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16+ Convincing Cover Letter Templates [Pick & Download]

Looking to create a cover letter that stands out? Try one of our 12 cover letter templates (and land that job)!

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Expert Reviews

Oana Vintila

Career Counselor

Cover Letters are usually synonymous with formal and bland rambling that you write down hoping for an invite to a job interview. I just love it how Novorésumé has enhanced that and is offering you a tool to build proper arguments and structured discourse about who YOU ARE and what YOU CAN DO.

A real confidence booster, I tell you, seeing your motivation eloquently written!

Gabriela Tardea

Career Strategist, Coach & Trainer

The best thing about this platform when creating a Cover Letter as an addition to your resume is that the documents will match each other's design and font, creating eye-catching documents that recruiters/hiring managers will love.

You will be initially judged based on your papers, so why not make a first great impression?

Why Novorésumé?

Matching Cover Letters

To keep your job application consistent and professional, our Cover Letter templates perfectly match the resume templates.

Creative & Standard Templates

Whether you apply for a conservative industry like banking or a hype start-up, you can tailor our cover letter templates to fit your exact needs.

Get Inspired with Our Cover Letter Examples

Cover letters resources, what is a cover letter.

A cover letter is a one-page document you submit alongside your resume or CV for your job application.

The main purpose of your cover letter is to:

Show your motivation for working at the company

Bring special attention to the most important parts of your work history

Explain how your work experience fits whatever the company is looking for

What your cover letter is NOT about, is rehashing whatever you already mentioned in your resume. Sure, you should mention the most important bits, but it should NOT be a literal copy-paste.

Keep in mind that the cover letter is usually read after the recruiter scans your resume and decides that you’re qualified for the position.

Why Use a Cover Letter Template?

Your cover letter is just as (if not more) important as your resume.

After all, your resume is what gets your foot through the door, but a cover letter is what opens that door.

So, if you put so much effort into your resume, why not do the same for your cover letter?

A good cover letter template can show the recruiter that you’re serious about the job (especially if it matches your resume design).

What to Include in Your Cover Letter?

Every good cover letter has the following sections:

Header - On top of the cover letter, you write down your own contact information, as well as the recruiter’s (recruiter name, company name, company address, etc…).

Greeting - A formal greeting for the recruiter. E.g. “Dear Sir or Madam,” To learn how to address your cover letter better, check out our article.

Opening paragraph - The introduction of your resume. Here, you summarize your background info (“financial analyst with X+ years of experience”), state your intent (“looking for X position at Company Y”), and summarize your 1-2 achievements to get the recruiter hooked.

Second paragraph - In the second paragraph, you explain how you’re qualified for the position and why the recruiter should pick YOU.

Third paragraph - You talk about why you’re a good match for the company. Do you share common values? Is the company working on projects you’re interested in? Etc…

Formal closing - Finally, you end the cover letter with a quick summary and a call to action (“I’m super excited to work with Company X. Looking forward to hearing from you!”).

How to Write a Great Cover Letter?

There’s a lot that goes into writing a great cover letter. If you want to get the full picture, you can check out our guide on how to write a cover letter .

Here are, however, some of the key takeaways:

Avoid Fluff - You want to be as specific as possible with your cover letter. Avoid vague statements like “I’m a good fit for the company because I’m a good critical thinker!”

Do Your Research - Most companies don’t like people who “spray and pray” - applying for dozens of jobs without giving any much thought. What they ARE looking for is someone that’s passionate about their company, and wants to contribute. So, do your research about the companies you apply for, and show off your knowledge and passion in your cover letter.

Back Up Your Achievements with Data - When possible, back up your experience with data. Instead of saying, “I improved company revenue”, say “I managed to hit and exceed sales KPIs for 5+ months in a row.”

How Long Should a Cover Letter Be?

Most recruiters agree that a cover letter should be brief and concise. It should be around 1-page max, within a 250 to 400 word range.

How Can I Write a Student Cover Letter?

Pretty much the same way you’d write a regular cover letter, with one difference.

Instead of focusing on your work experience, you should talk about:

Why you want to work for the company you’re applying for

How your educational background prepared you for the job

How your skill-set can help you stand out and excel at the job

See what our customers think

Cover Letter Templates FAQ?

