum, you want to include your first and last name when naming your CV file, and if you wish, you can also add a short word or phrase to add some further recognition. For example:

“[Full Name] CV”

“[Full Name] CV SEO Consultant”

Addressing the recipient

The best way to build a friendly rapport with a potential employer is to address the recruiter by name.

This means doing a bit of research… you should be able to find relevant names of recruiting managers on the company’s website, LinkedIn, or in the job description itself. If the recruiter’s name isn’t available, stick to a friendly ‘Hi’, and avoid overly formal, outdated terms such as “Dear Sir or Madam.” For example:

“Hi [recruiter name]”

Friendly opening

To make the best impression on the recruiter and encourage them to open your CV , it’s a good idea to appear friendly with a warm opening – the recruiter will probably open hundreds of CV emails every day, so a personalised touch will go a long way. Use warm greetings, such as:

“Hope you’re having a good week”

“Hope my email finds you well”

Don’t be overtly personal, however. A simple, friendly greeting should do the trick.

Job you are applying for

After your friendly greeting in your CV email, you want to highlight the job you’re applying for. This is important as recruiters will oversee several (potentially similar) job vacancies at the same time, so you want to make sure your application is going to the right place.

Use the full job title, and if the job title is vague, you can also add in the job reference number. For example:

“I am applying for the role of [precise job title], as advertised on [company website/recruitment website]”

“I would like to put forward my application for the role of [job title] as advertised on [company website/recruitment website]. Job reference number: [XXXXX].”

It isn’t always necessary to add the job reference number, but it can be useful if the company is advertising various similar roles, or several roles within the same department.

Introduction + suitability

In your introductory paragraph, you have a limited amount of space and time to convince the recruiter to open your CV.

It’s therefore important that you be as clear and concise as possible here: if you’ve already highlighted your experience in the subject line, now is the time to add more relevant information to persuade the recruiter why you’re a great fit for the role.

You should lead with your experience in similar positions, along with the skills and value that you could bring to the table. As always, try to keep your sentences short, easy to read, and informative. For example:

“With over 10 years of experience working in fast-paced, results-driven SEO environments, I have developed a skillset ideal for the role of [job title]. In a daily workday, I liaise with several B2B clients, providing digital strategy to companies both local and global as a marketing consultant.

I have proven to be successful in my work, having [give a recent example of success], and it would be a privilege to help grow [company name] in the same way.”

This example captures the attention of the recruiter by demonstrating value – the recruiter isn’t being forced to read a list of qualifications or generic degrees – instead, they are being given concrete information about how this person could help their company. This will encourage them to click on the CV to find out more about the candidate.

If you don’t have lots of professional experience , you can still make a great impression in your email introduction. The key is to demonstrate value – there’s no use in simply listing your A-levels, as this doesn’t help your candidacy stand out from others who might share the same results.

Instead, make use of the skills you’ve picked up throughout your academic and professional career, tailoring them to suit the job you’re applying for. For example, if you were applying for a job in an online news organisation or social media company, you could use the following example:

Example 2 (student no experience)

“With 2 years working as an editor for my university newspaper [Name], I developed a rich understanding of the editorial process and experienced first-hand the demands of a fast-paced newsroom. During my period as editor, we broke various stories about university staff pay cuts and student living standards, while increasing our online subscriptions by 250%.”

While this example doesn’t demonstrate a professional job history, it shows the positive impact you had in an organisation where you worked, created engagement, and demonstrated initiative. You can apply this to any extra-curricular activity or volunteer program if you don’t have work experience, just make sure to research how this experience will serve you in the role you’re applying for.

Even as a student with no experience , you can still create a powerful email when sending your CV.

Reason for applying

Most companies and recruiters want to know that their employers will be in it for the long-haul: it’s therefore important to come across as both knowledgeable and passionate about the role and the company itself, demonstrating visible enthusiasm.

You can briefly cite the company’s values, the appeal of the job itself, as well as your overall suitability for the role as reasons motivating your application. For example:

“My experience in [field], combined with my alignment with [company’s] values, compel me to apply for this role. I believe that I have both the necessary skillset and personal drive required to succeed in this position.”

