How to email your CV

Over the last month I have received several emailed CV’s for our #hireagraduate program. I have received so many mails with just the CV attached, no hello or explanation as to what I am receiving.

Below is a quick guide on How to email your CV professionally

1.       Subject line:

Clearly state what position you are applying for. In the subject line, type your name and surname plus a job title and area for example Janice Wagner – Chief Executive Officer -  JHB/ CT/ KZN

2.      Body of the email:

Don’t forget to greet the person e.g. Dear / Good Morning/ Good Day/ Hi Janice.

Begin the email with the phrase such as “I am emailing you with respect to (job title above) posted on (website/social media).

If not related to a specific position – state clearly the job titles you would like to be considered for such as Admin/ Receptionist/ PA  or Finance Manager/ Accountant/ Creditors Clerk.

I would recommend copying and pasting your cover letter into the email message. Use a simple font (for instance Arial or Calibri 11) and remove all the special colours and fancy formatting.

End with the same sign-off you would a formal letter, using “Yours sincerely” if you know their name and “Yours faithfully” if not.

Avoid Thanks a lot or Warm Regards

3.      Include your email signature:

Include all you contact information.

• Full name and Surname
• Email address
• Phone number

You could include a link (URL) to your LinkedIn profile and other social media accounts you use for career and business purposes.

4.      Have you checked your spelling?

I often make decisions around candidates based on the spelling in the email. 

Professionalism is key – use spell check in Microsoft Word and if you use Gmail or any online email program load into your Internet browser.

( For Chrome use Grammarly for instance https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/grammarly-for-chrome/kbfnbcaeplbcioakkpcpgfkobkghlhen?hl=en )

5.      Use a professional email address

I have made many decisions on candidates based on their email address.

Obviously, a lot of us created our email address when we were still at varsity, but they can create a bad impression. I suggest you use a well- known email service (such as Gmail and Yahoo) and a variation of your name i.e. [email protected] or [email protected]

Email addresses such as [email protected] and [email protected] are unprofessional.

6.      Attach the CV document

Use your name and surname as the file name i.e. janicewagnercv.doc

You can send your CV and cover letter as a Word document or in PDF Format

Janice Wagner

Director: Edge Executive Search

[email protected]