How to make a simple cover letter for your resume.

Simply pick one of our 12 cover letter templates above to get started.

We’d recommend matching your cover letter template to the resume template you picked.

What is the Best Cover Letter Template?

There’s no such thing as the “best cover letter template.” After all, every single recruiter has their own personal taste. Some might like a shiny & flashy cover letter template, while others might think it’s tacky.

As a rule of thumb, though, we usually recommend customizing each cover letter for the company you’re sending it to.

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The ultimate cover letter checklist

R esumes and LinkedIn profiles may get the lion’s share of attention, but a good cover letter can go a long way toward impressing hiring decision-makers. One survey by ResumeLab found that 83% of respondents claimed that a great cover letter can land an interview even if your résumé isn’t good enough.

But writing a cover letter is hard. Many applicants would skip them if they could. You may not know how to start, or the idea of writing about yourself might overwhelm you. And yes, the type of writing necessary for a cover letter is different from most other kinds of writing.

The good news? We’ve got you covered. Read on for easy steps you can follow to simplify the cover letter process, an example cover letter, and bonus cover letter tips.

What is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a note that accompanies a job application and/or resume that serves to introduce you to the employer and show why you’re a match for the job. You might think a resume does this just fine, but there are things a cover letter can do that a resume can’t. 

“When you write a cover letter, the goal is to connect and find a common link,” says Angela Aylward, resume expert and tutor with Varsity Tutors . “A resume is an overview of your job history and skills, while the cover letter brings in your personality.”

In addition to explicitly connecting your skills and experiences to the job, your cover letter is also the opportunity to bring your resume to life with additional information. Overlook it and you’re missing a chance to stand out among the other candidates.

How to write a cover letter

Writing a cover letter can be overwhelming, but we’ve broken it down into easy steps:

1. Use the correct cover letter formatting

A cover letter is a formal business document, and it should look like one, says Aylward. In the upper left corner of your page, put the name, email address, company, and possibly the address of the contact, and include your own heading information as well like you did on your resume.

“I recommend that you match the format and font to your resume,” says Aylward. “A cover letter and resume should be a matched set, with organization and consistency.”

If the job application instructions ask you to put your cover letter in the text of an email, you can include your contact information in your email signature instead.

Additionally, choose fonts that can be easily read, Aylward adds. “You want to personalize the resume and cover letter but fun fonts can be difficult to read and look unprofessional,” she says.

As for structure, career coach Rachel Montañez typically recommends a compelling lead paragraph, then two to three short paragraphs or bullet points in the body highlighting your key strengths, and a closing that includes your interest in the next steps.

2. Don’t use an overly formal or generic greeting or salutation

When possible, it’s best to address your cover letter to a person instead of a generic option like “To whom it may concern,” says career coach Ronald J. Auerbach, author of Think Like an Interviewer: Your Job Hunting Guide to Success . However, if you’re responding to an ad, you may need to dig deeper. Alyward says, “This can be a challenge these days since a good portion of jobs are posted on sites that don’t mention the name of the person who is hiring…But not going the extra step to find and mention the name of a person is one thing that people miss.”

You can check LinkedIn to try and figure out the name of the hiring manager, career coach Merryn Roberts-Huntley, owner of Made To Hire says. “Ideally, it should be addressed to the actual person who is hiring for the position. If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager with confidence, then address the cover letter to ‘Dear Hiring Manager.’”

 You can also address the letter to the team or department you would be joining. But always steer clear of “To whom it may concern.”

And be sure not to veer into overly formal territory. Hari Kolam, CEO of the talent acquisition platform Findem, told Fast Company in a previous report that it’s a delicate balance. “All too often applicants err on the side of formality, and it actually backfires.” Although “Hey,” is not appropriate, “Dear Sir or Madam” will sound too quaint. “Avoid overly formal language and long, complicated sentences that may disinterest the reader,” he said. 

3. Start with a strong opening

You have just a few seconds to grab the reader’s attention, so start with whatever it is about you that will grab their interest, says Amy Soricelli , vice president of career services at Berkeley College. If you’ve been referred by someone influential, lead with that. Otherwise, think about the fact or brief anecdote that will catch interest. It might be your experience, expertise, or a big impact you made, Scoricelli says. 

