How to Send Your CV via Email (with Examples)
Email is one of the most practical ways of applying for jobs. It’s quick, easy and your application goes directly to the recruiter or hiring manager.
While email is a relatively straightforward way of applying for jobs, it’s essential to make sure your email applications are professional and make a positive impression on employers. In this article, we discuss how to write a strong job application email, including tips on setting up a professional email address and examples of recommended email text.
Here's what you'll learn:
- The steps on how to email your CV
- Email examples of sending your CV depending on your career stage
- The common mistakes to avoid when emailing your CV
Why sending a good email with your CV is important
Sending a strong email with your CV is a great way to make a positive impression on the recruiter or hiring manager. Here are some of the reasons you should take extra care when emailing your CV, and why it can pay dividends to do so:
Reason | Explanation |
First impressions | Your email will be the first thing the recipient reads, before they even open your CV and cover letter. |
Professionalism | The tone and content of your email will give the reader an impression of your professionalism. |
Attention to detail | The overall presentation of your job application email will showcase your attention to detail, demonstrating that you leave nothing to chance. |
Cover letter alternative | If you're using your email as your cover letter, and not attaching a separate cover letter, the importance of your email is even greater. |
Putting you in the frame | A strong introductory email accompanying your CV and cover letter won't get you the job, but a weak one can all-but count you out of the running. |
How to email your CV
When emailing your CV, every small detail, from your email address to the file name of your CV and cover letter, can affect how professional you appear to a recruiter or employer. Follow these steps to ensure your application makes the best first impression:
Subject line of your email
Include a clear subject line in your email to ensure it ends up in the right place (with the hiring manager), and the recipient doesn’t miss it. This means that if your email goes to a general enquiries email inbox, the recipient can send it on to the relevant manager.
Steer clear of generic email subject lines like 'Job application' or 'My CV', and ensure it includes all the relevant details. Add the role you’re applying for along with your name and any reference numbers or other relevant information, such as the name of the hiring manager. Take a look at the example subject lines below:
Example email subject lines
- Office manager application — Susan Henderson
- Office manager application — Susan Henderson (ref. J678-23)
- FAO Mark Harrison: Office manager job application — Susan Henderson
Body of the email
Think of the email body as a short, professional cover note – not a full cover letter. It should briefly introduce who you are, what role you’re applying for, and why you’re a good fit.
Follow this guide for what to include in your job application email:
- Greeting: Address your email to the hiring manager directly (for example, ‘Dear Ms Harden, Dear Emily Harden’), or for more modern industry sectors, use their first name (‘Dear Emily’). If you don’t know the name of the hiring manager, you can use ‘Dear hiring manager’.
- Introduction: State who you are and the role you're applying for. Include any reference numbers or indicate where you saw the role advertised.
- Value statement: Briefly state one or two of your key strengths or experiences. This will help the hiring manager quickly start to build an impression of your suitability for the role.
- Attachment notice: Direct the reader to the attached documents (for example, 'Please see my CV and cover letter attached for further details'). This will ensure the reader notices and downloads all the appropriate application documents.
- Sign off: Close the letter politely with your full name, and contact details below. Include your phone number and email address, but omit your full address, as this isn't usually necessary at this stage of the process.
For guidance on the structure and contents of your formal cover letter, Jobseeker offers a wealth of valuable tools and resources. With Jobseeker's cover letter templates, you can use pre-written text as the foundation for your letter and tailor it to match the job description, and your experience.
Ending the email
There are several ways to sign off your application email, but like the greeting, you probably don’t need to use as formal a sign-off as you would with a traditional letter-based application. You can use any of the following:
- Regards
- Kind regards
- Best regards
- Best wishes
- Thanks
- Many thanks
For more formal applications, you can use ‘Sincerely’, but you don’t need to be as formal as ‘Yours sincerely’, as email communication is traditionally less formal than letter writing, even within traditional, professional settings.
Attachments to your email
When applying by email, send your CV and cover letter as PDF attachments. This will preserve the formatting of both documents. Use file naming conventions that include your first name, surname, job title and document type to make it easy for recruiters and hiring managers to identify and categorise your documents. For example: John_Smith_Marketing_Manager_CV.
