Page 30 - Graduate Recruitment Handbook 2024

Always send your CV and cover letter in the format up looking like a wall of text. Unless the advert says
the employer asks for. otherwise, don’t do this.
Before choosing your file format, read the job 4. Outline the purpose of your email
description thoroughly to see if the employer prefers Hiring managers aren’t exactly flush with time. When
a certain file type. you’re emailing your CV to them, open your message
politely and get straight to the point. The first line
Otherwise, there’s no clear-cut answer for which of your message needs to let them know what the
format is best for emailing your CV. Generally, the purpose is. That way, they will instantly understand
best CV format when emailing your CV is a Word what they can expect from your email.
document (in .doc or .docx format). A PDF is often
acceptable, but they’re not always compatible with Here’s an example of how that might look:
applicant tracking system software, making it hard for “Dear Mr. Smith,
employers to properly read your CV. I am writing to you to apply for the advertised role of
Content Writer at Handsworth Associates.”
2. Perfect the subject line of your email
Recruiters receive hundreds of emails every day. Be When you’ve outlined the main point of your email,
sure to write the perfect subject line when emailing you can add in why you think your experience makes
your CV to ensure that it ends up in the right place you the ideal candidate for the job. However, you
and grabs the recruiter’s attention. should avoid repeating the content of your cover
letter, especially if this will be attached to the email
The key to getting this right is keeping it simple. itself.
As such, your email subject line should include a
combination of the following elements: 5. Include a call to action at the end
• Vacancy or job title Finish your short message with a call to action.
• Your first name and surname For example, you can say you’re eager to meet in
• Reference number or Job ID (if specified) person to discuss how you can contribute to your
Additionally, don’t try to be clever when it comes prospective employer’s success, suggesting your
to this part of your application. Writing something availability for a screening call or interview.
snazzy like “I’m the best candidate” might not have Take the time to carefully proofread your message
the effect that you imagine. Of course, in some and CV before you send them. If your email is
cases, the job advertisement will be clear about what packed with a bunch of spelling mistakes and
you should include in the subject line. grammatical errors, the hiring manager won’t be
impressed.
3. Send a short message with your CV
If the employer has asked you to attach your CV 6. Don’t forget your email signature
and cover letter, the body of the email shouldn’t It’s important to add an email signature featuring
duplicate the content of these documents. In this your contact details so the recruiter knows how to
case, only write what’s relevant and keep your email get in touch with you at a glance. In your signature,
brief, reiterating the job you’re applying for and the include the following:
value you’d add to the company. More importantly, • Your full name
make sure that your CV and cover letter are attached • Your contact details
for their review. • Link to your website or professional page
If the prospective employer has only requested a CV If you have any business-related social media
as an attachment, it’s a good rule of thumb to also profiles, such as a LinkedIn profile, include it in your
attach your cover letter. Treating the body of the signature as well. You can use hyperlinks so that they
email as your cover letter can be tricky since it ends are clickable.

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2024/2025 Graduate Recruitment Handbook