my cover letter and resume are attached

How to Say ‘Please Find Attached My Resume’ in 2023

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 And while that makes it tried and tested, it also makes it a bit outdated.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 2023. 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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Ways to Say ‘Please Find Attached’ in Your Application

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‘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

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How To Email a Resume and Cover Letter Attachment

Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts.

Ashley Nicole DeLeon / The Balance

Depending on the job for which you're applying, you may need to email your resume and cover letter to the hiring manager. That's often the case with smaller employers. For other employers, you'll apply online or via a job board.

What's the easiest way to attach your resume and cover letter to an email message? When you're asked to send a resume or cover letter via email, follow these steps to ensure you have correctly attached your documents, written an email explaining what you are sending and why, added your signature to the email, and included a subject line that will get your message opened and read by the recipient.

Key Takeaways

• Most employers request a Microsoft Word document or a PDF file of your resume. 
• It's easy to save your documents in the file format requested by an employer.
• When saving your documents, use your name as the file name.
• Include a subject line that states who you are and what job you are applying for in the email message.

Check the Employer's Instructions

When you apply for jobs via email , the employer may require you to send your resume and cover letter as an attachment to an email message. It's important to send your attachments correctly, to include all the information you need so your email message is opened and read, and to let the receiver know how they can contact you to schedule an interview.

What's most important is to follow the employer's instructions and send exactly what they have asked for in the format it's requested. If you don't, your message may end up in a spam or trash folder.

Save Your Cover Letter and Resume

When sending your cover letter and resume attachments, the first step is to save your resume as a PDF or a Word document . The job posting should specify how to send the attachment. This way, the receiver will get a copy of the resume in the original format.

If there aren't instructions on how to send your documents, submit your resume as either a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or as a PDF file. These are the formats most commonly preferred by employers, and it's easy to save the documents and add them as attachments to your email message.

You can either save your cover letter in document format or write it directly in the email message.

Save as a Word Document

If you have word processing software other than Microsoft Word, save your resume as a Word (.doc or .docx) document. File > Save As , should be an option in your program.

Save a Google Doc as a Word Document

If you don't have Microsoft Word, you can save a Word (.docx) version of a Google Doc. Select File > Download and choose Word Document (.docx).

How to Save as a PDF

Whether the employer requests a PDF file or you opt to send a PDF, here's how to convert a document file.

To save a Word document as a PDF:

• Select  File > Save As  in Microsoft Word.
• Select  PDF  from the  Format  drop-down menu.

To save a Google Doc as a PDF:

• Select  File > Download and choose  PDF Document .

Choose a Unique File Name

When saving your document, use your name as the file name , so the employer knows whose resume and cover letter it is, i.e., janedoeresume.doc and janedoecoverletter.doc.

Don't use "resume" as a file name, because it will be hard to differentiate your resume from those of the other applicants.

Include a Subject in the Email Message

The subject line is one of the most important parts of the email messages you send to apply for jobs. If you don't include one, your message may not even get opened. 

Your email message must include a subject line, and it should explain to the reader who you are and what job you are applying for. Be specific, so the recipient knows what he or she is receiving. Employers often hire for many positions at the same time, so include both your name and the job title.

Add a subject to the email message before you start writing it. That way, you won't forget to include it afterward.

Here's what to write:

Subject: Your Name - Job Title

If the employer requests additional information, like a job ID number, be sure to include that too.

Write an Email Message to Send With Your Resume

Once you have saved your resume and cover letter and they are ready to send, the next step is to write an email message to send with your documents.

First, open your email account. Then click on Message at the top left of the screen or click on File > New > Message .

You can either write your cover letter as part of the email message or send it as an attachment. Here's how:

Write Directly in the Email

You can either type your cover letter directly into the email message , copy and paste it from a word processing document, or if the company requests an attachment, send your cover letter and resume with the email message. So, your choices are to send a cover letter attachment or to use the email message as your cover letter.

If you are attaching a cover letter, your email message can be brief. Simply state that your resume and cover letter are attached. Offer to provide additional information and let the reader know how you can be contacted.

Be sure to follow the directions in the job posting for how to apply when sending your cover letter and resume or your application may not be considered.

Adding Your Signature To the Email

It is important to include an email signature with your contact information, so it's easy for hiring managers and recruiters to get in touch with you.

Include your full name, your email address, and your phone number in your email signature, so the hiring manager can see, at a glance, how to contact you. If you have a LinkedIn profile , include it in your signature. Do the same with any other social media accounts you use for career and business purposes.