“I am putting myself forward for this role as I believe [company] would be an innovative and freethinking place to work, and I believe that I could contribute significantly to its success.”

By speaking to the values of the company, the recruiter will recognise that you either took the time to do your research (which demonstrates initiative and eagerness) or that you’re already familiar with the company – which employers love.

Availability

When it comes to your availability, you want to appear flexible and enthusiastic. Giving a recruiter a list of unavailable dates and times isn’t going to work in your favour here: simply indicate that you’re available at short notice for an interview.

Most recruiters will offer various time slots, so you don’t need to worry about being precise at this point. You can also add a call to action here, directing the recruiter towards your CV. For example:

“ Please find attached a copy of my CV . I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience.”

“I have attached my CV for your consideration, and I am free for an interview at short notice.”

Professional signature

Now that you’ve completed your CV email, you want to give the recruiter several options for getting in touch with you. The best way to do this is to have a professional signature: a professional signature looks like the below examples, and can be added as a footer at the end of all your emails:

[Full Name] Email: Phone Number:

John Peters Sales manager [email protected] Office: XXXXXXXX Home: XXXXXXXX

Sam Jones [email protected] Home: XXXXXXXX

Always make sure to use a professional email address. A recruiter is much more likely to take an applicant seriously if they have a professional email, and a lot less likely to reach out to someone asking them to contact them at [email protected].

Related guides: How to write a thank you email after an interview

Example CV emails

Check out some examples of effective emails below for inspiration and guidance:

Customer service

This customer service cover letter is short and to-the-point – it quickly delivers a host of reasons why this candidate would be valuable in a customer service role.

See also: sales assistant cover letter example

Applying for finance and accounting roles.

This cover letter outlines the candidate’s finance knowledge, and how they could apply it in the workplace

Graduate’s cover letters are a little longer than most, as they don’t have as much experience, so need to describe their education and transferable skills.

This cover letter boasts the candidate’s ability to make sales and drive revenue.

Ways to Say ‘Please Find Attached’ in Your Application

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Should you say ‘please find attached’ on your application?

List of other ways to say ‘please find attached’, how to decide which phrase to use, ‘please find attached’ example.

‘Please find attached’ is a somewhat outdated term you might use when sending a job application through email. It is a direct way of keeping the hiring manager aware of what they will find in your job application. This article provides instructions and examples of better ways to write ‘please find attached’ in an email.

Your application is a formal request to be considered for a job. Usually, such forms list their complete requirements, including the documents that must be attached. If your resume is required, the employer will ask for it. Saying ‘please find attached’ may seem a bit old-fashioned, and the verb ‘find’ does not convey the exact meaning required. Although the term is correct grammatically, it is exceptionally formal for the contemporary era. However, it is still necessary to indicate the presence of a resume in email while following the modern grammatical trends.

Here are some different ways to say ‘please find attached’ with your application:

‘I have attached my resume for your consideration’

This method conveys your intention indirectly and allows for maximum clarity. It helps to avoid poor grammar and punctuation style and also sounds polite. 

‘My resume has been included for your review’

This way is direct and professional while also asking the employer to review your resume. 

‘Let me know if you have any questions about my resume attached below’

This method takes an indirect approach to mention the attached resume. It also indicates your availability and willingness to clarify any doubts of the employer, and it creates both a positive and cooperative impression.

‘You will find my resume attached below’

Mentioning that the employer will see the resume attached eliminates the confusion. Writing ‘you will’ makes the message more like an imperative or declaration, while ‘please find’, makes the message a request.

Do not mention anything

If the application explicitly says that a resume is required, you do not need to reaffirm that it has been sent. The employer expects to find your resume attached to the email or physical application.

Your decision to select the correct statement for mentioning your resume in an email or mail should be based on the following steps.

