Looking for a new job can be tough, but making a good impression with your CV is the first step towards success. And since most employers today prefer receiving CVs online, it is important to know how to send your CV via email. In this article, we will show you how to create a professional email and attach your CV the right way. After reading this article, see our article on how to submit your CV to a recruitment agency.
Creating the Perfect CV
Before you start emailing your CV to potential employers, ensure that it is a polished and professional looking document. Your CV is your chance to showcase your skills, experience and achievements, so it’s important to get it right.
Keep it Concise And Clear
Your CV should be easy to read and understand. Make sure it’s no more than two pages long, and use a clear, legible font. Use bullet points and headings to organise your information, and make sure there’s plenty of white space to make it easier on the eyes.
Tailor it to The Job
One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to CVs. You need to tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for. Read the job description carefully and make sure you highlight your skills and experience so that they relate to the inherent requirements of the role.
Highlight Your Achievements
Don’t just list your job duties and responsibilities – highlight your achievements. Quantify your successes wherever possible, using metrics (figures and percentages). This will show potential employers what you’re capable of achieving. Go to the BLOG tab on www.hirepower.co.za to read up on how to craft a CV for entry-level, mid-career and executive level CV’s.
Include Your Contact Details
Make sure your contact details are easy to find. Include your name, address, phone number and email address at the top of your CV. You can also include links to your LinkedIn profile or personal website.
Use a Professional Email Address
Make sure your email address is professional, and not something like “hotchick@gmail.com”. Your email address should include your name or initials and be something that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to share with your boss.
Keep it Simple And to The Point
Your email should be short and to the point. Use a clear subject line, and address the recipient by name if possible. Start with a polite greeting, and then get straight to the point. When it comes to sending a CV via email, it’s important to keep your message short and sweet. After all, hiring managers are busy people, and they don’t have time to read through long, rambling emails. Here are a few tips for keeping your email simple and to the point:
- Use a clear subject line. Your email subject line should clearly state your purpose for writing. For example, “Application for Marketing Manager Position” or “CV for Administrative Assistant Role.” This will help the recipient quickly understand the purpose of your email.
- Address the recipient by name if possible. If you have the recipient’s name, it is always a good idea to use it in your email. This shows that you’ve taken the time to do your research and personalize your message. If you don’t know the recipient’s name, a simple “Dear Hiring Manager” will suffice.
- Start with a polite greeting. Your email should start with a polite greeting, such as “Dear [Recipient’s Name]” or “Hello.” This sets a friendly tone for the rest of your message.
- Get straight to the point. After your greeting, it is time to get straight to the point. In a sentence or two, explain why you’re writing and what you’re applying for. For example, “I am writing to express my interest in the Marketing Manager position that was recently advertised on your website.”
- Keep your message concise. When it comes to email, less is often more. Keep your message concise and to the point, focusing on the most important information. If you have a lot of information to convey, consider attaching a separate document with your CV and cover letter.
Remember, the goal of your email is to pique the recipient’s interest and encourage them to read your CV. By using a clear subject line, addressing the recipient by name, starting with a polite greeting, getting straight to the point, and keeping your message concise, you’ll be well on your way to crafting a professional email that stands out from the crowd.
Use a Polite Tone
Your email should be polite and professional. Use proper grammar and spelling, and avoid using slang or text-speak. Keep your tone friendly but not too casual. When it comes to writing a professional email, the tone you use is just as important as the words you choose. You want to come across as polite, professional, and respectful, while still showing a bit of personality. Here are a few tips for striking the right tone in your email:
Use Proper Grammar And Spelling
Nothing says “unprofessional” like a poorly written email. Make sure you use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and double-check everything before hitting send. If you are not confident in your writing skills, consider asking a friend or colleague to proofread your email for you.
Avoid Using Slang or Text-speak
While it might be tempting to use slang or text-speak to make your email sound more casual, this can actually backfire and make you look unprofessional. Stick to standard English and avoid using abbreviations or acronyms unless they’re widely understood.
Keep it Friendly But Not Too Casual
You want to come across as friendly and approachable, but not so casual that you come across as unprofessional. Avoid using overly familiar language, and make sure your email is still respectful and polite.
Show Enthusiasm
One way to strike the right tone in your email is to show enthusiasm for the job or company you’re applying to. This can help you stand out from other applicants and show that you’re truly interested in the position. Just be careful not to overdo it – you don’t want to come across as insincere.
Overall, the key to using a polite tone in your email is to strike the right balance between professionalism and personality. By using proper grammar and spelling, avoiding slang or text-speak, and keeping your tone friendly but not too casual, you will be well on your way to crafting a professional email that makes a great first impression.
Attach Your CV
Make sure you attach your CV to the email. Use a PDF file, which is more professional and won’t change the formatting of your CV. You can also include a short message in the body of the email but keep it brief and professional.
Sending the Email
Once you have written your email and attached your CV, it’s time to hit send. But before you do, make sure you follow these tips to ensure it gets to the right person and stands out from the crowd.
Double-check the recruitment agency or recruiter’s details – check the spelling of their name, and make sure you’ve addressed them correctly.
Follow Up
If you do not hear back from the recipient within a week or two, follow up with a polite email. This will show that you’re interested in the job and could help you stand out from other applicants.
Keep it Professional
Remember, your email is your chance to make a good impression. Avoid using emojis or other informal language. Your email should be the first step in building a positive relationship with a potential employer.
Conclusion
Sending your CV via email can seem daunting, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a professional email and impressing potential employers. Remember to keep your CV concise and tailored to the job, use a professional tone in your email, and double-check everything before hitting send.
A final word of advice – don’t be afraid to inject a bit of personality into your email. While it’s important to keep things professional, a well-placed joke or interesting anecdote can help you stand out from the crowd. Just make sure you strike the right balance and remember that your ultimate goal is to show why you’re the right person for the job.
So, go ahead and start drafting that email!