Dear Savvy,
I'm applying for a receptionist job and they are taking resumes through email; there is no mention of a cover letter but I prepared one anyhow. Now, I'm not sure what to do. I've converted both documents into PDF files (they requested that for the resume), but I was wondering what do I say in the body of the email?
I did some Googling on this and it seems that some people suggest you put the cover letter in the actual body of the email. Is this right? Or should I compose a note simply stating that both the resume and cover letter are attached? Wouldn't it be redundant to attach my cover letter and paste the content into the body of an email?
Savvy says: Great call on drafting a proactive letter. To see my answer regarding cover letter placement, read more.
In your particular situation, I recommend simply pasting your cover letter in the body of the email. If you choose to attach it, you're stuck writing a brief note in the body of the email directing the hiring manager to the attachments, and you run the risk of the hiring manager overlooking your cover letter — especially since she might not be expecting one.
The strongest argument against attaching your cover letter is that hiring managers often mistake your pre-cover letter for your actual cover letter. They'll think your politely straightforward note isn't anything special, and your first impression won't leave them impressed. Good luck with your job search!
House of Fraser
I paste the cover letter into the body of the email and attach it, that way they will see it and can print it out in whatever format they choose.
1This is strange to me. Did you recommend pasting because the company didn't specifically ask for a cover letter and therefore might not open the attachment?
2Syako- Yes, for this person's particular situation I think it's best to include the cover letter in the body of the email. But that's certainly not what I'd say in other cases.
3Thanks for clarifying!
4good to know
5I always past my cover letter in the body and it has worked for me thus far. I just introduce myself and always put in the cover letter that my resume is attached. Great advice though.
6I always put it in the body of the e-mail. Most people will be smart enough to see that it is your cover letter.
7I always email it as an attachment and write a brief note in the body stating which position I'm applying for and the attachments I've attached to the email - i.e. my cover letter and CV.
8I always write a brief note saying to which job im applying to, noting my cover lettr and resume are attached. thank them for their time and look forward to hearing from them.
9If they asked for a PDF file, why not just have that be the first page of the PDF?
10For me it's a polite note in the email, and one pdf (firstname_lastname.pdf) attached that includes my cover letter, resume, and some samples of my work.
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