A resume should grab a recruiter's attention in seconds. It is therefore important that the candidate first adapts the resume format for the recruiter whose time is limited.
This step seems simple but many candidates make many mistakes: file size, cover email or formatting of the CV… All these details are important to take care of the final stretch. Here are our tips and examples to send your CV by email . You will discover:
- The ideal format for sending a CV by email
- How to optimize the weight and size of your CV
- Email templates and examples for sending a CV
- Our advice for the day of the interview
What is the format for sending a CV by email?
Several years ago, sending a CV in paper format by mail could demonstrate a certain determination on the part of the candidate. Today, this practice no longer has its place and sending by email is systematic through job sites or web interfaces.
Even companies that receive resumes in digital format must be able to store them electronically in their files with ease. So the first rule to follow when thinking about the format of a resume is to put yourself in the shoes of your interlocutor. This way you will be able to anticipate all the little things that will make it pleasant for him to handle your resume.
A convenient and secure file format
Every day, recruiters receive many CVs , so it is best to avoid complex and difficult to open files. Tell yourself that once the file is received, it should open easily, without damaging or breaking the layout (which often happens between different software or software versions).
You should therefore favor traditional CV formats such as .PDF or .DOC or .DOCX. PDF is the most recommended since it is displayed exactly the way you want it to, which is not always the case with text format. This format will also be preferred if you are applying in a foreign country with a CV in English .
If you use an online resume builder , be careful about the file format you end up downloading. Some are not formatted for an application at all.
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The name on the CV is also important
Once opened and consulted, the recruiter must be able to easily save it with the other files to be able to reread it before the interview or simply to consult it a second time with his colleagues for example.
Many candidates make the mistake here of titling their CV template with version numbers, the date, or simply an inconsistent file name... Also take advantage of this to avoid the 2 mistakes that +90% of candidates make .
Simplify all this and make it easier for the recruiter by using only your first_last_name.PDF. For example, "Jean-Philippe DUPONT.pdf". This way, the recruiter will appreciate finding your CV quickly with a simple search on their computer...
Optimize the weight and size of the CV before sending it
What is the ideal weight for a CV?
Before sending your resume by email, it is essential to optimize the weight and size of your file. Why? Because a resume that is too heavy will take longer to download and open.
When you know that a recruiter only spends a few seconds reading a CV, you understand that it is essential to look into these small optimizations to put all the chances on your side!
To give you a point of reference, a CV should not exceed 1 MB in order to be sent properly by email and opened quickly by the recruiter. The ideal is to aim for 200 KB.
How to reduce the weight of your CV?
We don't necessarily realize it, but the weight of a digital file can quickly climb. The text doesn't weigh much, but adding a CV photo, a design, many pictograms or colors can considerably change the number of bytes in your document!
Fortunately, there are solutions to lighten your resume without harming its layout. The first step is to compress your profile or header photo, because these are usually the ones that are not optimized. This is possible with software like Photoshop, but also from your Word document. The second is to export your resume to PDF since it is a very common format that can be read on any computer and that preserves your design.
Reduce the size of images on a Word CV
Start by double-clicking on the photo you want to open the “Format Picture” option. On your Word toolbar, look for the icon that looks like a photo surrounded by blue arrows: “Compress Pictures.”
A window then opens and presents you with several compression options:
- Apply to selected image only (pre-checked)
- Remove cropped areas from images (pre-checked)
Under these options, you have the option to choose the resolution of your choice. We recommend “Mail (96 dpi)” which is normally pre-selected and allows you to minimize the size of the images so that you can share them.
Now click on the “Ok” button to confirm your choice and don’t forget to save your CV.
5 examples of cover emails to send your CV
Do you want to draw the recruiter's attention to your application? A simple "Please find attached my CV" is not enough. It is also important to take care in writing the email that accompanies your documents (CV as well as cover letter).
Indeed, it is this message that will be read first by your future employer and will therefore allow him to form a first opinion about you! In order to inspire you, we offer you 5 models of sending CV by email.
An example of a clear and concise email to send your CV
Madam, Sir,
My name is [FirstName] and I am currently looking for a position as [JobName] . Your job offer on the [WebsiteName] website caught my attention and I would like to apply. I am attaching my CV and cover letter to this email. I would be delighted to provide you with more information and convince you of my motivation by arranging an appointment.
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration and remain at your disposal.
Best regards,
[FirstName]
[Contact details]
An example of an interested and professional resume email
Madam, Sir,
I am [FirstNameName] and I currently work as [PositionOccupied] within the company [CompanyName] . Your offer for the position of [PositionOffered] caught my attention because it fits perfectly with the missions that I was able to carry out as [PositionOccupied] . My extensive knowledge in the field of [SectorWorked] has allowed me to develop many skills such as [Skill1] , [Skill2] or [Skill3] .
Through this email, I would like to express my interest and send you my CV, along with a cover letter.
I thank you in advance for your attention and please accept, Madam, Sir, my sincere greetings.
[FirstName]
[Contact details]
An example of an email for sending a speculative application
Madam, Sir,
Let me introduce myself, I am [FirstNameName] . My experience in the field of [SectorWorked] and my last experience as [LastPosition] in the company [CompanyName] have allowed me to acquire many skills.
I am currently actively looking for a position as [Position Wanted] . Motivated by the values and missions of your company, I would like to apply. You will find my CV attached, as well as a cover letter.
Thank you for your time and I remain at your disposal to answer your questions.
Pending an appointment, please accept, Madam, Sir, my sincere greetings.
[FirstName]
[Contact details]
An example of a personalized email to convince the recruiter
Madam, Sir,
I am contacting you to follow up on your advertisement for the position of [JobTitle] which concerns the company [CompanyName] . With a background in [TrainingName] and after many experiences in the field of [SectorName] , I now wish to put my knowledge in [KnowledgeName] and my skills in [CompetenceName] to the service of a specialized group.
You will find my CV attached which is focused on the skills you are looking for and I am available to discuss my experiences.
While awaiting your response and hoping to meet you very soon, please accept, Madam, Sir, my most respectful greetings.
[FirstName]
[Contact details]
An example of a sales email to attract attention to your CV
Madam, Sir,
With a successful experience of [Number of Years] years in the field of [DomainName] , I benefit from solid skills in [CompetenceName] . During this experience, I was able to successfully demonstrate my technique and expertise in [MissionDescription] .
Today I want to take on a new professional challenge and bring my skills, abilities and knowledge to a team. [CompétenceDouce1] , [CompétenceDouce2] , [CompétenceDouce3] are assets that make me a candidate who is involved and keen to meet his commitments.
Thank you for your attention to my application and I remain at your disposal to arrange an appointment which will allow me to explain my background and my motivations in more detail.
Please accept, Madam, Sir, my distinguished greetings.
[FirstName]
[Contact details]
Inspired by one of our resume email examples ? Personalize it with your own skills, strengths, and experiences. It’s essential to impress your recruiter by using the terms used in their offer! Also, take care with the subject line of your email and don’t forget to include your contact details so they can get back to you quickly.
On the day of the interview, prepare your CV
Very often recruiters are unable to find the CV just before the interview, to print the file at the right time. Or very often it is the result when printed that is not necessarily the one expected by the candidate. To avoid these problems, it is also better to take your CV with you on the day of the interview without creasing it to ensure that you have a copy that conforms to the expected result .
Even if all of these issues were not encountered by the recruiter, this little attention will show that you are proactive, conscientious and rigorous. It is already a few points scored to stand out from other candidates before the interview even begins.