Whatever you do, don’t start your letter with an old chestnut like “I’m writing to express my interest in x position.” After all, applying to the right listing or making your purpose obvious in your subject line should already be established.

Sara McCord, formerly of The Muse , agrees . When she is reviewing letters for others, if the first line reads something like”I am writing to apply for [job] at [company],” she says she will delete it and suggest a swap every time. “When a hiring manager sees that, she won’t think, ‘How thoughtful of the applicant to remind me what I’m reading!’” she wrote. “Her reaction will be much closer to, ‘boring,’ ‘meh,’ or even ‘next!’” Think about using a statement like one of these:

• I’ve wanted to work in education ever since my third-grade teacher, Ms. Dorchester, helped me discover a love of reading.
• My approach to management is simple: I strive to be the kind of leader I’d want to work for.
• In my three years at [prior company], I increased our average quarterly sales by [percentage].

Such examples make you want to keep reading. That’s half the battle right there, McCord wrote. Additionally, she noted, it makes you memorable, which will help when you’re competing against a sea of applicants.

4. Make a clear connection between you and the company

Find and make a connection to something the company is doing, said Aylward. If you were referred by someone in your network, mention it immediately. Otherwise, do some research on the company and find something to connect to.

“Immediately saying what about the company drew you to their job post helps create a connection with the hiring manager,” she said. “Do a Google search, visit a company’s career page, or pull up things from Forbes or news agencies that give insight into the kinds of things a company is doing and being talked about.”

5. Use your body paragraphs to make your case

Now it’s time to move onto the body of your cover letter. “The bulk of the cover letter, which in its entirety should be about half a page, should be about your competencies and any results you can share that would help sell you for the position,” Roberts-Huntley says. 

Study the job description before deciding what to include. “Highlight your biggest achievements that fit the role,” says Aylward. “Take a close look at the job keywords or jargon. Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and not a repetition and copy-and-paste of your resume.”

Make a powerful case for why you’re the right person for the job and company, Montañez says. Use active words to describe how you truly made a difference. Instead of “I have worked on financial reports,” try “I single-handedly created my team’s financial reports and presented them to senior management.” Bring a sense of enthusiasm to the writing, she advises. 

Many candidates (especially those starting their careers) make the mistake of focusing too much on how the job will benefit them, rather than how they can benefit the company. One of the best ways to show your value to the company is to understand their pain points and troubles, and then identify how you, as a candidate, can help them. Beyond reading the news, you can try to organize informational interviews with people in the company (who aren’t your hiring manager) to find out more about their issues.

When you’re not an insider, however, it’s easy to misidentify a company’s problems. If you can’t get the employees to share the issues they’re facing, talk about your previous successes. Recruiter and professional résumé writer Donna Svei called this an “opportunity letter.” Svei suggested writing about a time that you over-delivered on a project and based on those experiences, how you’d bring that level of excellence to the role you’re seeking.

6. Close strong

Just as the right salutation sets the tone for your letter, a strong close can help you end on the right note. Close the letter reiterating your interest in the position, Roberts-Huntley said.

“Say something along the lines of, ‘I hope to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on your business and the team,’” she suggested. “Adjust it to make sense for the position but create a positive statement about what you’ll do or bring to the position if given the chance.”

Example cover letters

Here are example cover letters that follow the steps above:

Cover letter example #1

This sample cover letter is for an entry-level candidate coming out of college:

I was always one of those kids who spent all their time outside. I was lucky enough to grow up near the woods and just a short drive from Allegheny National Forest. I couldn’t get enough of all the plants and wildlife, and that’s why when it came time to choose a college major, ecology and conservation was a no-brainer. I’ve spent the last four years in college learning about field work and experimental techniques and my whole life loving the Allegheny National Forest, and I’d love to help preserve it as your next Jr. Ecology Assistant.

The job description noted that you’re looking for someone to manage the soil sample collection and testing for the team. I’ve spent the last two summers doing field work as part of my internships. I’ve focused extensively on soil sampling and presented my findings at several conferences in both poster sessions and as one of three undergrad speakers at the 2024 EPA Forestry Conference earlier this month. 