Write an impactful cover letter
Add your cover letter as an attachment alongside your CV. Creating a separate cover letter and attaching it allows your email to be short and to-the-point, while it also allows you to create a smart, professional cover letter separately. Additionally, it makes your cover letter easier for recruiters to save and send on to relevant parties.
Data insight: According to research from Jobseeker, 83% of HR professionals almost always read cover letters, so take the time to ensure yours is carefully crafted and tailored to the role you're applying for.
Examples of an email for your CV
Now that you know what goes into a strong job application email, let's take a look at some email CV examples that use the principles mentioned above to deliver a professional, impactful email message. Below you'll find several example emails you can use for inspiration, depending on your situation:
Example email for an entry-level candidate
June 16, 2026
Subject: Research Assistant application (ref.13636) – Jennifer Spring
Dear Iain Barnes,
I'm writing in application of the Research Assistant position (ref.13636), which was posted on LinkedIn on 12 January. As a recent graduate in Statistics and Economics from the University of Glasgow, I have a strong understanding of quantitative research methods and complex statistical analysis, including multiple regression models. While studying, I worked part-time as a telephone interviewer for a social research firm, delivering an average of 11% beyond expected response rates.
Please refer to my CV and cover letter attached to this email for further details. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Jennifer Spring
Jennifer.Spring.Stats@example.com
07935 276945
Example email for an experienced candidate
June 16, 2026
Subject: Sales Manager application – Andrew Brancott
Dear Nicola,
I’m writing to apply for the position of Sales Manager, as advertised in Retail Times. Having worked as a Sales Manager for a major electronics retailer for the past seven years, I have extensive experience managing a sales team of 26 full-time and part-time employees. By fostering a strong culture of teamwork and accountability, my sales team outperformed average regional sales by 17%.
Please see my CV and cover letter attached. Thank you for considering my application.
Regards,
Andrew Brancott
07483 856261
Andrew_Brancott_Sales@example.com
Example email for a senior candidate
June 16, 2026
Subject: Chief Operating Officer application – Daniel Brenner
Dear Misha Singh,
I'm writing to apply for the position of Financial Director, as advertised in the Financial Times. Having served as CFO for a successful tech startup for the past six years, I have extensive experience building and scaling finance functions, managing investor relations, and leading fundraising rounds totalling £18M. By redesigning our financial planning and forecasting processes, I reduced the monthly close cycle by 40% and improved cash runway visibility from 60 to 180 days.
Please see my CV and cover letter attached. Thank you for considering my application.
Kind regards,
Daniel Brenner
07896 112 473
Daniel_Brenner_Finance@example.com
Example email for a speculative job application
June 16, 2026
Subject: Junior marketing opportunities enquiry – Emma Fielding
Dear Sophie,
I'm writing to inquire about any junior marketing opportunities that may be available at Bright Street Agency. Having recently completed a BA in Marketing Communications at the University of Leeds, I have hands-on experience in social media management, content creation, and paid social campaigns gained through two internships and a year-long placement with a regional e-commerce brand. My involvement contributed to a 22% increase in website traffic from social channels.
Find my CV and cover letter attached. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any suitable opportunities, either now, or in the future. Thank you for taking the time to consider my enquiry.
Kind regards,
Emma Fielding
07534 229 018
Emma_Fielding_Marketing@example.com
Creating a professional email address
Your email address is one of the first things recruiters will notice, because it sits at the top of your CV, among your contact details. If it doesn’t reflect the image you’re trying to convey (hopefully one of professionalism), it doesn’t matter how good your CV is.
When including your email address in your CV, it’s important to think about the impression it creates. An email address like ihearvoices@example.com or sillygoose28@example.com may sound funny to your friends but they scream unprofessionalism to recruiters.
By the same token, using a personal email address that includes your birth year gives away information that you may not want to disclose and that could leave you open to age discrimination.
