Your email is often the first impression you make on a recruiter—before they even look at your resume or cover letter. It’s not just a formality; it’s your chance to showcase professionalism, set the right tone, and stand out in a crowded inbox. A well-written email can grab attention, build credibility, and spark a recruiter’s interest in learning more about you.
But let’s be honest: Crafting the perfect email isn’t always easy. Figuring out what to write in an email when sending a resume can be a challenge. How much is too much?
This guide will walk you through it, offering simple, practical tips to help your email shine.
Sending Your Resume by Email
Emailing your resume has become the norm for job applications in today’s competitive job market. But it’s more than just sending an attachment—it’s your chance to make a great first impression and set the tone for your application.
While your resume and cover letter provide the details, the email is the first thing hiring managers see. It plays a crucial role in grabbing their attention, making it important to learn how to email a resume.
Why Your Email Matters
While you need to know how to write a resume, learning how to create resume emails is equally as important. The email resume you send is the first step in showing that you’re professional, detail-oriented, and serious about the job.
A well-crafted email can distinguish between your resume being opened immediately or being overlooked in a busy inbox. It’s also your opportunity to quickly introduce yourself, share your enthusiasm for the role, and demonstrate that you’ve done your homework.
Tailoring your email to the specific job and addressing the hiring manager by name shows initiative and attention to detail—qualities every employer values. On the other hand, mistakes like using a generic greeting, typos, or forgetting to attach your resume can leave a bad impression.
What to Include in Your Email
Think of the email as your elevator pitch. This can help you if you’re unsure what to write in email when sending a resume. It doesn’t need to be long, but it does need to be clear and purposeful. Here’s what to include:
- Start by stating the position you’re applying for.
- Highlight one or two key qualifications that make you a great fit.
- End with a professional closing, such as thanking them for their time and expressing your interest in discussing the role further.
A short, professional email that aligns with the job description can help your application stand out and show the recruiter that you’re serious about the opportunity.
Need Professional Support?
If you’re unsure how to write the perfect resume email or want to ensure your application stands out, we’re here to help. Our resources and professional services at Harmont are designed to make your emails clear, polished, and tailored to your dream job. Let’s turn your application into your next big opportunity!
Tips on Writing a Resume Email or Cover Letter Email
In today’s competitive job market, the email you send with your resume or cover letter can make all the difference. It’s not just a formality—it’s your chance to make a great first impression. Here’s a simple guide to help you craft professional, impactful emails for your job application.
How to Write a Great Resume Email
Your resume email should be clear, professional, and to the point. Follow these tips:
- Subject Line: Be specific. For example, “Resume – John Smith – Marketing Assistant” works perfectly
- Professional Email Address: Use an email with your name, like john.smith@email.com. Avoid anything too casual or unprofessional
- Attachments: Attach your resume as a PDF or Word document and name the file clearly, like “John_Smith_Resume.pdf.”
- Email Body: Write a polite and concise message. Introduce yourself, mention the role you’re applying for, and explain why you’re interested. Keep it brief!
- Proofread: Carefully check your email for typos and errors before you send a resume email
How to Write a Cover Letter Email
The cover letter email is your chance to explain more about your qualifications and interest in the role. Here’s how to make it stand out:
- Subject Line: Use something direct, such as “Application for Marketing Manager – John Smith.”
- Attachments: Attach your cover letter as a PDF or Word file with a clear title, like “John_Smith_Cover_Letter.pdf.”
- Email Body: Write a short, personalised note. Mention the attached cover letter, highlight one or two key skills or achievements, and express enthusiasm for the role
- Personalisation: If possible, address the hiring manager by name (e.g., “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]”) and mention the company to show genuine interest
What to Avoid
To ensure your email makes a positive impression, steer clear of these common mistakes:
- Unprofessional Email Addresses: Avoid casual handles like “coolguy123@email.com.”
- Empty Email Body: Don’t leave the message blank—it looks careless
- Generic Messages: Always tailor your email to the specific job and company
- Wrong Attachments: Double-check your files before sending
- Large File Sizes: Keep your attachments small and manageable
- Overly Casual Tone: Stick to professional language—skip slang or emojis
Following these simple steps will ensure that your resume and cover letter emails make a strong impression and help you stand out from the competition.
Sample Email to Send a Resume for a Job
Subject: Resume – John Smith – Marketing Assistant
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Assistant position at [Company Name]. My resume is attached for your review.
My background in social media marketing and content creation aligns well with the requirements of this role. I would like to discuss how my skills can contribute to your team.
If you require any further information, please let me know.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
John Smith
Below your name, you can also add your telephone number and a link to your website or professional social media.
Sample Email for Sending a Cover Letter
Subject: Application for Marketing Manager – John Smith
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
Please find attached my cover letter for the Marketing Manager position at [Company Name].
I would like to be considered for this opportunity and am confident that my background in campaign management and data-driven strategies will bring value to your team.
Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my candidacy further.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Your phone number and link to a professional website or social media page can be added after your name.
By crafting emails with professionalism, clarity, and personalisation, you significantly improve your chances of capturing an employer’s attention and securing an interview.
Why Emailing a Polished Resume Matters
Recruiters in Australia often receive hundreds of resumes for a single job. A 2023 LinkedIn report revealed that hiring managers scan each resume for 6-8 seconds before deciding to move forward. That means your resume needs to grab attention fast!