You’re looking for someone with experience in a lab environment, and I’m currently an undergraduate lab technician for Dr. Woodsman’s ecology lab at the University of Pennsylvania. I assist my PI, two post grads, and five graduate students with supply management, experiment and solvent preparation, and equipment scheduling. I also developed a new system for tracking supplies so that I can order more before anyone’s research is disrupted. 

I would love to bring this experience to Allegheny Ecology Group after I graduate this May. I look forward to hearing from you about next steps. 

Kayla Green

Cover letter example #2

Here is a sample cover letter for someone looking to make the next step in their career:

Dear Olivia,

I’ve been a fan of ZGames ever since you launched Moonlake Hills in 2015. My first experience in professional social media was actually a Moonlake YouTube channel where my friends and I would compete in different fan challenges. I’ve continued to play all of your games as I started my marketing career and seeing your job posting for a Social Media Manager felt like the stars (or moons) had aligned. 

For the last two years I’ve been a Digital Marketing Coordinator at Playdom where I helped grow our social media following from 100k across all channels to nearly 500k. The job listing mentioned that ZGames is looking to start up a TikTok channel: I produced and directed Playdom’s first series of TikTok videos, which netted over 1 million views. I believe I could do even better with my deep knowledge of your games and your fanbase. 

I’ve also followed ZGames’ socials since the beginning, and I’m well versed in the brand’s voice and posting style. I’ve done copywriting for social posts and ads on YouTube, X (Twitter), Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, so I’m no stranger to this part of the job either. Additionally, I’m currently in charge of pulling and reporting data to the marketing team for all of Playdom’s social media and newsletter efforts. 

I’d love to bring my extensive experience in social media marketing and ZGames’ catalog to your company. Thank you so much for considering my application. 

Joseph Honeydew

Cover letter tips

Here are some bonus pointers to help you as you write your cover letter.

1. Write with the job description in mind

Your cover letter, like your resume, should be tailored to the job description rather than falling into the trap of pitching to the company in general. As Dan Geiger, Buzzfeed’s former senior manager of people operations, previously told Fast Company , a lot of entry-level hires spent their time sharing their thoughts about how great Buzzfeed is. According to Geiger, it’s better to show your enthusiasm “for the specifics of the role,” rather than the organization. After all, if you just wrote your cover letter with the company in mind, you’re making the recruiter and hiring manager do all the work. By tailoring your pitch to the role, you can sell yourself more effectively.

2. Focus on what you can bring to the company

Let recruiters and hiring managers know exactly how you’re of value. Pick out the most important skills, experiences, training, accolades, and other accomplishments, says career coach Ronald J. Auerbach , author of Think Like an Interviewer: Your Job Hunting Guide to Success . Share them in descending order of importance. 

McCord adds, “Even if you’re applying to your dream company, you don’t want to come off like you think someone entertaining your candidacy is the same as him offering you water at the end of a lengthy hike. You don’t need to thank the hiring manager so incredibly much for reading your application–that’s [their] job.” 

So skip the effusive thanks and demonstrate genuine interest by writing a cover letter that connects the dots between your experience and the requirements of the position. Telling the reader what you’ve accomplished and how it directly translates to meeting the company’s needs is always a better use of space than gushing.

3. Get the tone right

“Aim to make the letter friendly, clear, and professional.” Kolam says, “A good best practice is to research the company’s brand and tailor the wording in a way that speaks their language.” For example, if you’re applying to a very traditional company like an established law or accounting firm, you’ll likely want to stick to more formal language. On the other hand, a cover letter to a tech startup can likely be more relaxed (but still professional) in tone.

4. Show, don’t tell

Your cover letter is an opportunity to give the person reading it a brief glimpse into who you are as a person, Soricelli says. And stories often do that better than a list of job duties you’ve performed. 

McCord explains that if you write a laundry list of your skills, your cover letter will blend into every other submission formatted the same way. The goal isn’t just to show you’re qualified; it’s to make the case that you’re more qualified than all the other applicants. You want to make clear what distinguishes you, so the hiring manager can see why you’re worth following up with to learn more. You want to be memorable. So, break up those skills recaps with anecdotes or splashes of personality.

