‘Please find attached my resumé’
When you’re applying for a position, you want to do everyuthing you can to stand out to a hiring manager. While a strong cover letter can help you do this by highlighting your qualifications, skills and experience, it’s important to also draw their attention to your resumé. To do this, many people use phrasing like ‘please find my resumé attached’, in their cover letter or job application email.
While there’s nothing wrong with using this phrase, there are better options. In this article, we take you through what you need to know about the phrase and when to use it.
Common mistakes when attaching a resumé for a job application
Example of how to include ‘Please find attached my resumé’ in a job email
When to use ‘Please find my resumé attached’
There are different scenarios that call for the use of the phrase ‘Please find my resumé attached’. Here’s a breakdown of when to include it in an application email.
When submitting a cover letter
Writing a strong cover letter is one of the best ways to make a good first impression on a potential employer. If you feel that your cover letter highlights your skills and qualifications, ‘Please find my resumé attached’ can be a concise way to end your application and let the reader know there’s an important attachment.
When emailing for a job
Another scenario where you might use ‘Please find my resumé attached’ is when you’re emailing to apply for a role directly. Use this email as an opportunity to express your enthusiasm for the company and the role you’re applying for. As with submitting a cover letter, you can include ‘Please find my resumé attached’ at the end of your email.
When responding to a job invitation by a recruiter
If you’ve been approached by a recruiter to apply for a role, you’ll often need to send through a copy of your resumé in order to be considered. Recruiters work with a lot of different job seekers, so it’s important to use your introduction email to stand out. Make your email memorable and easy to find by mentioning the specific role they’ve contacted you about and expressing your interest in learning more. Be sure to attach your resumé, a cover letter and brief introduction, along with ‘Please find my resumé attached’.
When responding to an invitation to interview
You’ve submitted your job application and you’ve made it through to the first round of interviews. Rather than send a generic thank-you email, use this as another opportunity to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the role. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity and express your excitement for the role, while reiterating your qualifications that are most relevant to the position.
It can often be a good idea to send through your resumé again, so the interviewer can refresh themselves on your skills, qualifications and experience before the interview. There’s also the possibility you’ve acquired more skills or qualifications since you sent them your resumé, in which case now’s a good chance to send through the most recent version.
When requesting for more information on a job
Asking questions about a role you’re interested in demonstrates initiative and genuine curiosity – but don’t forget to send in your resumé too. It’s times like these when it can be appropriate to use the phrase ‘Please find my resumé attached’, so the interviewer has the chance to see if your skills align with the role while answering your questions.
Common mistakes when attaching a resumé for a job application
There are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid when attaching your resumé to an email. Don’t forget to double-check for these before you hit send.
Attaching a resumé without context
Your application email should provide the hiring manager with context, i.e. who you are and the reason why you’ve sent your resumé. You should avoid simply attaching your resumé with a generic ‘Please find attached’ message. Instead, write a cover letter or brief email introduction that provides context into who you are and the role you’re applying for.
Here’s an example of a generic, uninspiring email:
Hi,
I'm interested in applying for the position of assistant accountant. Please find my resumé attached.
Let me know if you require any more information.
Thanks,
Joe
Instead, elaborate on your email and provide context that explains why you’re sending your resumé and goes into more detail about what makes you a good hiring prospect:
Dear Mr Xi,
My name is Nicole and I am writing to express my interest in potential opportunities at Tax Accounting Co.
I have admired your firm for many years, as I know how you have helped small business owners in our local community and have even personally experienced your services through my family’s business.
I’d love to join your team as assistant accountant as I believe my qualifications in income tax and my passion for helping local businesses makes me a good cultural and professional fit.
Please find my resumé attached, with an overview of my education and work experience. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to Tax Accounting Co. and welcome the opportunity to discuss how I could contribute to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of connecting with you.
Best regards,
Nicole
Lack of personalisation in content for the email body
Sending a generic email with your resumé attached shows a lack of effort and doesn’t make a lasting impression on the hiring manager. Instead, write a personalised email based on the job description to show the hiring manager that you’ve reflected on the role and you’re confident you have something to offer.
For example, rather than simply saying ‘I’m submitting my application for the role of [job title]. Please find my resumé attached,’ make it more personalised by saying, ‘I am particularly interested in [specific aspect of the job description] because it matches my passion for [your related skill or experience].’
Generic greetings
Avoid using generic greetings like ‘Dear Sir or Madam’. Instead, research the company website or other online platforms to find the hiring manager's name so you can address them directly. Instead of repeating details, use the email to highlight a specific achievement or skill that demonstrates your value.
For example, instead of starting the email with ‘To whom it may concern’, personalise your greeting using the name of the hiring manager, ‘Dear Ms Rivera’.
