If you recently graduated and are applying for your first job or internship, you might be wondering: “how send CV via email professionally?” You’re not alone — many graduates struggle with creating the right subject line, writing a confident email, and attaching their CV correctly.
In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn:
✅ Exactly how to send a CV via email as a graduate
✅ What to write if you have no work experience
✅ The best email subject lines for first-time job seekers
✅ A sample email for fresh graduates you can copy and personalize
Let’s make sure your application stands out — even without experience.
🎓 Step-by-Step: How to Send CV via Email as a Graduate (No Experience Needed)
Follow these steps to send your CV correctly and professionally:
| Step | What To Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ 1 | Use a professional email (e.g., name.surname@gmail.com) | Avoid unprofessional emails like “coolguy27@…” |
| ✅ 2 | Write a clear subject line | Recruiters get hundreds of emails |
| ✅ 3 | Greet the hiring manager professionally | “Dear Mr/Ms…” is more formal than “Hi” |
| ✅ 4 | Introduce yourself as a recent graduate | Shows your qualification and status |
| ✅ 5 | Mention the position you’re applying for | Avoids confusion |
| ✅ 6 | Highlight key skills or academic achievements | Replaces work experience |
| ✅ 7 | State that your CV is attached | Makes it easy for the recruiter |
| ✅ 8 | End politely with a call to action | Encourages a response |
| ✅ 9 | Attach your CV as a PDF file | Keeps the formatting intact |
✍️ Professional Email Subject Lines for Graduates
Here are great subject line examples when sending your CV:
✔️ Application for Graduate Intern – [Your Full Name]
✔️ CV Submission: Marketing Graduate Position – Thabo Maseko
✔️ Applying for Entry-Level Accountant Role – Lerato Ndlovu
📎 How to Name Your CV File as a Graduate
Use this format to appear professional:
✅ FullName_JobTitle_CV.pdf
✅ Example: Ayanda_Sithole_Graduate_Marketing_CV.pdf
❌ Avoid: FinalCV.pdf, mycv.doc, new doc (2).pdf
📧 Sample Email to Send a CV as a Graduate (No Experience)
Subject: Application for Graduate Trainee Programme – Zanele Khumalo
Dear Hiring Manager,
I hope you are well. My name is Zanele Khumalo, and I am a recent Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) graduate from the University of Pretoria. I am excited to apply for the Graduate Trainee Programme advertised on your careers page.
Although I do not yet have formal work experience, I have gained strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills through university projects, leadership roles in student organizations, and volunteering.
I have attached my CV for your consideration and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to contribute and grow within your company.
Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response.
Kind regards,
Zanele Khumalo
Cell: 076 XXX XXXX
Email: zanele.khumalo@email.com
💼 Sample Email for Internship (If You’re Still a Student or Recently Finished)
Subject: Internship Application – IT Intern – Lungelo Dube
Dear Mr. Mokoena,
My name is Lungelo Dube, a recent Diploma in Information Technology graduate from Tshwane University of Technology. I am writing to apply for the IT Internship opportunity listed on LinkedIn.
During my studies, I gained hands-on experience in troubleshooting, web development, and basic networking through academic projects and group assignments. I am eager to apply my knowledge in a practical environment and learn from industry professionals.
Please find my CV attached. I would appreciate the chance to interview and demonstrate my enthusiasm for the role.
Sincerely,
Lungelo Dube
Cell: 082 XXX XXXX
📄 PDF or Word? Best Format to Send Your CV As a Graduate
| File Type | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Best for general job applications | |
| ✅ Word (.docx) | Only if the job posting specifically requires it |
| ❌ Image/JPG | Unprofessional |
| ❌ Zip file | May not be opened |
💡 Tips for Graduates Sending Their CV via Email for the First Time
✔ Be confident — graduation is a qualification
✔ Avoid long paragraphs (recruiters skim)
✔ Keep your email between 4–6 sentences
✔ Double-check your spelling and grammar
✔ Send your CV during office hours (8 AM – 4 PM)
❓FAQs – How Send CV via Email as a Graduate
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Should I mention that I have no work experience? | You can focus on skills, volunteer work, and academic projects instead. |
| Can I apply even if I just graduated? | Yes! Most entry-level roles welcome fresh graduates. |
| How long should my email be? | Aim for 80–120 words. |
✅ Final Thoughts
Learning how to send your CV via email as a graduate is one of the first steps in starting your career. Even without experience, you can still impress recruiters by being professional, polite, and confident in your capabilities.