This is a real, two-line excerpt from a cover letter she wrote:

“If I’m in a conference room and the video isn’t working, I’m not the sort to simply call IT and wait. I’ll also (gracefully) crawl under the table, and check that everything is properly plugged in.”

A couple of lines like this will not only lighten up your letter but also highlight your soft skills. This introduction illustrated that she is a take-charge problem solver, without saying, “I’m a take-charge problem solver.” 

Plus, the “(gracefully)” reference shows that she has a sense of humor and doesn’t take herself too seriously–even in a job application. If your submission follows the same list-type format all the way through, see if you can’t pepper in an example or anecdote that’ll add some personality.

5. Keep it short

Many companies now use applicant tracking systems, which can typically accommodate a cover letter of up to 250 words, Montañez says. “There has been some research done that shows that the length that typically gets past an applicant tracking system,” she said.

According to another ResumeLab survey , 82% of experts reported that the ideal cover letter length is about a single page, and while others said less than half a page is preferred. Aylward says, “Recruiters are looking at 200 to 300 applications for each position. Give them all of the information they need quickly and you’ll stand out.”

6. Avoid cliches 

Scan for clichés and remove them, Aylward says. “For example, everyone says, ‘I’m very excited to see your job posting,’” she advises. “Your letter should reflect your personality without being over the top. Be creative with your language, but don’t make it look like you walked through a thesaurus.”

Aylward continues, “Everyone says they’re a hard worker or creative problem solver. Instead, you could say, ‘I solved this particular problem when I worked at this company and was able to reduce their end-of-month open invoices down by 90%.’ Use statistics and specific examples instead of clichés.”

7. Proofread carefully

Once you’ve got the cover letter drafted and polished, it’s critical to spend some time proofreading, Soricelli says. McCord wrote that typos and mistakes caused her to toss some résumés. Typos can indicate carelessness and put you out of the running before you start. Here are some ways to make sure your résumé is error free:

• Use your word processing program’s spell check and editing functions.
• Find a professional proofreader—or even just a friend who’s good at proofing—to review your letter.
• Try the old “writer trick” of reading each word and sentence from the end to the beginning. This can help you disrupt the flow of the writing and more easily spot mistakes.

It’s common advice, but cannot be overstated, Soricelli says. The reason career experts keep telling people to proofread is because the advice is often ignored. Typos can indicate carelessness and put you out of the running before you start.

Stephanie Vozza and Regina Borsellino also contributed writing, reporting, and/or advice to this article.

This post originally appeared at fastcompany.com

Subscribe to get the Fast Company newsletter: http://fastcompany.com/newsletters

How to Email a Resume to an Employer [Template + Examples]

3 key takeaways

• Before you email a resume, consider seven best practices.
• Follow five steps when writing a resume email.
• Teal’s AI Resume Builder and Job Tracker with Email Templates can help you create a resume and email for every stage of the application process.

While today’s job application process typically starts in an online portal, it’s sometimes beneficial to email your resume and cover letter.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to email a resume in ways that increase your chances of progressing in the hiring process, including:

• Tips on how to email a resume

What to write in an email when sending a resume

How to follow up on your resume email.

• Resume best practices

Struggling to land interviews with your resume? Get started with Teal’s AI Resume Builder for free.

How to send a resume email

When you email your resume and cover letter, you’re pitching yourself for the job. 

Here are some tips to keep in mind when preparing an email to a recruiter or hiring manager:

• Use a professional email address. Avoid sending your resume using an email you created when you were 15. Don’t use one that includes anything unprofessional. Your email address should be your full name, or a variation, so you’re clearly identifiable. 
• Pick an optimal send time. You want to be at the top of the hiring manager’s inbox. That’s why early morning is the best time to send a resume email. If you’re working on it during other hours, consider scheduling the email. Gmail allows you to do this easily.

• Choose the right day. Let’s be real. Most people are busy on Mondays and winding down on Fridays. So your best bet is to send your email Tuesday through Thursday.
• Follow instructions. Some job listings have specific instructions on how to email a cover letter and resume. Some even request you include a word or phrase in the subject line. Your ability to focus on the details and follow instructions properly can set you apart. 
• Double-check. Typos happen and so do other digital mishaps. Use a tool like Grammarly to spell check and ensure your grammar is correct in your email, cover letter, and resume. Open your cover letter and resume and make sure the formatting looks good. Put the email address in last so you don’t accidentally send an incomplete email. 

