Applying for Job by email

Gael23

When you apply for a job by email you add your cover letter and CV as attachments but what should you put into the body of the email?

Chattastrophe!

I'd usually use the body of the e-mail as my "cover letter", and just attach my CV.

smcgiff

I suggest an all in one cover letter and CV, with covering letter on top of CV. Then save and include on email as PDF.

I would just say please find attached my application for this role as advertised.

If you have any questions or queries please let me know.

If you use the email as a cover letter you run the risk of that section not being printed off or not being put together with your CV.

Gael23

For the last few I've done I jus said please find attached my CV and cover letter for consideration but I've no idea what's the best approach.

Mr. Loverman

Body of e-mail is the cover letter.
Attachment is the CV.

Think about it from a laziness perspective:

If the cover letter is in the e-mail body, it means the HR person will see it immediately and (hopefully) be impressed.

If the cover letter is an attachment, she has to a) read your e-mail and b) bother her arse opening your cover letter. She may not bother her arse.

So I think you have a better chance of getting a hit if your cover letter is the e-mail.

Mrs OBumble

I'd double up: cover letter content in the email (laziness as Mr Loverman says) and in the first page of the attached file (separation worries).

Irish_Elect_Eng

It may be stating the obvious:

Include any Job reference Number or Position Applier For

Address it to the person you talked to or make reference to any precious contacts by phone or email.

And a couple of paragraphs covering your elevator pitch and your interest in the specific position