10+ Smart Alternatives to "Please Find Attached" (& When to Use Them)

You have polished your resume, saved it as a PDF, and you are ready to hit send.

You type the recipient's name, add a subject line, and then you freeze. You type: "Please find attached my resume."

It feels safe. It feels professional. But it also feels like you’re writing from a typewriter in 1995.

In the fast-paced world of digital communication, stiff formalities are being replaced by genuine, conversational interactions.

Your email isn't just a delivery vehicle for your documents; it's the first sample of your communication skills.

Here is a detailed guide on how to upgrade your email etiquette to help you stand out in a crowded inbox.

Is "Please find attached" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, but it is passive and outdated. It is a shortened version of the formal "Enclosed please find," which belongs in the 19th century, not 2025.

Modern email etiquette favors the active voice (e.g., "I have attached"), which sounds more confident, natural, and less like a template script.

Grammar isn't the issue here; engagement is. When you use stiff, passive language, you create a psychological distance between you and the recruiter.

It signals that you are following a script rather than engaging in a conversation.

Plus, according to a study, personalized emails have a 29% higher unique open rate compared to non-personalized emails.

If your resume claims you have "excellent communication skills," your email needs to prove it, not contradict it with robotic filler.

What are the best professional alternatives to "Please find attached"?

The best professional alternatives use the active voice and clearly state what is happening. Phrases like "I have attached my resume for your review," "I’ve included my application below," or "Attached is the portfolio you requested" are superior.

These options are polite and professional but remove the passive "stuffiness" of the traditional phrase. Here are the most effective alternatives based on the context of your email:

For Formal Job Applications:

• "I have attached my resume for your review."
• "Please accept the attached cover letter as part of my application."
• "Attached is the document you requested."

For Referrals or Networking:

• "I’ve included my resume below for your reference."
• "Here is the file we discussed."
• "I’m sharing my portfolio to give you a better idea of my work."

Using these alternatives makes you sound capable and direct.

How do I phrase "Please find attached" for a cover letter?

When sending a cover letter, your "attachment" phrase should bridge the gap between your introduction and your documents. Instead of a dry notification, use the phrase to add value. Try: "I’ve attached my cover letter, which outlines my success in [Specific Skill]," or "My attached resume details my experience with [Specific Software]."

This technique forces the recruiter to look for the file. Your email body is essentially a "cover letter for your cover letter." Don't waste the space.

If you are applying for a data-heavy role, your email can highlight a specific win like so:

"I’ve attached my resume, which details how I increased data efficiency by 20% in my last role."

This method works for every industry.

Does "Please find attached" affect email deliverability?

While the phrase itself won't trigger spam filters, the behavior associated with it might. Emails with large attachments and very little body text (e.g., just "Please find attached") are often flagged as suspicious. To ensure deliverability, write a complete email with a clear subject line, a personalized greeting, and at least 2-3 sentences of context before referencing the attachment.

Spam filters look for patterns. A blank email with a zip file and the text "Please find attached" looks like a bot.

To ensure your email lands in the Inbox, you need to engage. Personalization is key.

Besides, Vorecol research indicates that personalized emails are 15% more likely to get a response.

When is it actually okay to use "Please find attached"?

It is okay to use "Please find attached" in strictly legal or highly bureaucratic contexts where "personality" is discouraged, or when sending a chain of invoices where clarity is the only goal.

However, for job applications, networking, or business development, it is almost always better to use a warmer, more modern alternative to build a connection.

Even in serious roles, you can be professional without being archaic. If you are applying for a finance role, a simple "Attached is my resume for your consideration" conveys respect without the "19th-century letter" vibe.

Remember, the goal is to get to the interview; and showing you can communicate clearly in your initial email is the first step to proving you are ready for the job.

Wrapping Up

Crafting a thoughtful email may seem like a tiny detail, but it’s often the first moment someone evaluates your professionalism, tone, and clarity.

When your message feels human, relevant, and confident, your attachments aren’t just files - they become an extension of your personal brand.

If you want professional support polishing your resume or cover letter, refining your LinkedIn, or preparing for job interviews, Hiration can help you present your strengths more clearly and confidently.

A well-crafted email paired with a strong resume can make a measurable difference in a competitive hiring landscape.