Pro Tip: If you accidentally send an incomplete email using Gmail, you’ll see that your message has been sent and the options to “Undo” or “View Message” in the bottom left. Click “Undo” right away to unsend your email. 

These email best practices can help you start on the right foot. This is your first interaction with a company and you want to give a positive impression.

How to email a resume (7 tips)

Emailing a resume may seem simple, but there are nuances to consider when applying to a specific job. 

Here are top tips for sending a resume via email:

1. Create a well-optimized and formatted resume 

Resume creation is one of the most important things job seekers need to focus on. Your resume needs (not should) to be well-optimized and formatted. That means two things:

• Tailor each resume to match the job position
• Your resume is scannable and easy to read 

Using a resume template that fits your needs can help simplify the process. Teal offers a variety of templates to choose from, so your resume is easy to read and you don’t have to worry about the design and formatting all on your own. That way you can include the required sections and format your resume based on your desired role. Create a perfect resume using resume templates .

2. Tailor your resume

Using Teal Analysis Mode and Matching Mode, you can easily create a well-optimized resume. Just enter the job description and get a Match Score on your resume. Plus, you’ll get keywords and tips for how to improve your resume so it can stand out. 

Start by using Teal’s Resume Builder. Simply upload your LinkedIn profile or existing resume and get a customizable resume. From there, you can make changes and access the Analysis and Matching tools. 

3. Prepare your resume for email

Your resume format matters. In a single document, you’re sharing highlights of your career journey and relevant skills. Choosing the right one can grab a hiring manager’s attention. Some common resume formats include:

• Chronological resume
• Functional resume
• Combination resume 

These formats showcase information in different ways. Based on where you’re at in your career and the job you’re applying to, you can choose which format is ideal for your situation. 

Once your resume is ready and your resume emails optimized, the question remains:

Should you send your resume as a Word or a PDF file?

People often wonder what’s the best format to send a resume. First, go back to the job listing and see if there are instructions on how to email a resume. Some listings might say which format they prefer. If there’s no preference listed it’s up to you. But there are some things to consider when deciding between sending a PDF or Word doc for your resume file. 

Nicholas Hopkins, director and head of contract recruitment at VIQU IT Recruitment suggests using a Word Document for some important reasons: 

"You'd be surprised, but people still include personal details such as age. If the recruiter is committed to upholding diversity recruiting, they may also need to remove information such as your name, name of your school or university, and start and end dates for job experience. This is to limit potential occurrences of unconscious bias. Some common mistakes I have found people make when emailing their resume are including pictures or not including information on how recruiters can contact them."

Scott Lieberman, founder of Touchdown Money hires people for his small business and has been on the HR hiring committee of various companies for over 10 years offers a different point of view:

“Use a PDF formatted resume to attach to the email. A PDF ensures your resume is opened with the same formatting as you typed it.” 

So if you’re applying directly to a company, you might consider using the PDF format. You can feel confident that your formatting is intact. On the other hand, if you’re emailing a resume to a recruiter a Word Document may be a better option. 

Ultimately, the type of file you send is secondary to the contents of your resume. Make sure your resume looks organized and legible and that it’s optimized based on the job description. 

4. Write an effective email subject line

Emailing a resume won’t do much good if nobody opens the email. That’s where creating a clear and concise subject line helps. 

Avoid these subject line mistakes when emailing your resume:

• Leaving the subject line blank
• Only putting “job application”
• Very long subject lines

Instead, keep the subject line simple using this formula:

[Full Name Application]: [Adjective] [Job Title]  [Seeking New Opportunity at] [Company Name] [Job ID if available]

Email subject line examples :

Brad Smith Application: Collaborative Software Engineer Seeking New Opportunity at Google #530 Katie Johnson Application: Results-Driven Social Media Manager Seeking New Opportunity at Buffer  Jerry Johnson Application: Dynamic Program Director Seeking New Opportunity at LA Phil 

That’s the basic formula. You can tweak it to your liking, but leading with the most important details can make sure it’s not overlooked or confused for spam or promotional email.