Sample Email Signature

Jared Harshbarner jared.harshbarner@email.com 617-123-3790 linkedin.com/in/jared.harshbarner

How To Add Your Signature

To add your signature to your email message, click on File > Insert > Signature , if you have a signature saved that you use for job searching. If you haven't created an email signature, type your contact information (name, email address, phone, LinkedIn) at the bottom of your message.

Attach Your Resume and Cover Letter to an Email Message

Once your email message is ready to send, you need to attach your resume and cover letter to your message:

Click on Insert > Attach File. Your email client will display a list of files in the default file folder of your computer. If your resume and cover letter are stored in a different folder, click on the appropriate folder.

Click to select the file you want to add to your email message , and then click on Insert to attach the document to your email message. Take the time to carefully proofread the message before you send it.

Before you click Send , send the message to yourself to be sure all the attachments come through, and your email message is perfect.

Send a copy of the message to yourself, as well as to the company, so you have a copy for your records. Add yourself as a Bcc (blind carbon copy) by clicking Bcc and adding your email address.

Then click Send , and your cover letter and your resume will be on their way to the employer.

Review a Sample Email Message

Here's a sample email message sent with resume and cover letter attachments to apply for a job.

Subject: Sarah Smith – Museum Docent

Dear Ms. Cooper,

I’m writing to apply for the summer docent program at the Museum of Local History.

I have extensive docent experience, having volunteered at both the Harbor Museum and ABC Art, and have led tours both as a student leader and a member of the town historical society. In addition, I’m a lifelong town resident and an enthusiastic amateur historian.

I’ve attached my cover letter and resume for your review. I hope you’ll contact me at your convenience to discuss the program and arrange an interview. Thank you for your time.

Sarah Smith sarah.smith@email.com 555-555-1234 linkedin.com/in/sarahsmith

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it better to send a word document or a pdf to apply for a job.

A PDF file retains the format of your resume and letter, so the recipient will see them as you wrote them when they open the file(s) you send. A Word document is easily read by the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that employers use to manage job applications. What's most important is to follow the company's application guidelines.

How can I be sure my documents are formatted correctly?

Send a test message, and email your resume and cover letter to yourself before you send it to the employer. That way, you'll know your documents are formatted and attached correctly.

ZipJob. “ Resume PDF or Word: The Best File Format in 2022 ."

Google. " Create, View, or Download a File ."

Microsoft. " Save or Convert to PDF or XPS in Office Desktop Apps ."

Adobe. " How to Convert a Google Doc to a PDF ."

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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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• Cover Letter Tips

Should You Combine Your Cover Letter and Resume into One Document?

The internet has impacted virtually every area of life, including the job search process. Gone are the days when a job seeker would simply hand an employer a cover letter and resume in paper form. Today, more companies than ever accept digital copies of those job search documents.

In fact, many companies and employers now only accept emailed digital cover letters and resumes so they can make use of applicant tracking systems (ATS). Unfortunately, there’s been little effort to standardize submission processes, and that can make it a little confusing for the average job seeker.

For example, how should you submit your emailed resume and cover letter? Should you send them separately or combine them into one document? In this post, we’ll examine both options and offer the advice you need to make the best decision.

What’s the difference between a cover letter and resume?

Before you decide whether to combine your cover letter and resume into one document, it is helpful to make sure that you fully understand each of these important tools. The fact is that each of these documents has its own role to play in the job search process, and they have some major differences:

Each of these documents serves a distinct purpose in the job search process. Resumes are designed to provide an employer with an easy way to quickly assess your qualifications. The main purpose of a cover letter is to help the employer understand your motivations, goals, and personality. Both are important documents, but they are not interchangeable.

Your cover letter should be a targeted document that focuses on your qualifications for a specific job role. It should contain information about why you are the best candidate for the position and what you hope to achieve for the employer if you are hired. Your resume is more of a marketing tool that highlights your skills, relevant work experience , and educational qualifications in an easily digested summarized format.

Structure and format

These two documents also have dramatically different structures and formats . Your resume will be divided into specific sections for easier consumption and will include bullet point lists of relevant skills and achievements. Cover letters look more like any other written communication, conveying your message in full sentences and paragraphs.

Cover letter and resume: to combine or not to combine?

Let’s get right to the main question here: should you combine your cover letter and resume into one document? As a general rule, you should try to avoid it wherever possible. Since resumes and cover letters serve two very different roles in the job search process, they should be treated as separate documents. The only time you should even consider combining these two documents is when the company has instructed you to do so.