When you email your resume, presentation is just as important as content. A well-crafted, neatly formatted resume paired with a professional email shows you’re serious, detail-oriented, and ready for the role. Conversely, a messy resume or a vague email can lead to instant rejection—even if you’re highly qualified.
Australian employers look for resumes that:
- Are customised to the job, showing you understand the role and its requirements
- Include relevant skills and accomplishments, like certifications or measurable results
- Follow Australian resume standards, such as avoiding photos and focusing on achievements over personal details
Failing to follow instructions, such as using the wrong file format (PDF is preferred) or not following application guidelines, can hurt your chances. A polished resume with a professional email ensures your skills shine while showing you understand workplace expectations.
Get Expert Help with Your Resume
Landing your dream job starts with a great resume. In Australia’s competitive job market, your resume must be polished, professional, and tailored to the role you’re applying for.
But it’s not just about what’s on your resume—how you present it, especially when emailing a resume, can make a huge difference.
Why Choose Harmont’s Resume Services?
Making a strong first impression is critical, and Harmont’s resume services can help you do just that. Whether you’re a recent graduate, switching careers, or a seasoned professional, we’ll ensure your resume stands out in Australia’s competitive market.
What We Offer:
- Tailored for Australian Standards: We craft resumes that meet local expectations with clear formatting, focused content, and a professional tone.
- Optimised for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): Many Australian companies use ATS software to filter resumes. We ensure your resume passes these systems and reaches recruiters.
- Personalised to Highlight Your Strengths: We’ll showcase your unique skills, achievements, and career goals, helping you stand out.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re asking yourself what is a CV or you need to learn how to create one, Harmont is here to help. We’ll show you how to showcase your skills and potential effectively. Here’s what we offer:
- Free Resume Review: Get professional feedback and identify areas to improve
- Custom Resume Services: Let us create a polished, professional resume tailored to your dream job
Your career success starts with a resume that works as hard as you do. Let Harmont help you make a lasting impression and get closer to the job you deserve.
Ready to get started? Let’s do this together!
Take the First Step Toward Your Career Goals
Writing a professional email for a job application is your chance to make a strong first impression. When it comes to what to write in an email when sending a resume, it’s important to make it professional, succinct, and attention-grabbing. Use the right tone, format your email correctly, and follow any instructions provided.
A clear and well-written email shows professionalism and helps you stand out as a candidate. Take your time to craft a thoughtful email—it could be the key to landing your dream job.
FAQ
For those of you that may still have some concerns on this matter, here are some frequently asked questions and answers about
As discussed, the most common way to start an email that includes a resume attachment (if you don’t have a specific contact) would be to start with a formal greeting of ‘Dear Hiring Manager.’
If you have had previous communication with the hiring manager or have been referred by someone, you can start with a more personalized greeting such as ‘Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name].’
As well as the formalities of starting an email with the above, it is also important to introduce yourself and mention the position you are applying for. You can also mention where you heard about the job opening.
Similarly, you should briefly highlight your qualifications, skills, and experience in the main body of the email with reference to how this will make you a good fit for the position.
End by thanking the hiring manager and signing the email off professionally using either ‘Kind Regards’ or ‘Sincerely,’ followed by your name and contact information.
When sending an email that includes both a resume and cover letter, this email should follow all of the same above protocols – just be sure to mention that both are attached. You may wish to go into less detail in the main body of the email with regard to your experience and motivation for the role, as all of this will be delved into within the cover letter.
For exact guidelines on how to write an email when sending a resume, please see ‘Template 2’ under Sample Emails.
However, here is a brief example below:
‘Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]
I am writing to apply for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. I am excited about the opportunity to work for your organization, and I believe my skills and experience make me a strong fit for the position.
I have [X amount] of experience in [field], and I am confident that my [skills] will be a great asset to your team.
In my current role at [Company], I have [achievement]. I am also proficient in [skill/qualification/software/tool].
Please find attached my resume, which highlights my experience in further detail.
I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you further.
Best regards,
[Name]’
Your email should have a clear subject line with your name and the job title. In the body, write a short introduction about who you are and why you’re applying, and end with a polite closing. Attach your resume as a PDF or Word document, and keep your tone professional.
Yes, it’s correct and professional. However, you can also use alternatives to make it sound more modern, like “I’ve attached my resume for your review” or “Please find attached my resume for your consideration.”
Of course! The experts at Harmont can help you create strong, well-written resume emails that are clear, professional, and tailored to stand out to recruiters.
You can include your cover letter directly in the email if the employer requests it. However, it’s more common to attach a formal cover letter as a PDF or Word file and use the email for a short introduction.
Start with a polite greeting and address the recipient by name. In the body, briefly introduce yourself, mention the job title, and highlight one or two key qualifications. End with a polite closing and attach your resume and cover letter in the required format.
PDF or Word documents (.doc/.docx) are the best formats for emailing a resume. PDFs keep the formatting intact, while Word documents work well with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Always follow the employer’s instructions if they request a specific format.
Use sincerely if you know the recipient’s name (e.g., “Dear Mr. Smith”). Use faithfully if you don’t know their name (e.g., “Dear Sir/Madam”). This rule follows traditional British and Australian formal writing guidelines.