Remember, companies may be hiring for multiple positions, so listing the job title can be helpful. Including your name makes it easier to search and listing the company name makes it specific. Lastly, adding an adjective and verb can give them a taste of who you are and what you can do for the company. 

For more tips on crafting an effective subject line, check out this guide on email subject for job application.

5. Email the right person

To help your email stand out and be more professional, email the person most involved in the hiring process. If the hiring manager’s name is listed on the job description, use it when addressing your email. Copy and paste carefully to avoid any misspellings. 

If you don’t see a name but there is a job title, do a little research and see if you can find the contact. For instance, find the company’s LinkedIn page and search through the employees for the title the role would report into or recruiting titles. If no contact details are available, use “hiring manager” or “recruiter.”

6. Give context

Don’t just shoot off an email saying “Resume attached!” An email is a short-form style of communication. It’s essential you lead with your point and why it matters to them. Don’t assume they’ll connect the dots, share concise context in the email and subject line.

Resume email example:

Dear Hiring Manager,  My name is [Full Name] and I saw the [Job Title] position listed on [Website/Where you found it]. As a [Job Role] with [X years of experience], I’d love to be considered. Attached you can find my resume and cover letter. Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely,  [Full Name] 

7. Optimize and attach the resume file

Your resume should be 10 MB or less. If your PDF file size is too large, use a compression tool to make it smaller. It should be small enough to send without compromising on quality or the ability to read it. It’ll be of no use if someone downloads your resume but can’t read it properly.

Additionally, your resume file name should be clear and include your name, job position, and company. Instead of a jumble of non-descript numbers and letters, it should look something like this: 

BradSmithResume_SoftwareEngineer_Google BradSmithSoftwareEngineerResume_Google BradSmith_SoftwareEngineerGoogle

Having a clear naming convention can make it easier to find your resume for all parties involved. It also shows you’re being specific and applying for a particular role at a company, instead of sending off the same resume to several companies. 

When you’re about to attach your resume to your email, do so carefully. You don’t want to send the wrong attachment or the wrong version of your resume. You can be extra careful and send yourself a test email with your resume. 

Here’s how to send an email and attach your resume in Gmail:

• Log in to Gmail
• Click on the “Attach files” icon (look for the paper clip at the bottom of your email)

• Select your resume
• Press “Open”

After following those steps, your email should have the attached resume ready to send. Teal can help you create various versions of your resume and ensure it’s the right file type.

Consider emailing a cover letter

While emailing your resume, you should consider emailing a cover letter as well. If this is in the job listing, this is a must. Even if it’s not a requirement, attaching a cover letter can provide more context about your experience and bring your resume to life. 

The key is to include your cover letter as another attachment. Many people copy and paste their cover letter into the email body or combine it with their resume file. This should only be done if instructed to do so. It’s better to keep your message short and sweet and provide all job application materials as attachments. 

This makes them easier to download and share with other staff members. It’s also just a cleaner and more organized way to apply for a job.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to write in an email when sending a resume.

Step 1: Address the hiring manager or recruiter

Your email should start with a friendly salutation like “Dear” and the email recipient. If you have the contact’s name, use it so it’s clear and personal. When there’s no name given, you can use hiring manager or recruiter. Avoid writing “To whom it may concern” which feels impersonal. 

Dear Hiring Manager,  Dear Recruiter,  Hiring Manager,  Recruiter,

Step 2: Write an intro

Your intro is where you set the stage. You’re establishing your reason for contact. Write clearly about your intentions and the purpose of your email. Here are some examples of several different situations and how to send a resume through email.

If inquiring about a job

I’m reaching out about your [job title] position listed on [website] and would love to learn more.

If applying for a job

I saw your [job title] posting on [website] and I’m interested in applying. 

If following up on a job

I wanted to follow up about the [job position] at [company]. Please let me know if there are any updates. 

Step 3: State your purpose for emailing

The body of an email is where you get to the heart of the matter and provide more details. 

I’m interested in the position and would love to know the best way to apply and submit my application. 

After reviewing the job description, I believe my skills and abilities would benefit your organization. I’ve attached my cover letter and resume for review.

I’d love to meet with your team to discuss my experience further. 

