How to Use 'Please Find My Resume' Attached Correctly

Updated 21 May 2023

When applying for a job, it's common for people to tell the recruiter they've attached their resume to the application. Depending on the situation, how you inform the employer about where to find your resume and other job application documents can affect their ability to access the files. Understanding when to use the phrase and its derivatives can ensure that the hiring manager gets your resume and this can improve your chances of getting employed.

In this article, we discuss how to say please find my resume attached when applying for a job, mention the situations where you can use it and highlight alternatives you can use.

How to say 'Please find my resume attached' correctly

Here's a guide showing you the correct way to say please find my resume attached when applying for jobs:

1. Indicate you're attaching the resume in your subject line

When including your resume in an email or letter, ensure that the subject line shows you're attaching a resume to the document. Use a clear and concise subject line so it's memorable and encourages the hiring manager to expect an attachment in your message. Doing this is important as the recruiter might not read your entire message. They may not read the whole letter, but since you mentioned the resume attachment in the subject line, they're likely going to remember to check for the document.

2. Mention the attachment at the end of the email

It's standard practice to mention that you attached your resume at the end of your email or letter. That way, the recruiter remembers to check your message for the attachment. Some email servers lack the option to preview attachments, especially if it's a proprietary tool designed to prevent ransomware and other cyber attacks. Mentioning email attachments at the end of your message can increase the chance the reader is going to see your resume. It can also serve as a professional courtesy to make the recruiter's job easier.

3. Use the correct document format

Employers often include specific instructions for attaching job application documents in the ad. Check the job description to learn about any instructions on how and where to send your resume attachments. One reason for this is that many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to read attached resumes and shortlist the right fit candidates.

It's common for employers to ask for resume attachments to be in PDF format, but many companies can also ask for files in .doc and other formats, making it important to confirm the right method before saving the document. If an employer asks for your attachment to be an online link, provide the necessary access rights to the document.

4. Make your resume ATS-compliant

Because many of the resume attachments are going into an ATS, ensure that your document is optimised for the program. One way to make your resume ATS-compliant is to divide your content with subheadings and use bullet points to make the document easy to scan and legible. Removing images, such as tables, charts and graphs can also enhance ATS readability.

5. Use a professional and informative resume file name

A good example is to include your last name and the job title or a keyword related to the role in the document name, so it's concise, clear and easy to understand. You can separate the words with hyphens or underscores to make them more legible. For example, if you're applying for a software developer role and your name is Sandra Tan, Sandra_Tan_Software_Developer_Resume.pdf is a suitable file name.

6. Check that the resume is attached

Before sending your message, check that your resume is attached correctly to the job application message. Otherwise, the hiring manager might not get it. Note that email applications may process attachments differently. Network and formatting issues may prevent the file from attaching to your email properly. Send the email to yourself first and try opening the attachment to ensure it's functioning properly.

When to tell the recruiter to find your attached resume

Here are situations where you can tell the recruiter to find your attached resume:

Submitting a job application online or via email

When applying for a job online or through an email, it's advisable to tell the receiver the name of the files you included in your email or application. Mentioning the attachments makes it easier for the recruiter to determine that your email includes attachments. Specifying your email attachments in the subject line and message body reduces the chances of missing the documents and can position you as a serious candidate. If you're also including a copy of your cover letter, indicate that in the message.

Sending a cover letter

When you're sending a cover letter, it's good practice to also include your resume. This is the case whether you're submitting a physical copy of your cover letter or sending it as an email. If you're submitting a physical cover letter, indicating you attached your resume alerts the recruiter to check the envelope for the document. In an electronic cover letter, mentioning you attached your resume can prompt the hiring manager to reconsider your resume and reassess your credentials.

Responding to an interview invitation

It's also advisable to attach your resume when responding to an email inviting you to an interview. Including your resume in the response email is a professional courtesy that gives the employer an opportunity to review your credentials before the interview.

If you've acquired more skills and experience between the time of applying for the job and getting an interview invite, it's important to attach your resume to your reply and mention that the document is in your message. That way, you show the employer your dedication to working with their company and a readiness to make the interviewer's work as easy as possible.

Requesting an informational interview

Informational interviews can help you learn about a company and get insightful details about the key functions and qualifications required for their role. As you're the one requesting the interview, it's your responsibility to provide the recipient with your credentials so that they can assess your qualifications and decide whether to grant your request. Attaching your role-relevant up-to-date resume and specifying that you included it in your message can demonstrate that you value the person's time and encourage them to consider your application favourably.

Asking for a recommendation letter

A professional recommendation from people who are familiar with your experience, skills and achievements can convince employers and admission committees that you're qualified for their role or programme. When requesting professional recommendations, it's essential to provide the person with your updated resume so that they can write confidently about your credentials.

For instance, if you're asking a former manager or colleague for a recommendation, their knowledge of your skills and experience is going to be limited to the time when you both worked together. Attaching your resume to your request and telling them you've included the document makes it easier for the person to vouch for you.

13 examples of how to indicate you've attached your resume

Here are 13 conversational ways of telling people you've attached your resume in an email or letter:

I've attached my resume for your review.
I'm attaching my resume for your consideration.
I've attached my resume for your convenience.
I've included my resume for your review.
Please find attached my resume for your review.
Included below is my resume for your reference.
I'm attaching my resume for your consideration. Please let me know if you require additional information.
The resume I've attached provides more information about my credentials.
For more information about my experience regarding this role, please refer to my attached resume.
Let me know if you have questions about my resume attached to this email.
I've attached my resume below. Let me know if you have any issues getting access to the document.
I've included my cover letter and resume.
I've included my resume below. Please let me know if you didn't receive it or have trouble opening it.