Review the instructions

Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to get the submission guidelines for the position straight from the source. That means asking the company’s hiring manager how your resume and cover letter should be sent. If there are clear instructions, it’s important to follow them to the letter to maximize your chances of receiving the right type of attention. On those rare occasions when a company wants a combined document, the job posting will usually include that instruction.

Why you should not combine these two documents

In most instances, however, you will discover that the instructions are vague. Perhaps the only instruction is that your resume must be emailed. If that’s the case, then you should always choose to leave these two documents as separate files. There are several very good reasons to do so:

If you include these two tools in one document, applicant tracking systems may reject it. That can happen if the ATS mistakes your cover letter for a resume and assesses it based on its rules for resume approval.

Hiring managers often want to go directly to your resume to review your qualifications. If your cover letter is part of that document, it could be a distraction that frustrates your reader.

Your cover letter and resume serve different purposes. Keeping them separate helps to ensure that each document receives the attention it deserves.

What if employers request that your cover letter and resume be combined?

As we noted above, there may be times when a specific employer requests that a resume and cover letter be sent as one document. Obviously, that request should be honored if you want to be considered for an interview. The important thing then is to ensure that you combine them properly. The following tips can help:

Decide which document you want the employer to see first

Since the cover letter serves as your introduction, there is a case to be made for putting it in the front of the resume. If you want to make sure that the ATS scores your resume properly, however, you may want to put the resume at the beginning of the document. That can also help hiring managers quickly access your qualifications.

Create a new document

Make sure that you create an entirely new document for your combined file. That will enable you to keep them separate for other companies and submissions. Then copy and paste your resume and cover letter into this new document. Be sure to save the file with an appropriate file name. For example: JohnSmithResumeCoverLetter.docx or JohnSmithResumeCoverLetter.pdf.

Use proper formatting

When you paste each document into your combined file, make sure that you retain the original formatting. Also, be sure to include a page break at the end of the first document so that the next document begins on a fresh page.

Submit the combined file

Once you have your new combined file, submit it to the company. If the online job posting includes submission instructions, follow them to the letter. Otherwise, simply send it to the appropriate email address.

How to email your cover letter and resume

When emailing your cover letter and resume, either include the cover letter as an attachment or copy and paste its text into the email message. Don’t do both. 

It is generally recommended that you submit both the resume and cover letter as file attachments rather than having any part of them in the body of your email message. What you can include in the email text is confirmation that you have attached the resume and cover letter files.

Of course, you also need to decide whether you want to submit a Word document or a PDF file. Once again, review the job board instructions to see what the company is requesting. If there is no specific option listed, then the best thing to do is to submit each document in a Word file. 

Sample cover letter and resume template

Below, you will find a resume and cover letter template that you can use to ensure that your job search documents contain the information that employers want to see. You can use these templates to guide you as you create your own cover letter and resume:

Resume template

[Your first and last name]

[Your Phone number]

[Your Email address]

Professional Summary

[No more than three sentences highlighting your qualifications, experience, and achievements.]

Core Competencies

[Bullet point list of your relevant skills. Use multiple columns to list 12-15 top skills ]

Employment History

[Company name], [city], [state] | [Employment dates]

[Job title]

Job responsibility and achievement

[Repeat employment history for additional jobs, in reverse chronological order]

[Name of school], [city], [state]

[Degree], [major]

[Date you graduated] It should be noted that you don’t have to include education dates if you graduated more than one year ago. 

Certifications/Licenses

[Name of certification or license, organization providing it, and relevant dates]

Awards and Achievements

[Award, honor, achievement]

Cover letter template

[Your city and state]

[Recipient's first and last name]

[Company name]

[Company address]

Dear [Recipient's name],

My name is [your name] and I am interested in discussing the open [position name] position at your company. I have [length of experience] experience as a [your profession] and am confident that I can provide a great deal of value for your company if hired.

I have recently been employed at [relevant employer name], where I was responsible for [cite job duties using keywords that match the skills needed in the open position]. Prior to that, I [provide examples of job duties that show your qualifications to fill the company’s open job]. I would love to have the opportunity to use these skills as part of your team.

I have included my resume with this letter so that you can evaluate my qualifications and experience at your leisure. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to having the opportunity to discuss the position with you in greater detail.

Respectfully,

[Your name]

You should choose to send your cover letter and resume as separate documents, unless the company has instructed you to combine them into a single file. More importantly, make sure that you get those critical job search tools into the right hands so that you can increase your chances of landing an interview!

Want to know whether your resume has what it takes to capture a hiring manager’s interest? Get a free resume review from our team of experts today!

