Ensure your first impression makes a true impact by using the correct terminology when attaching your CV to an email message

First impressions certainly do count. It's that initial feeling or opinion that a person forms about someone or something else on the first meeting or first contact. And, according to many surveys, it only takes seven seconds! That's no time at all to make your mark. It can either set you on the right path to career success or leave you floundering in the shadows. And nobody wants to be left out in the cold just because they made a simple error.

To make sure you write “please find attached my CV” in the right way and within the right context when submitting your CV, follow the guidelines below to get off on the right foot with any prospective employer or hiring manager.

When to write “please find attached my CV”

You've perfected your CV, tailored it to a job that looks right up your street, and compiled a superior cover letter. Now come the practical elements of what to say and how to actually send your documents. How do you say “my CV is attached” in an email? Do you put it in the subject heading, at the end of the message, or somewhere else?

The subject heading is best left for the job title you're applying for, or the job reference number if there is one. Whoever is reading your email can then immediately see which job you're applying for - especially crucial in a big corporation, where there might be dozens of roles on offer at any one time.

You can write “please find attached my CV” within the body of the message or at the end, it depends on your preference. For a more formal approach, you could say “I have attached my CV for your consideration.” Remember, it's the word “attached” that is key here, as emails have attachments. Back in the day, when job applications and CVs were mainly sent by post, it was more normal to write “please find enclosed my CV,” as the CV was actually in an envelope. But this, like including “references available upon request," is seen as antiquated nowadays as most applications are done online.

If you've already spoken to someone at the company you're applying to, a less formal approach would suffice, as you've (hopefully) built up a rapport with that person.

Alternatives to writing “please find attached my CV”

As well as stating “please find attached my CV,” there are other ways of telling your contact that your CV is part of the package you've sent over. The rule is to stick to more formal, traditional phrases for large companies, while being able to play around a bit with the phrase when touting for work at more hipster companies and start-ups.

Reading the job application form thoroughly and mirroring the style used in that should help to guide you towards exactly how to write “please find attached my CV.”

Other ways of saying it are:

  • Please see my attached CV

  • I have attached my CV

  • Please find my CV attached

  • My CV is attached

  • Attached is my CV

  • I have attached my CV

  • Please see my CV attached

  • Attached is my CV for you to review

  • As mentioned, I've included a copy of my CV

All of these are perfectly valid ways of saying the same thing - that your CV is there and you would very much like it if someone would look at it, appreciate all the positive accolades you've achieved, and offer you an interview!

What to include in an email message

The email message that accompanies your documents should be short and sweet. It's not a substitute for a cover letter. It's simply stating that you're interested in applying for the position and that your CV is attached.

However, if no cover letter is required, it's wise to add a bit more to the email message - something that draws the reader in by highlighting particular skills you possess that are required by the role.  

All you need to then do is to make sure you attach the documents and press “send,” ensuring your contact details are up to date and easily accessible of course.

The key takeaways

Before sending off any documents, proofread your CV and cover letter meticulously. There's nothing worse to a recruiter than receiving information that's poorly spelt or is littered with grammatical errors. If you can't get that right at the beginning of this work relationship, what's to say you'll get anything right if you're hired?

Customising your writing style to each particular role is vital, as it shows you've taken on board the type of company they are, their work culture, and outlook. So if penning “please find attached my CV” feels too stuffy, think of another way of putting it that'll work.

Before being able to write “please find attached my CV,” you need to make sure your CV is in tip top condition. Visit the professional team who'll be able to transform your documents into ones of which you can be truly proud.

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