If you’ve spent any amount of time job hunting, you’ve probably used the phrase ”please find attached my resume” many times before.
But the question is, have you been doing it right?
This phrase has been floating around since nearly the dawn of time. And while that makes it tried and tested, it also makes it a bit outdated.
One thing you can be sure it does not mean is that you should use it everywhere you see fit.
So where exactly does that leave you?
Keep reading to find out exactly how and when you should say ”please find attached my resume” the right way!
5 Cases You Can Use The Phrase “Please Find Attached My Resume”
Before we get to the different ways to say ”please find attached my resume”, it’s important to first understand when you should be using this popular phrase.
Here are the top 5 situations where you can and should use the phrase:
#1. Submitting a cover letter
If you decide to submit your resume together with your cover letter, you can use the phrase ”please find attached my resume” to make sure the recruiter does not miss it.
As a rule of thumb, if you’re submitting a cover letter it’s a good idea to include your resume alongside it. This shows that you have put in time and effort into your application or portfolio. It also provides the recruiter with a more comprehensive overview of your skills and qualifications for the job.
#2. Applying for a job online or by email
It’s also a good idea to specify what files you have attached when you are submitting a job application by email or using online forms.
In this case, writing “please find attached my resume” can make the recruiter’s job easier. Just by skimming through your email or application form, they can already see what you have provided and where to find it.
Imagine sifting through hundreds of applications, some without resumes, and having no indication of which ones include this key document. This one little phrase can help differentiate between a viable candidate and a waste of time.
#3. Responding to an interview invitation
If you have been invited to take part in an interview, it’s probably a good time to send your resume (if you haven’t already).
An invitation shows that the company is interested in you and would like to know more about you. Thus, providing the hiring manager with your resume is a great way to show initiative while showcasing your skills and experience right off the bat.
A simple “please find attached my resume” will ensure they do not miss the extra little step you’ve taken prior to the job interview.
#4. Requesting an informational interview
Requesting an informational interview is another situation where it’s appropriate to use the phrase “please find attached my resume”.
These informal interviews give you the valuable opportunity to ask questions and gain insights into the job and industry. Many applicants choose to send their resumes along with the request in order to validate their professional interests. We recommend you do the same.
Of course, if the recipient of your request overlooks the attachment, it will be a wasted effort. So make sure to get their attention using this phrase.
#5. Requesting a professional recommendation
Professional recommendations can make a big difference when you’re applying for a job. That’s why it’s important to make sure you get the best recommendations possible.
What’s more important than who gives you the recommendation is what the recommendation says about you. The more personal and insightful the recommendation, the better!
In order to help the person writing your recommendation tailor the letter to you, it’s a good idea to provide your resume. While sending a recommendation request, simply add “please find attached my resume.”
5 Bad Ways to Use “Please Find Attached My Resume”
While “please find attached my resume” can be super useful in certain situations, it isn’t always the best option. It can sound a bit old-fashioned, for one, and some people find the phrasing to be slightly awkward.
That’s why many job applicants choose to go for some alternative options. But beware—different isn’t always better!
Here are a few common phrases we recommend you avoid using:
- Please find attached my resume.
- Please find attached: my resume.
- Please find, attached, my resume.
- Please find my resume attached.
- Please find attached my resume for your review and consideration.
New to writing resumes? Here are the most common resume mistakes you should avoid.
15 Alternative Ways to Say “Please Find Attached My Resume”
Now that we’ve looked at what not to do, let’s look at some better alternatives.
“Please find attached my resume” may be the original way to indicate that you’ve provided your resume, but it isn’t always the best. Sometimes, it’s better to change things up a bit.
Here’s how to do it the right way:
- I have attached my resume for your consideration.
- My resume is attached for your consideration.
- My resume is included for your consideration.
- My resume has been included for your review.
- I attached my resume for your review.
- You will find my resume attached.
- Let me know if you have any questions about my resume attached below.
- I have attached my resume for your review.
- I have included my resume for your review.
- You will find my resume attached below.
- As the attached resume/documents show(s)…
- Please refer to my attached resume for more about…
- The resume I’ve attached includes more information about…
- I’ve included my resume for your reference.
- To learn more about my involvement/experience with [something], refer to my attached resume.
If you’ve been looking for a job with no luck, check out our ultimate guide to job hunting!
Key Takeaways
Though slightly outdated, the phrase “please find attached my resume” is still used in 2023. You just have to be careful about how and when you do it.
Remember, this isn’t a phrase you can toss around in any situation. There are certain circumstances where it is appropriate, or even recommended. These include:
- Submitting a cover letter
- Applying for a job online or by email
- Responding to an interview invitation
- Requesting an informational interview
- Requesting a professional recommendation
Once you’ve identified an appropriate situation to use it in, make sure to use it the right way. Avoid the examples we’ve provided of terrible phrases at all costs! Either stick to the original or pick one of the great alternatives we recommend.
There’s no way you’ll get it wrong if you’ve followed these two easy steps!