Recommended Reading:

How to Tailor Your Resume to Different Positions (Examples)

How long should a resume be in 2023?

How to Get Your Resume Past the ATS Scans

Ken Chase, Freelance Writer

During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd. Read more resume advice from Ken on  ZipJob’s blog .

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Whether you are writing a job application letter or using an email to apply for a job, employers expect you to add some relevant information as attachments such as resumes or cover letters.

When doing that, a question may pop in your mind: How do I let the employer know about the attachment?

That’s when the phrase “Please find attached my resume” comes into the picture.

At a single glance, this phrase looks professional and effective. And because of that, people have used this phrase so much that it has lost its uniqueness.

Since recruiters get 100s of job applications daily with the exact phrase, it doesn’t stand out to them anymore.

As job-seekers, our job is to write the job application in such a way that stands out to recruiters. And if you look over these small details that make you sound professional and empathetic, then you may lose out on the opportunity.

This blog will help you understand what the proper and improper ways to use the phrase “please find attached my resume are”

This blog will tell you:

• Why is it necessary to tell the Hiring Manager’s You’ve Attached Your Resume?
• Situations where you can use the phrase “please find attached my resume”
• What are the improper ways to use the phrase “please find my resume attached”
• What are some excellent alternatives to the phrase “please find my resume attached”
• How can you decide what phrases to use?

Why Should You Tell Hiring Manager That You’ve Attached Your Resume

In general, recruiters can see that you have attached another document with your job application email. You still need to mention that you have attached a resume with the application - It’s professional etiquette.

However, using this generic “please find attached my resume” is not an excellent way to notify the hiring managers about your attachments.

The reasons for this are:

• It’s has become too familiar in the professional world
• Nobody in 21 century uses this phrase in day to day conversation
• “Please find attached my resume” phrase sounds robotic and loses personalization

Also Read: How to draft a message to the hiring manager effictively?

Tips For Telling Hiring Managers You’ve Attached Your Resume

Here are a couple of tips you should keep in mind when you tell hiring managers you’ve attached your resume:

• Always add the “please find attached my resume” at the end of your email.
• Always make sure to attach your resume into the job application email.
• If there are any instructions on the job description, then ensure to apply those when sending resume attachments.
• Make sure that your application has no grammatical errors.

You may ask that “ Isn’t it better to say nothing in the end, since recruiters can see the attachments in the email?"

It’s not! Some email servers don’t have the option to preview attachments. So, you need to let the recruiters know about the attachments.

Also, it’s a professional courtesy to mention the email attachment to the recruiter.

"Please Find my Resume Attached.": When Should You Use?

You can’t use the phrase “please find my resume attached” in every situation. You need to know in what condition you can use the phrase "please find my resume attached."

• When providing a cover letter
• When writing a job application letter
• When responding to an interview invitation
• When requesting an informational interview

1. When You Write a Job Application Email

Since the recruitment process has moved online, attaching your cover letter and resume with your job application email has become customary.

In this case, it’s appropriate to indicate to the recruiter that your resume and cover letter are attached to the email.

Start with a stellar job application letter, and at the end, include the phrase “Please find my resume attached .” If you have both cover letter and resume, you can say, “Please find my resume and cover letter attached.”

Also Read: How to write a job application?

2. When You Submit a Physical Copy of Cover Letter

When you submit a physical copy of your cover letter to a recruiter’s office, it’s the perfect place to use the phrase “ Please find my resume attached .”

This way, you can ensure that the recruiter knows about the attached resume and doesn’t accidentally discard your application.

Including the phrase "please find my resume attached" also ensures that recruiters consider both your resume and cover letter together.

Also Read: How to start a stellar cover letter in 2022?

3. When Responding to Interview Request Mail

When you receive an interview request via mail, It’s a good idea to keep your resume attached in the reply mail.

It may happen that the interview request will come months after you first applied for the job, and you could’ve gotten more experienced.

In that situation, always attach your updated resume with the reply mail and mention that you are attaching a resume for the interviewer’s convenience.

4. When You Request for An Informational Interview

Informational interviews are excellent for learning about the industry or role you're interested in working.

However, when you cold-email someone for an interview, it’s essential that you attach your resume with it and add “ Please find my resume attach ” at the end of your email.

How else will they understand that you are worth their time?

5. When Asking for A Professional Recommendation

Professional recommendation can help you get ahead in your career. That's why it's important to ask for professional recommendation from your peers or seniors.