Step 4: End the email

The close of your email should remind them of your interest in the position—and have a dose of enthusiasm and gratitude so you leave a positive impression. 

I look forward to hearing back from you and learning more about the opportunity. 

I would love to discuss how my experience can be an asset in this position. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Let me know if you need anything else or have any questions. 

Step 5: Sign off

Your sign off can include “Sincerely” or “Best” and list your contact information. 

Example sign off :

[Full Name] [Email] [Phone Number] [LinkedIn profile, optional]

Tips on writing a resume email

The salutation and signature are easy enough, but the body of the email is where you’ll get more specific. You want to keep your message clear and inspire a call to action, which in most cases is a response, an interview, or a job offer. 

Tips to keep your resume email professional and concise:

• Keep it brief
• Don’t reiterate what’s in your cover letter
• Avoid sharing too much of your resume in the body of the email
• Aim for three to five sentences
• Don’t copy and paste your cover letter in the body, unless instructed to do so

Teal’s Email Templates feature can give you a head start. Inside the Job Tracker , you'll find email templates for applying for a job, following up on an application, following up after an interview, and even resigning from your job , and giving two weeks notice . That way, you don’t have to start from scratch or reinvent the wheel, so you can use your time elsewhere. 

After sending an email with your resume and cover letter, the waiting game starts. It can be nerve-wracking, but there is one thing you can do (sparingly) to feel a little more in control—follow up. 

The art of email follow-up is crucial. You want to be enthusiastic but not too eager. Polite and not pushy. To follow up, send a well-written email using the email address you used to send your application materials.

Example follow-up email:

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],  Hope you’re doing well! I submitted my resume and job application materials for [job title] a few weeks ago. I wanted to check in and see if you have any updates on the hiring process. I’d love to chat with your team further about the role. Best,  [Full Name]  [Contact information]

Sending a follow-up may help you get a response so you know where you’re at in the process. It’s also about taking a proactive approach to your job search. In fact, some hiring managers expect interested candidates to follow up after an interview. That said, don’t overdo it. In most cases, you should wait until they respond before checking in again.

What NOT to do when sending a follow-up email after applying for a job:

• Use a different email than the one you used for your application
• Send an email too soon (wait a minimum of a week, but two to three weeks might be better) 
• Be demanding
• Forget to include your contact information
• Fail to mention the specific job posting 

For a detailed breakdown on following up on an open role, check out this guide on how to follow up on a job application .

Create a resume you’re proud to send

Learning how to send a resume the right way can mean the difference between getting a response and getting lost in the void. When applying for a job, communication matters. The way you send an email, what you say, how you say it, are all considered before you get an interview. 

So make sure your message gets your point across with an optimized resume that’s named properly and attached to the email. 

To help you feel confident and create a resume you’re proud of sending, use Teal’s Resume Builder. Importing your LinkedIn to create a resume has never been easier and using the range of templates can help you design something that feels like “you.” Also, see how your current resume matches the job description, so you can make improvements and boost your chances of a callback. 

Using both the Resume Builder and Email Templates feature is a winning combo that can remove some of the pain of creating a resume and sending professional emails. 

Sign up for Teal today to access resume and email templates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should i write in an email when sending potential employers a resume.

In an email sending your resume, write “My name is [Full Name] and I’m interested in applying for [Job Title] at [Company Name]. Given my [years of experience], I think I’d be a great fit for this role and would love to talk further. You can find my resume and cover letter attached to this email. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing this further.”

How do you professionally say my resume is attached?

When sending your resume via email, let the email recipient know which documents are attached by saying “My [resume, cover letter, etc] are attached to this email for review.

Is it okay to email your resume?

You always want to follow the instructions provided by the company in the job listing. If the job posting states that you should send your resume via email, it’s not only okay but also necessary to follow those instructions. Other companies may prefer you use their job portal or other online method to submit an application.

Does it matter what time you email a resume?

When you send a resume matters. It’s ideal to send it first thing in the morning so it has a better chance of being seen. This may help your email stay at the top of the inbox instead of getting lost among unread emails. If your email provider allows it (Gmail does), schedule your email to send the next morning if preparing the email later in the day.

Melanie Lockert

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