Dear Cindy – Format for Cover Emails

I'm emailing a résumé to an employer. What sort of format should I use for the cover email?

Sincerely,

Good Impression

If you are using the email message as the cover letter, follow the recommendations we set out in Write an Effective Cover Letter.

If you are including a cover letter as an attachment along with your résumé, provide only the basics in the email message, such as:

Dear Ms Doe:

Attached please find my cover letter and résumé for the position of ICU Nurse at City Hospital.

Yours sincerely,

John Smith, RN
Full Address, Phone, and Email

Do not treat the email as if it were a message to a friend. Check spelling and grammar, and absolutely avoid silly, unprofessional internet abbreviations like "r u." You don't want your email to end up in the trash. And as we mentioned in our article Make Your Online Job Search Work for You, make sure your email address is appropriate to a job search: You may be a "hotsexymama," but it's more than the employer cares to know.

Also see: Dear Cindy – What's the Best Way to Email a Résumé?