Beyond 'Please Find Attached': How to Write an Email That Gets Your Resume Read

Ever stared at a blank email, a freshly polished resume ready to go, and typed out those five familiar words?

“Please find attached my resume.”

It feels safe. It’s direct. It’s what everyone does, right? But what if that one little sentence is the reason your application is getting lost in a sea of other hopefuls?

In a competitive job market, every word matters.

Your email isn't just a delivery vehicle for your resume; it's the trailer for your movie. It’s your chance to spark curiosity and convince the hiring manager that the main feature—your resume—is worth their time.

Let's retire that tired phrase and replace it with something that actually works.

Why "Please Find Attached My Resume" Is a Missed Opportunity

Think of a hiring manager’s inbox. It's a flood of notifications, deadlines, and dozens, if not hundreds, of applications for a single role. When they see that generic line, it signals a few things, none of them great:

• It's passive and low-effort. It says, "Here's a document. Do the work to figure out why I'm a good fit." You're not selling yourself; you're just making a delivery.
• It's generic. It does nothing to separate you from the other 99 candidates who wrote the exact same thing. It’s the beige wallpaper of job applications—it blends in completely.
• It wastes valuable real estate. The body of your email is a prime opportunity to make a personal connection and highlight your most relevant skill. Don't throw it away!

The Anatomy of a Powerful Application Email

So, what should you write instead? A winning application email is short, punchy, and built around three key components.

Start with a Clear and Professional Subject Line

This is your first hurdle. If your subject line is vague, your email might not even get opened. Keep it simple and informative.

Formula: Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]

Example: Application for Senior Marketing Manager - Jane Doe

It’s professional, searchable for the recruiter, and instantly tells them what they need to know.

Craft a Body That Serves as Your 30-Second Pitch

Here’s where the magic happens. Your goal isn't to re-write your whole resume, but to provide a compelling snapshot that connects your experience directly to their needs.

1. Use a personalized greeting. Address the hiring manager by name if you can find it ("Dear Ms. Smith"). If not, "Dear [Department Name] Hiring Team" is a solid alternative.
2. State your purpose. Briefly mention the role you're applying for and where you saw it advertised.
3. Make the connection. This is crucial. Pick one or two key qualifications from the job description and briefly explain how your experience aligns. Use their language.

• If they need someone with "experience managing social media campaigns," you could say, "My 4 years of experience leading social media strategy, which resulted in a 150% growth in audience engagement at my last role, aligns directly with your needs."

1. Express genuine enthusiasm. Show them you're excited about this company and this role, not just any job.

End with a Confident Call to Action

Don't just sign off. Guide them toward the next step. Let them know you’re keen to talk further.

Instead of a weak "I look forward to hearing from you," try something more proactive:

• "I've attached my resume for a more detailed look at my qualifications. I'm eager for the opportunity to discuss how my project management skills can benefit the team at [Company Name]."

Examples You Can Use Today

Let's see it in action.

Subject: Application for Project Coordinator - Ben Carter

Dear Mr. Harrison,

I am writing to express my enthusiastic interest in the Project Coordinator position I found advertised on LinkedIn.

With over three years of experience supporting agile development teams, my skills in JIRA, stakeholder communication, and deadline management are a strong match for the responsibilities outlined in your job description. At my previous company, I helped streamline our team's reporting process, which reduced time spent on administrative tasks by 15%.

My resume is attached for your review. I am confident I have the skills and dedication to be a valuable asset to your team and would welcome the chance to discuss this further.

Best regards,

Ben Carter

See the difference? It's confident, specific, and immediately starts selling Ben as a problem-solver.

Your Email is Your First Handshake—Make It a Firm One

Moving beyond "please find attached" is about shifting your mindset. Stop thinking of your email as a simple note and start seeing it as your opening argument. It’s your first and best chance to prove you’re a thoughtful, proactive, and valuable candidate who is perfect for the role.

By personalizing your message and connecting the dots for the hiring manager, you make their job easier—and make yourself unforgettable.

Of course, a great email is only half the battle. You need to make sure the document they open is as polished as your introduction. Crafting a standout resume can be the final piece of the puzzle, and using a modern resume and cover letter builder resumost can help you create a professional document that perfectly complements your killer application email.