Example of how to include ‘Please find attached my resumé’ in a job email
How you include the phrase ‘Please find attached my resumé’ in your next job email will vary depending on your industry, level of experience, and the type of role you’re applying for. Here are some examples to get you started.
Example 1
If you’re applying for a job in a professional, it can help to keep your application email polite and professional:
Subject: June Wallis – Retail Assistant Application
Dear Jung,
I am writing to submit my application for the position of retail assistant. I have been working in the retail industry for five years and have gained experience in different stores and at varying levels of seniority.
Please find my resumé attached, outlining my qualifications and professional experience.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
June Wallis
Example 2
Keep your email brief by providing a quick reference to your attached resumé:
Subject: Ben Smith – Project Manager Application
Dear Mr Johnson,
It’s with great enthusiasm that I write to apply for the position of project manager at Horizon Enterprises. I have been working as a project manager in construction for two years, over which time I have developed strong organisational skills and stakeholder management working with multiple blue-chip clients.
To give you an overview of my background, please find my resumé attached.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best,
Ben Smith
Alternative ways to say ‘Please find attached my resumé’
There’s more than one way to say ‘Please find attached my resumé’. Using less common phrases can help you to stand out from other applicants.
Here are a few examples:
I have attached my resumé for your review.
Attached is my resumé, offering a snapshot of my professional achievements.
Please let me know if you have any questions about my attached resumé .
The resumé attached provides more information about my...
I am including my resumé for your review.
For more information on my experience, please refer to my attached resumé.
To give you an overview of my background, I’ve attached my resumé.
I’ve attached my resumé to provide more insight into my experience.
A well-written cover letter or introduction email can help catch the attention of the hiring manager so you stand out from other applicants. It’s also important to draw attention to your resumé, ensuring that the hiring manager doesn’t miss it. As a job seeker, it’s worth investing a bit of time and effort into writing a tailored email introduction, including more enticing ways to say ‘Please find my resumé attached’.
FAQs
Is it ever okay to use ‘Please find attached my resumé’ in a cover letter email?
Absolutely. Whether you include a simple ‘Please find attached my resumé’ or you use a more creative alternative, it can be useful to bring the hiring manager’s attention to your resumé so it doesn’t get overlooked.
How can I find the hiring manager's name for a job application?
Addressing your job application directly to the hiring manager is a great way to make a strong first impression. If their name isn’t mentioned in the job description, you may be able to find it on their company website or online profile. Alternatively, you can give the company a call and politely ask for the hiring manager’s contact information.
Should I always attach a cover letter with my resumé, even if it’s optional?
Even if attaching a cover letter is optional, it can be a good idea to create a tailored introduction email for the position you’re applying for and submit it along with your resumé. Taking the time to write a cover letter demonstrates to the hiring manager that you’re willing to go the extra mile. Cover letters offer a little more insight into your experience, skills and knowledge, which can help to make the hiring manager’s job easier when comparing applicants.
What file format is best for my resumé attachment (doc, docx, pdf)?
The best file format for your resumé attachment when you expect the hiring company to be using ATS (applicant tracking software) is a Word doc. Otherwise, submit your resumé and cover letter in PDF format so that you can lay it out in an easy-to-read way.
Is there a maximum file size for resumé attachments?
While there’s no specific limit for resumé attachments, it’s typically best to keep your resumé to one to two pages in length. Some online application submission systems also have limitations on file size of 1–2MB.
Should I include a cover letter if I’m responding to a job posting on a company website?
If you’re responding to a job posting on a company website, it’s always better to send a cover letter along with your resumé. This allows you to provide context and background information to support your resumé, which is essential if you want your application to be seriously considered.
What information should I include in the subject line of my cover letter email?
When deciding what information to include in the subject line of your job application email, it’s best to keep it simple but be specific. Include your name and the title of the role you’re applying for. For example, “Tyler Brown – Team Manager application.”
Is it okay to follow up after submitting my application if I haven't heard back?
If you’ve submitted a job application and you haven’t heard back from the hiring manager after a week or two, it could be worth sending a follow-up email to check on the progress of your application. First, check whether the job description includes any mention of when you can expect to hear back. If one to two weeks have passed since you applied, you might like to touch base with the hiring manager.
Should I mention my salary expectations in the cover letter or wait for the interview?
Unless the job description specifically asks you to include your salary expectations in your cover letter, there’s no need to include this information. You’re often better off waiting to receive an invitation to interview for the position before bringing it up.
Is it appropriate to send my resumé directly to a company even if they haven't advertised an open position?
If you’re interested in working with a specific company, there’s no harm in sending in a copy of your resumé and an accompanying cover letter, even if they haven’t advertised an open position. This shows your initiative and helps you build a relationship with the hiring manager, which may lead to future opportunities.
