A well-crafted resume email can be the difference between landing an interview and getting lost in the inbox void. Whether you’re responding to a job posting, leveraging a referral, or cold-emailing a hiring manager, the way you present your resume matters. This guide provides 10 sample emails for sending a resume, along with actionable tips to optimize your approach. We’ll also answer the critical question: “What to write in an email when sending a resume?”
Before diving into the samples, let’s break down the essential components of a successful resume email:
Subject Line: Clear, concise, and keyword-rich (e.g., “Marketing Manager Application – Jane Doe”).
Greeting: Use the hiring manager’s name if possible (“Dear Ms. Smith”).
Body:
Opening: State your purpose and enthusiasm.
Middle: Highlight 1–2 relevant achievements.
Closing: Express gratitude and include a call to action (e.g., “I’d welcome the chance to discuss this role further”).
Sign-Off: Professional closing (“Best regards”) + full contact details.
Attachments: Attach your resume and portfolio (if applicable).
Top 10 Sample Emails for Sending a Resume
Use these templates to tailor your next application:
1. Sample Email to Send Resume for an Advertised Job
Scenario: Applying to a job posted on LinkedIn.
Subject Line: Application for Senior Graphic Designer Role – Alex Johnson
Body:
Dear Hiring Team,
I’m excited to apply for the Senior Graphic Designer position at [Company Name]. With 7+ years of experience in creating award-winning campaigns for brands like [Client Name], I’ve honed my skills in Adobe Creative Suite and cross-functional team leadership.
In my current role at [Current Company], I increased client retention by 30% through innovative design solutions. I’ve attached my resume and portfolio for your review. I’d love to discuss how my expertise aligns with your creative vision.
Thank you for considering my application.
Best regards,
Alex Johnson
[Phone Number] | [LinkedIn Profile]
Tip: Quantify achievements to show impact.
2. Email for Sending Resume for a a Referral-Based Application
Scenario: A former colleague referred you to the hiring manager.
Subject Line: Referred by [Name] for Content Strategist Role – Priya Mehta
Body:
Hi [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I was referred to this role by [Referrer’s Name], who mentioned your team’s exciting work in scaling content operations. As a Content Strategist with 5 years of experience at [Previous Company], I led a 12-person team to boost organic traffic by 150% in 6 months.
I’ve attached my resume and would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]’s goals.
Looking forward to your response!
Best,
Priya
Tip: Mention the referrer early to build credibility.
3. Cold Email for Sending a Resume for a a Speculative Application
Scenario: Proactively reaching out to a company with no open roles.
Subject Line: Experienced UX Designer Interested in Opportunities – Mark Lee
Body:
*Dear [Hiring Manager],
I’ve long admired [Company Name]’s user-centric approach to fintech solutions. As a UX Designer with 4+ years of experience improving app usability for [Industry], I’d love to explore potential opportunities to join your team.
At [Current Company], I redesigned a core feature that reduced user drop-off by 40%. My resume is attached for your reference. Could we schedule a brief call to discuss future openings?
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Mark
[Portfolio Link] | [Phone Number]***
Tip: Focus on how you can solve their problems, not your needs.
4. Follow-Up Email After Submitting a Resume
Scenario: Checking in 7–10 days after applying.
Subject Line: Follow-Up on Project Manager Application – Sarah Brown
Body:
Hi [Name],
I hope you’re well! I wanted to follow up on my application for the Project Manager role submitted on [Date]. I’m particularly eager to bring my Agile certification and track record of delivering $2M+ projects on time to your team.
Please let me know if you need additional details. I’m available for an interview at your convenience.
Best regards,
Sarah
Tip: Keep it polite and avoid sounding pushy.
5. Email for Sending Resume for a Career Change
Scenario: Transitioning from education to corporate training.
Subject Line: Former Educator Eager to Bring Instructional Design Skills – James Carter
Body:
Dear [Hiring Manager],
After 8 years as a high school principal, I’m transitioning to corporate L&D to leverage my expertise in curriculum design and team training. I recently completed a certification in Instructional Design and led a district-wide program that improved teacher retention by 25%.
