Hiring managers ‘ignoring’ you? Check these Do’s and Don’ts when emailing your CV

Are you sending your CV into the digital void, met with silence from hiring managers? It’s frustrating when your qualifications seem perfect, but you’re met with silence from hiring managers.

In today’s competitive job market, simply having a great resume isn’t enough – you need to ensure it even gets read.

Your email is the first impression you make, and a poorly crafted one can land your CV straight in the trash.

It’s frustrating when your qualifications seem perfect, but you’re met with silence from hiring managers. The problem might not be your CV itself, but the way you’re delivering it!

This guide will walk you through the essential do’s and don’ts of emailing your CV, helping you craft compelling messages that grab attention and increase your chances of landing that interview.

Here’s a more comprehensive list of Do’s and Don’ts when emailing your CV:

DO’s:

• Follow Instructions Exactly: This is paramount. If the job posting asks for something specific (e.g., a specific subject line, a specific file naming convention), do it. It shows attention to detail.
• Use a Professional Email Address: Your email address should be professional. Avoid nicknames, slang, or anything potentially embarrassing (e.g., partyanimal1985@email.com). Use a combination of your first and last name if possible.

• Craft a Compelling Subject Line: The subject line should be clear, concise, and directly related to the job. Examples:
  • “Application for [Job Title] – [Your Name]”
  • “[Job Title] Application – [Your Name] – [Job ID # if applicable]”
  • “Resume Submission – [Your Name] – [Job Title]”
• Address the Recipient Properly: If possible, find the hiring manager’s name and use it. Use LinkedIn or the company website. “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],” is ideal. If you can’t find a name, “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear [Company Name] Hiring Team,” is acceptable. Avoid “To Whom It May Concern.”

• Write a Concise and Targeted Email Body: Keep it brief and to the point (like your example).
  • Express your interest: Clearly state the position you’re applying for and where you saw the advertisement.
  • Highlight Relevant Skills: Briefly mention 1-2 key skills or experiences that directly align with the job description. Show, don’t just tell (e.g., “My experience managing cross-functional teams on projects aligns well with the collaborative environment described in the job posting.”).
  • Express Enthusiasm: Show genuine excitement about the opportunity and the company.
  • Call to Action: Invite them to review your resume and express your interest in discussing the opportunity further.
  • Thank the reader: End with a thank you for their time and consideration.

• Attach Your CV in PDF Format: This ensures formatting is preserved regardless of the recipient’s operating system or software.
• Name Your CV File Professionally: Use a clear and simple naming convention: FirstName_LastName_Resume.pdf or LastName_FirstName_CV.pdf.
• Proofread Carefully: Typos and grammatical errors are a huge turn-off. Use a grammar checker and/or have a friend review your email and CV before sending.
• Check Attachments: Double-check that you’ve actually attached your CV before hitting send. It’s a common mistake!
• Send from a Professional Email Account: Do not use joke email account.
• Keep the email short and sweet: Hiring managers are busy people. The idea of your email is just to stand out and not bore them.

DON’Ts:

• Send a Blank Email with Just the CV Attached: Always include a cover letter in the email body, even if it’s brief.
• Use Generic Greetings: Avoid “To Whom It May Concern.” It’s impersonal and shows a lack of effort.
• Write a Lengthy Essay: Keep the email body concise and focused. The CV contains the details.
• Repeat Everything in Your CV: The email is an introduction, not a complete recap of your work history.

• Use a Generic Cover Letter: Tailor your email and CV to each specific job. Mass-produced, generic applications are easily spotted.
• Be Too Casual or Familiar: Maintain a professional tone throughout your communication. Avoid slang, emojis, or overly friendly language.
• Complain About Past Employers or Jobs: Keep the tone positive and forward-looking.
• Lie or Exaggerate: Honesty is crucial.

• Forget to Include Your Contact Information: Make it easy for the recruiter to reach you. Include your phone number and email address in your signature.
• Reply to All (if in a Group Email): If you receive a job posting in a group email, reply only to the sender.
• Use excessive punctuation or capitalization: Avoid writing in ALL CAPS or using multiple exclamation marks.
• Send from a work email account If you’re currently employed, do not send your application from your work email account. This could alert your current employer about your job search.

By following these Do’s and Don’ts, you’ll increase your chances of making a positive first impression and landing an interview.

Disclaimer: YüthAxis is not in any way affiliated with the hiring organization. Please direct your applications and any enquiries to the hiring company. Read our Terms of Use for more.