However, before giving you a recommendation, they need some details about your professional career. That's why it's a good idea to provide your resume with the "Recommendation Request" letter.

Also Read: How to write a thank you email after an interview?

What to Avoid While Communicating “Please Find Attached My Resume.”

There are numerous ways candidates write “attached resume” in job application emails which is outright wrong.

Here are some of the ways that you need to avoid while communicating the same:

“Please find attached my resume.”

This is the traditional way to indicate that you have attached your resume. However, It’s outdated in the 21st century and comes off as wrong.

“Please find attached: my resume.”

Many people add a colon in the middle of the phrase. However, this change doesn’t make sense grammatically and makes it worse.

“Please find, attached, my resume.”

This phrase is technically grammatically correct. But adding commas makes it less readable.

“Please find attached resume.”

Some candidates try to play with the grammar and remove possessives from the sentence. It makes it very rushed, and it’s certainly not an improvement.

There are multiple other bad ways to use the phrase. But none of them sounds right, such as:

• Please find attached my resume for your consideration
• Please find attached my resume and cover letter
• Please find my attached resume
• Please see attached my resume
• Please see attached resume
• Please find enclosed my resume

In the next section, we’ve given some correct examples of the same.

15 Good Alternative of “Please Find Attached”

The idea of writing the phrase “Please find attached” is in such a way that it looks conversational and flows with the letter/email really well.

Here’s are some good examples of this phrase:

• I’m attaching my resume for your convenience.
• I’ve attached my resume for your consideration.
• I’ve included my resume for your review.
• I’m attaching my resume for your review. Please let me know if you experience any issues.
• I’ve attached my resume below. Please let me know if you need anything else.
• Included here are my resume and cover letter. Let me know if you face any problems.
• I have my resume below. If you don’t see it, please let me know, and I will be happy to resolve the attachment issue.
• I’m attaching my resume and cover letter for your reference.
• I’ve attached my resume as per your requests.
• Please find attached my resume for your review and consideration.
• I’ve included my resume for your kind reference.
• I’ve added my resume and cover letter below. Please let me know if anything else is needed.
• See the attached file for my resume
• See the attached file for more details
• Please refer to the attached file for your perusal

How to Decide Which Phrase to Use?

If you are struggling to decide which phrases to use in your job application letter, here are some tips for you:

1. Check If the Job Description Asked You to Send a Resume:

If the job description explicitly tells you to send a resume, then you don’t need to write the phrase “Please find my resume attached.”

2. Analyze The Job Culture

If the job is formal, then you need to use formal language in your job application.

For instance, you can say, “The resume has been included for your review.” However, if it’s informal work culture, you can say, “ I’ve attached my resume for your consideration .”

3. Look for Specific Instructions in Job Description

Always read the job description carefully and look for any specific directions. For instance, many job applications have a checkbox where you have to tick if you’ve included a resume.

In that case, you don’t need to add this phrase “please find attached my resume explicitly.”

4. Refer Your Resume on Letter

The smoothest way to tell a recruiter that you have attached a resume is to refer your resume directly to the job application letter.

You can say something like, " As the attached resume shows, I have proficiency with WordPress and Ghost CMS …….” This type of reference will fit excellently with the context of your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is please find attached my resume grammatically correct.

Yes, the phrase “Please find attached my resume” is a grammatically correct sentence. However, it’s so overused in the business letters from the contemporary era that it has lost all its charms of getting recruiters to notice your profile.

Therefore, it’s better to use some other ways to tell a recruiter that you have added an attachment with your cover letter.

What does please find attached mean?

“Please find attached” indicates to the recruiter that there is some other document attached with the letter or e-mail. It’s a generic expression used on most business letters.

How do you reply to an email with an attachment?

• Go to Gmail
• Open the email with an attachment
• Click Reply on the top-right corner
• There is a pop-out to the new window button on the email, click on it!
• Drag any document or email you want to attach to your message.
• Write your message and hit send.

Key Takeaways

We hope you’ve learned everything you need to know about addressing your attachment on a cover letter or job application email. Here are some key takeaways from the blog:

• In the 21st century , using the phrase “Please find attached my resume” is outdated
• You have to use the more natural or conversational phrases to convey the same such as “ I’ve attached my resume for your reference. .”
• Read the job description carefully before attaching your resume to the job application
• Analyze the work culture and set the tone of your job application letter accordingly

If you are applying for a job and looking to create professional resumes and cover letters for your job search, visit Hiration Online Resume Builder and make your resume for free.

If you have any other questions, connect with us at team@hiration.com , and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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