1. First, check if the application explicitly asks you to send a resume

If there are clear instructions in the application to attach a resume, you may not need to mention anything regarding it. For example, if the application states, ‘Attach one hard copy of your resume with the application,’ then you may skip mentioning that a resume is attached. You may state that the required resume has been attached as a reaffirmation, however, if the application does not ask for a resume explicitly.

2. Next, analyze the job context

If your intended workplace has a formal environment, you must use a formal phrase. For example, you may say, ‘The resume has been attached for your review,’ or ‘The resume has been attached for your consideration’. However, if the workplace has a casual environment, you may use phrases like ‘I have included my resume’ or ‘Let me know if you have any questions about my resume attached below.’

3. After that, accurately state the placement of the resume

Make sure to state exactly where the resume is located. For example, if the resume is attached to the back of your application, you may say, ‘The second page has my resume details.’ However, if you are writing an email application, state, ‘I have attached my resume below.’

4. Fourth, look for directions mentioned in the job post

Sometimes, the application mentions a specific format. You must follow the exact format specified in the application. For example, there may be a checkbox in your application to tick if the resume is attached. Saying that you have attached the resume again may be unprofessional in such cases.

5. After that, make sure you are using a polite and professional tone

Your application is a formal document, so your message for the attached resume should be polite, professional and well-worded. Attaching a message with multiple grammar mistakes or informal tone may create a negative impression on your employer. 

6. Sixth, use an informative name for your resume

You may mention the name of the file in your application’s resume attachment message. For example, if you have included a printout of your Indeed profile, you may mention, ‘I have attached my professional profile for review.’ Also, if you are writing an email, you may say, ‘I have attached the link to my web-based resume for your review.’ Providing clear information about the attached file can increase the clarity of the message and create a positive impression on the employer.

7. Then, you may create a specific reference in your message

You may refer to your resume for specific information. For example, if you are sending an application for a writing job, you may mention, ‘Please refer to the attached resume for more details on my professional writing experience.’ Also, you may combine the message to refer to multiple items attached. For example, if you have attached both your resume and cover letter per the application’s requirements, say, “I have attached the required documents for your review.’ If, however, you have attached them voluntarily, say, ‘I have attached my resume and cover letter for consideration.’

8. Finally, refer to the application

You may refer to the resume within the application. You may say, ‘As the attached resume shows, I have worked with multiple multinational writing firms.’ The reference must fit well with the text of the application. You must refer to something relevant to the job you are applying to. For example, if you are applying for a marketing job, say, ‘The attached resume reviews my marketing experience.’

Here is an example of an email message indicating an attached resume:

Subject: Senior Research Analyst job application – Andy Hugh

Dear Hiring Manager,

I have been an admirer of Vertix Company and its environmentally friendly policies for many years. Finally, I have found a suitable opportunity to work with Vertix. I wish to be considered for the Senior Research Analyst position at your firm. I believe that with my experience and qualifications, I can bring significant expertise to the position.

I have attached my resume for your review. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Regards, Andy Hugh Research Consultant Sortep LLC

How to Say ‘Please Find Attached My Resume’ in 2024

If you’ve spent any amount of time job hunting, you’ve probably used the phrase ”please find attached my resume” many times before. 

But the question is, have you been doing it right?

This phrase has been floating around since nearly the dawn of time. And while that makes it tried and tested, it also makes it a bit outdated. 

One thing you can be sure it does not mean is that you should use it everywhere you see fit. 

So where exactly does that leave you? 

Keep reading to find out exactly how and when you should say ”please find attached my resume” the right way ! 

5 Cases You Can Use The Phrase “Please Find Attached My Resume”

Before we get to the different ways to say ”please find attached my resume”, it’s important to first understand when you should be using this popular phrase . 

Here are the top 5 situations where you can and should use the phrase:

#1. Submitting a cover letter

If you decide to submit your resume together with your cover letter , you can use the phrase ”please find attached my resume” to make sure the recruiter does not miss it . 

As a rule of thumb, if you’re submitting a cover letter it’s a good idea to include your resume alongside it. This shows that you have put in time and effort into your application or portfolio. It also provides the recruiter with a more comprehensive overview of your skills and qualifications for the job.

