Make a true impact by using the correct terminology when attaching your CV to your email

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. To make sure you write “please find attached my CV” correctly and within the right context when submitting your CV, follow our guidelines below. 

The value of first impressions 

Before we talk about how to phrase “please find attached my CV,” let's delve into why it's important in the first place. According to many surveys, it only takes seven seconds to make a first impression! That's no time at all to make your mark. That's why the words that you use in your CV email matter.

The right phrasing can either set you on the right path to career success or leave you floundering in the shadows. Nobody wants to be left out in the cold just because they made a simple error. For that reason, it's important to consider how you want to write your email.

What to write when you attach your CV

You've perfected your CV and tailored it to a job that looks right up your street. Now come the practical elements of what to say and how to actually send your document. Let's take a look at the acceptable wording options to use in your email and where to use them:

Alternatives to writing “please find attached my CV”

Of course, you might want to switch things up. 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 fledglings and start-ups.

Reading the job application form thoroughly and mirroring the style used should help guide you towards exactly how to write “please find attached my CV.” Here are some other ways of saying it:

  • Please see my attached CV

  • Please see my CV attached

  • Please find my CV attached

  • I have attached my CV for your reference

  • I have attached my CV for your review and consideration

  • Please find attached my CV for your consideration

  • Attached is my CV for you to review / consideration

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

All of the above 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!

Where to write “please find attached my CV”

You want to let the hiring manager know that you've attached your CV, but where should you write this? 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? Here are some rules of thumb: 

  • Don't put it in the subject heading. 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.

  • Include it in the message. 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. However, this message, 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.

Other elements to include in your email 

Now that you know how to write “please find attached my CV,” let's dig deeper. Short and sweet, the email message that accompanies your document should not be a substitute for a cover letter. Below are things to include: 

  • Your interest. Express your interest in the role and where you saw it.
  • Basic details. Briefly share why you're right for this vacancy and company – you might want to expound on this (by highlighting relevant skills) especially if no cover letter is required.
  • A note regarding the attachment. Mention that you have attached your CV.
  • Call to action. Encourage the hiring manager to get in touch. 
  • Sign-off. Conclude with a formal sign-off, such as “Kind regards.”

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

Get off on the right foot!

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. 

Customising your writing style to each particular role is also 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 attaching that CV in your email, make sure it's in tip-top condition. Upload it for a free CV review and let our experts transform it into an interview-winning document.

This article was originally written by Elizabeth Openshaw and has been updated by Charlotte Grainger.

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