The structure of a good CV email
- A clear subject line: job title + your name.
- A greeting: Dear Mr. Lee if you know the name, otherwise Dear Hiring Manager. Avoid "Dear Sir".
- The opening line: which role you are applying for and where you saw it.
- One experience sentence: your most relevant strength, with real numbers if you have them.
- The attachment: say your CV is attached, and check that it really is before you press Send.
- Sign-off and signature: Best regards, your name, phone and LinkedIn if you have one.
Subject line examples
| Subject | When to use it |
|---|---|
| Application for [Job title] – [Your name] | Best for most applications |
| [Job title] Application – Job ID 4521 – [Your name] | When the ad has a job ID |
| Referred by [Name] – [Job title] application | When someone at the company referred you |
| Application for [Job title] – Fresh graduate | For fresh graduates |
| Internship application – [Department] – [Your name] | For internships |
| Follow-up: [Job title] application – [Your name] | For a follow-up after 1–2 weeks |
Subject lines to avoid: CV · Job · Hello · Please hire me · (no subject at all)
CV email templates
Replace every detail with your own. The names and numbers below are only examples.
Applying for an advertised jobUse in the writer
Subject: Application for Accountant – Ahmed Mostafa Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Accountant position at Al Noor Trading, as advertised on LinkedIn. Please find my CV attached. I have 4 years of experience in general accounting and VAT. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to your team. I am available for an interview at your convenience. Thank you for your time and consideration. Best regards, Ahmed Mostafa +20 100 000 0000 ahmed.mostafa@gmail.com
When someone referred youUse in the writer
Subject: Referred by Mohamed Ali – Sales Executive application Dear Ms. Sara, Mohamed Ali suggested that I contact you about the Sales Executive position at Nile Foods. Please find my CV attached. I have 3 years of experience in B2B sales. I would be glad to tell you more about my experience in a short call or interview. Thank you for your time. Best regards, Mona Adel +971 50 000 0000
Fresh graduate with no experienceUse in the writer
Subject: Application for Junior Data Analyst – BSc Statistics graduate Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to apply for the Junior Data Analyst position at Delta Analytics, as advertised on Wuzzuf. I recently graduated with a BSc in Statistics, and my CV is attached. During my studies I built skills in Excel, SQL and Power BI. I am eager to learn and would value the chance to start my career with your team. Thank you for considering my application. Best regards, Omar Hassan +20 111 000 0000
Sending your CV without a job adUse in the writer
Subject: Civil Engineer – CV for future opportunities Dear Hiring Manager, I am writing to ask whether Gulf Builders has any current or upcoming openings for a Site Engineer. I have attached my CV for your consideration. I have 5 years of experience in residential and infrastructure projects. I would be glad to contribute to your team. If there is no suitable vacancy now, I would appreciate it if you kept my CV on file. Thank you for your time. Best regards, Khaled Ibrahim +966 55 000 0000
Following up after applyingUse in the writer
Subject: Follow-up: HR Specialist application – Nour Samir Dear Hiring Manager, I applied for the HR Specialist position at Cairo Medical on 12 September and wanted to follow up on my application. I remain very interested in the role. Please let me know if you need any further information from me. I have attached my CV again for convenience. Thank you for your time. Best regards, Nour Samir +20 122 000 0000
Naming your CV file and attachments
- Use your name and the role:
Ahmed-Mostafa-Accountant-CV.pdf. Not CV.pdf or New Document (3).pdf. - Send PDF unless the ad asks for Word, and keep it under 2 MB.
- Only attach certificates if asked, and then combine them into one PDF.
- If the ad asks for a cover letter, put it in the email body or a separate file. Write one with the cover letter writer.
Mistakes that get your email ignored
- An unprofessional address such as
prince_2000@…. Create one with your name. - Sending one email to many companies in To or CC. Write to each company separately.
- Forgetting the attachment, or attaching an old CV or one tailored to another company.
- Pasting your whole CV into the email body.
- Misspelling the company or the recruiter’s name.
Applying by WhatsApp or LinkedIn message
Many ads in Egypt and the Gulf ask for CVs on WhatsApp. The same rules apply, only shorter: greeting, the role, one line about your experience, and your CV as a PDF. Example:
WhatsApp or LinkedIn messageUse in the writer
Hello, I am Ahmed Mostafa. I am interested in the Accountant position you posted. I have 4 years of experience in general accounting and VAT. Please find my CV attached. Thank you!
Once your CV is sent, prepare for the next step: common interview questions and the thank-you email after the interview.