#2. Applying for a job online or by email

It’s also a good idea to specify what files you have attached when you are submitting a job application by email or using online forms. 

In this case, writing “please find attached my resume” can make the recruiter’s job easier . Just by skimming through your email or application form, they can already see what you have provided and where to find it. 

Imagine sifting through hundreds of applications, some without resumes, and having no indication of which ones include this key document. This one little phrase can help differentiate between a viable candidate and a waste of time. 

#3. Responding to an interview invitation 

If you have been invited to take part in an interview , it’s probably a good time to send your resume (if you haven’t already). 

An invitation shows that the company is interested in you and would like to know more about you . Thus, providing the hiring manager with your resume is a great way to show initiative while showcasing your skills and experience right off the bat. 

A simple “please find attached my resume” will ensure they do not miss the extra little step you’ve taken prior to the job interview. 

#4. Requesting an informational interview

Requesting an informational interview is another situation where it’s appropriate to use the phrase “please find attached my resume”. 

These informal interviews give you the valuable opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into the job and industry. Many applicants choose to send their resumes along with the request in order to validate their professional interests . We recommend you do the same. 

Of course, if the recipient of your request overlooks the attachment, it will be a wasted effort. So make sure to get their attention using this phrase. 

#5. Requesting a professional recommendation

Professional recommendations can make a big difference when you’re applying for a job. That’s why it’s important to make sure you get the best recommendations possible. 

What’s more important than who gives you the recommendation is what the recommendation says about you. The more personal and insightful the recommendation, the better!

In order to help the person writing your recommendation tailor the letter to you, it’s a good idea to provide your resume. While sending a recommendation request, simply add “please find attached my resume.”

5 Bad Ways to Use “Please Find Attached My Resume”

While “please find attached my resume” can be super useful in certain situations, it isn’t always the best option. It can sound a bit old-fashioned , for one, and some people find the phrasing to be slightly awkward. 

That’s why many job applicants choose to go for some alternative options. But beware—different isn’t always better!

Here are a few common phrases we recommend you avoid using :

• Please find attached my resume.
• Please find attached: my resume.
• Please find, attached, my resume.
• Please find my resume attached.
• Please find attached my resume for your review and consideration.

New to writing resumes? Here are the most common resume mistakes you should avoid. 

15 Alternative Ways to Say “Please Find Attached My Resume”

Now that we’ve looked at what not to do, let’s look at some better alternatives.

“Please find attached my resume” may be the original way to indicate that you’ve provided your resume, but it isn’t always the best. Sometimes, it’s better to change things up a bit. 

Here’s how to do it the right way:

• I have attached my resume for your consideration.
• My resume is attached for your consideration.
• My resume is included for your consideration.
• My resume has been included for your review.
• I attached my resume for your review.
• You will find my resume attached.
• Let me know if you have any questions about my resume attached below.
• I have attached my resume for your review.
• I have included my resume for your review.
• You will find my resume attached below.
• As the attached resume/documents show(s)…
• Please refer to my attached resume for more about…
• The resume I’ve attached includes more information about…
• I’ve included my resume for your reference.
• To learn more about my involvement/experience with [something], refer to my attached resume.

If you’ve been looking for a job with no luck, check out our ultimate guide to job hunting !

Key Takeaways

Though slightly outdated, the phrase “please find attached my resume” is still used in 2024. You just have to be careful about how and when you do it.

Remember, this isn’t a phrase you can toss around in any situation. There are certain circumstances where it is appropriate, or even recommended. These include:

• Submitting a cover letter
• Applying for a job online or by email
• Responding to an interview invitation
• Requesting an informational interview
• Requesting a professional recommendation

Once you’ve identified an appropriate situation to use it in, make sure to use it the right way . Avoid the examples we’ve provided of terrible phrases at all costs! Either stick to the original or pick one of the great alternatives we recommend. 

There’s no way you’ll get it wrong if you’ve followed these two easy steps!

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