Common mistakes to avoid when emailing your CV
When writing your email to accompany your CV and cover letter, avoid these mistakes to help you make the best possible first impression:
Mistake | How to fix it |
|---|---|
Unclear subject lines | In the subject line, write the job you're applying for, your name and any reference numbers associated with the vacancy. |
Missing attachments | Double-check you've attached all the necessary files before you send your email. |
Generic email text | Tailor your email text specifically for every job application. |
Unprofessional language | Although email is a less formal format than traditional letters, you still need to show your professionalism throughout. |
Poor formatting | Use clear paragraphs of two or three (short) sentences, in a font that's clear and easy to read (usually the email client's default font). |
Unprofessional email address | Set up a simple, professional email address for sending and managing your job applications. |
Confusing or unmemorable file names | Stick to a clear file naming convention including the job title, your name, the document type (CV or cover letter), and any other relevant information such as dates or reference numbers. |
Being overly formal | Avoid more formal greetings (for example, 'Dear Sir') or complimentary closes (such as 'Yours sincerely'). |
Maximise the potential of emailing your CV
Email is a convenient and effective way of submitting your job application, but it can also have an impact on your chance of success. When writing your email to accompany your CV and cover letter, it's important to take care with the tone and content of your message. Email is less formal than letter-writing, but you'll still want to strike a professional tone.
Use a professional-looking email address, or set one up specifically to manage your applications. Be concise and courteous with the content of your email, greeting the hiring manager or recruiter by name and directing them to your CV and cover letter attachments. Briefly mention a couple of your key strengths or achievements to encourage the reader to review your application documents, but don't add too much detail.
Express enthusiasm for the role and add your contact details in your email sign-off, so the employer can easily contact you to continue the recruitment process.
Jobseeker can help you design impactful, eye-catching CVs and cover letters that stand out from the crowd. Learn more job application tips by reviewing our CV resources. Then take a look at our CV templates and examples, to start crafting your winning job application today.
Frequently asked questions about emailing your CV
When should I email my CV?
You’ll want to send your email when it has the best chance of being seen, and read, by the recipient. There are various schools of thought on which day of the week is the best to send your email, though the general consensus is that Monday is best (1), while Saturday is the worst. When it comes to the time of day, 9am to 12pm or 12 to 3pm are the most popular times to send emails because they have the highest open and engagement rates (2).
Should I include a cover letter in the email as well?
When emailing your CV, you should include a cover letter as well. You can either add this as an attachment alongside your CV, or treat your email as your cover letter. If you’re sending your cover letter as an attachment, use Jobseeker’s cover letter templates to create a professional-looking letter with clean, subtle design elements.
What kind of email address should I use?
It’s best to send your job application via a personal email address. Avoid using your work email, and make sure your email address has a professional tone and appearance. Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo or any other free email providers are fine. Aim for an email address that includes combinations of your name or initials (for example, David_Benjamin@example.com or D.H.Benjamin@example.com). If all combinations are already taken, you could include your job title or profession (for example Helen_Garnett_Teacher@example.com or Adrian.Newton.Marketing@example.com).
How should I name the CV that I attach to the email?
Take care with the naming of any files you attach to your email, such as your CV or cover letter. They should be clearly labelled, and they should make it easy to identify the contents of the document without opening it. Use underscores to link words, and add the date if necessary. Here are some example filenames:
- Andy_Smith_Marketing_Manager_CV
- Peter_Singh_Accountant_CV
- Andrea_Ward_Solicitor_CV_April_2025
- Helena_Patterson_Graphic_Designer_CV_03042025
"It’s a good idea to give careful thought to the content of your email, and make sure it’s concise, professional and courteous."
Sources:
(1) LinkedIn: What are the best and worst days of a week to apply for a Job?
(2) Hubspot: The Best Time to Send an Email [2023 Research]
Impress employers with your CV
Step-by-step guidance to create a professional CV in minutes.
![How to Include Your Phone Number on a CV [Examples]](/api/media/images/666f97e0-43ac-4309-b911-ab93dccf8001/380-190-9.82%2C0.00%2C68.37%2C100.00/how-to-include-your-phone-number-on-a-cv-examples.jpg)
