Online forms and applicant tracking systems may be increasingly popular, but many employers still prefer to receive job applications by email.
So, knowing how to write a polite, personalised message is important, especially after you’ve put time and effort into writing your CV and crafting your cover letter.
In this article, we’ll show you how to highlight your qualifications and hook the hiring manager when you send your CV by email.
Email template for a job application
The example email is exactly what employers want to see when your email lands in their inbox. It’s concise, easy to read, and pitches the applicant’s relevant skills and expertise.
Feel free to paste this CV email template into your word processor and personalise it for your own application.
Subject line: Application for Senior Sales Associate Position
Dear Emma Roland,
My name is Sarah Fullbright, and I’m emailing you to apply for the Senior Sales Associate role that you’re advertising on GlassDoor.
With 4 years of experience working in fast-paced retail environments and a strong track record in customer service, I’d be a valuable addition to the team at Zara. My CV and cover letter are attached for your review.
To arrange an interview, you can reach me anytime at sarah.fullbright@email.com or on 07123 123 123.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Fullbright
e: sarah.fullbright@email.com
t: 07123 123 123
l: Linkedin.com/in/sarah-fullbright
How to write a professional covering email
The key ingredients of a good covering email for your CV are professionalism, brevity, and relevance to the job. Here’s how to combine them into a successful pitch.
1. Use an appropriate email address
A professional email address is clear and makes your application easy to find. Your email address should ideally contain your full name and avoid unnecessary words.
simon.walker@gmail.com
f.palmerston@gmail.com
Numbers are generally fine but can look untrustworthy or spammy in a long string.
✅ johnny.walker123@gmail.com
❌ j.walker92341984172498@gmail.com
If you need to create a new email address for your application, make sure that your account is confirmed and that you don’t have any trouble receiving notifications. Remember, this address is most likely how the employer will contact you if you’re successful—make sure it works!
2. Write a clear subject line
The best subject lines for emailing CVs are brief, relevant, and easy to follow.
Your subject line should include:
- your full name
- the words ‘job application’ or something similar
- the job title you’re applying for
Here are some good example subject lines:
Jack Peterson – Marketing Manager Job Application
Ruby Patel — Front Desk Application
Jacinda Cleary: Chief IT Officer Job Application
3. Briefly introduce yourself
Writing a covering email is not the same as writing a cover letter.
Your email should be short and to the point. Introduce yourself, specify the job you’re applying for, and outline why you should be considered for the job.
4. Clearly attach your CV and cover letter
Attach your CV and cover letter as separate PDF files, unless the job posting specifically asks for another format.
You can convert your documents to PDF format using MS Word or Google Docs:
- On MS Word select ‘File’ > ‘Save as’ > ‘PDF’
- On Google Docs select ‘File’ > ‘Download’ > ‘PDF’
Give each file a clear name that will be easy for the employer to find (e.g., firstname.lastname_CV).
Before you hit send, make sure your CV and cover letter are employer-ready. Small spelling mistakes or poor formatting could hurt your chances of landing an interview.
5. Send a test email
It can be a good idea to send your application email to yourself or a friend.
Doing so lets you see whether your formatting is set up correctly, check your attachments open properly, and scout for typos or errors.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions people often have about emailing a CV or cover letter.
When is the best time to send my covering email?
The best time to send your job application is Tuesday to Thursday, between 8 AM and 10 AM. This way, your email will land in the recruiter’s inbox at the start of their workday, increasing the chances of it being read.
Recruiters often have to catch up on a lot of emails on Monday morning, and your email may get buried if you send it at this time.
Late afternoons and weekends are generally the worst times to send your CV by email. Emails sent late in the day or on weekends are easily overlooked or pushed to the bottom of the queue if the recruiter has other work to finish.
What are some other ways of saying ‘please find attached’?
The following phrases sound more natural than the outdated phrase ‘please find attached’:
- ‘I’ve attached my CV and cover letter for your review.’
- ‘Attached is my CV for your consideration.’
- ‘I’ve included my CV (and cover letter) for your reference.’
Do I need to send in a cover letter if I am submitting my CV by email?
Yes, unless the job posting explicitly says not to.
Your email itself serves as a quick introduction for the recruiter, but attaching a full cover letter gives you more space to explain why you’re a great fit.
Furthermore, you should only write an email cover letter if the recruiter has requested you to do so. Attaching your cover letter as a file makes it easier for the recruiter to share it with other team members.
If you’re short on time, you can use a cover letter builder to quickly generate a cover letter for your email application.