I’d love to discuss how my background aligns with your Training Specialist role. My resume is attached.
Thank you,
James
Tip: Address the career shift head-on and emphasize transferable skills.
6. Email for Sending Resume For an Internship Application
Scenario: Applying for a summer marketing internship.
Subject Line: Enthusiastic Marketing Student Seeking Internship – Emily Park
Body:
*Hello [Name],
As a third-year Marketing student at [University], I’m eager to apply my coursework in social media analytics and SEO to support [Company Name]’s digital campaigns. Last semester, I managed a class project that increased a local nonprofit’s Instagram engagement by 200%.
I’ve attached my resume and would be thrilled to contribute to your team this summer.
Sincerely,
Emily***
Tip: Highlight academic projects and eagerness to learn.
7. Email for Sending Resume for a Remote Job Application
Scenario: Applying for a remote software developer role.
Subject Line: Remote Full-Stack Developer Application – Diego Martinez
Body:
Hi [Team Name],
I’m applying for the Remote Developer role with 6+ years of experience building scalable apps in React and Node.js. In my last role, I led a fully remote team to launch a SaaS product used by 50K+ users.
I thrive in asynchronous environments and am confident I can deliver results for [Company Name]. My resume and GitHub are attached.
Best,
Diego
Tip: Emphasize remote work skills like communication and self-motivation.
8. Email to Send Resume to a Recruiter
Scenario: Networking with a recruiter on LinkedIn.
Subject Line: Experienced Sales Director – Open to Opportunities – Linda Chen
Body:
*Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I came across your profile while researching opportunities in enterprise sales leadership. With 10+ years of experience exceeding quotas in the SaaS space, I’m exploring roles where I can drive revenue growth for scaling tech companies.
My resume is attached—let me know if there’s a fit for your clients!
Thanks,
Linda
[LinkedIn Profile]***
Tip: Keep it short and focused on your value proposition.
9. Email for Sending Resume For an Internal Position
Scenario: Applying for a promotion within your current company.
Subject Line: Application for HR Manager Role – Internal Candidate – Rahul Kapoor
Body:
*Dear [HR Director],
Having spent 3 years as an HR Coordinator at [Company Name], I’m excited to apply for the HR Manager position. During my tenure, I streamlined the onboarding process, reducing time-to-productivity by 20%.
I’d appreciate the chance to discuss how I can contribute to the team in this new capacity. My resume is attached.
Thank you,
Rahul***
Tip: Highlight familiarity with company culture and past contributions.
10. Email for Sending Resume After a Networking Event
Scenario: Sending a resume after meeting at a conference.
Subject Line: Great Meeting You at [Event Name] – Web Developer Role – Sofia Kim
Body:
*Hi [Name],
It was a pleasure discussing [Company Name]’s expansion into AI-driven healthcare solutions at yesterday’s conference. As mentioned, I’m a Full-Stack Developer with 5 years of experience in Python and machine learning.
I’ve attached my resume—let’s schedule a time to talk further!
Best,
Sofia***
Tip: Reference your conversation to jog their memory.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Generic Subject Lines: Avoid “Job Application” or “Resume Attached.”
Overly Long Emails: Keep it under 200 words.
Forgetting Attachments: Double-check before hitting send!
Ignoring Instructions: Follow application guidelines (e.g., “Include salary requirements”).
Best Practices for Sending a Resume Email
Personalize: Use the hiring manager’s name and mention the company.
Proofread: Typos damage credibility.
Test Links: Ensure your portfolio or LinkedIn profile works.
Follow Up: Send a polite reminder if you don’t hear back in 10 days.
Conclusion on Sample Emails for Sending a Resume
Mastering what to write in an email when sending a resume is a strategic skill that bridges the gap between your qualifications and your dream job. Use these sample emails to send your resume for a job as a foundation, but always tailor them to reflect your unique strengths. By avoiding common pitfalls and focusing on value-driven messaging, you’ll maximize your chances of standing out in tier 1 job markets.
Ready to apply? Pick a template, customize it, and hit send!
