Please Find Attached My CV: How To Say It Right

Your CV is your most important tool in securing a new job. It’s important that your CV is accurate, informative and interesting. Even though your attention should be on getting your CV right, it doesn’t mean that how you communicate with potential employers isn’t something to think about also. 

The email or letter you send to potential employers that your CV is attached to might be the first contact you have with the employer, so it needs to be well written. Otherwise, it could be binned before your CV is looked at. 

One of the most important sentences in this email or letter is ‘Please find attached my CV.’ - This sentence is highlighting to the employer your CV is included and that you want them to look at it. But, is this the best phrase to use? Let’s see if it is. 

Related: How To Write A CV

When you may have to use ‘Please find attached my CV’

There are several instances where it’s appropriate to use the phrase ‘ Please find attached my CV’. These include:

When submitting an application form 

There may be space within the application form to include a copy of your CV. If not, it’s a good idea to let the employer know you’ve included a copy anyway. But, if the employer has specifically asked for CVs not to be sent, then leave it out.

When sending a cover letter

Some employers ask for a cover letter and a CV to be submitted in application for a job. Even though they are expecting to receive your CV, it’s helpful for you to mention ‘Please find attached my CV’ as it acts as a reminder for them to read both your cover letter and CV.

Sending a speculative job email or letter

A speculative job email or letter is where you write to companies to introduce yourself, sell in your skills and experience and ask if they have any relevant job openings they may consider you for. There’s no guarantee that they will, but your chances of being successful depend on the professionalism and attention to detail of your email or letter. So, in this instance it’s appropriate to use ‘Please find attached my CV’. 

When confirming your attendance to an interview 

As you’ve been invited for an interview, the employer obviously has a copy of your CV. Yet, it could be weeks, months even since you applied for the job so it can be helpful to include a copy of your CV. This also guarantees that the employer has a copy of your most recent CV before they interview you. 

Related: How To Write An Email Asking For A Job

Is it OK to use ‘Please find attached my CV’?

Employers receive hundreds of applications for advertised jobs. You definitely need to let them know that your CV is included in the application. If they can’t easily find your CV, they may move onto the next candidate as they don’t have the time to search for it. While there’s nothing grammatically wrong with the phrase ‘Please find attached my CV’. It does sound old-fashioned. 

This language style may fit with the organisation you’re applying to, but there’s a chance it won’t. And, rightly or wrongly, this could impact your application.

Other ways to phrase ‘Please find attached my CV’

The good news is this, there are other ways to phrase ‘Please find attached my CV’. Here are some you may want to use:

When to use alternatives

As we mentioned, the phrase ‘Please find attached my CV’ may seem to some stuffy and outdated. Less informal phrases that still carry the essence of the message, are appropriate to use when: 

It matches the language of the company 

Before sending off your application check the company’s website to see what language style they use. Conversational, chatty and straight-forward styles can be reflected in phrases like ‘Here is a copy of my CV’ or ‘My CV is included.’

Following up after a meeting 

It’s OK to be less formal in communication with someone you already have a connection with. Phrases like ‘As mentioned during our call, I’m attaching a copy of my CV’ or ‘As requested, here is a copy of my CV’. 

In a letter to explain why your skills are relevant to the role

If you have been contacted by a recruiter about a job they may ask you to apply formally by submitting a cover letter and a copy of your CV. In the cover letter you’ll want to draw their attention to how your skills make you the ideal candidate for the job. To do this use phrases like ‘As my CV shows…’ or ‘My CV (attached) details... 

Related: How To Write The Perfect Job Application Email