What to Do When I Forget to Attach My Resume

You went over all the resume details, included the most pertinent information, and looked it over three times to make sure it was perfect.

And now you've sent it off, hoping for a positive response. Except, you forgot to attach the resume.

In this article, you'll learn:

• Steps to take when you forgot to attach your resume to the initial email
• How to write a follow-up email to the employer

Steps to take when you forgot to attach your resume

First and foremost, don't panic! All isn't lost. It's all about resending an email in a professional manner.

If your qualifications are outstanding, it can neutralize this oversight. Additionally, you can showcase your ability to think on the fly and get out of tricky situations.

So, not only do you show interpersonal and problem-solving skills, but you seem as though you're composed and able to react sensibly to human error.

One thing to note is that you can unsend an email using the "Undo" button if you're using the Gmail client account.

In the settings, you can extend this feature for up to 30 secs after you mistakenly send an incomplete email.

How to write a follow-up email when you forgot to attach your resume

Here are the clear and basic instructions that you can follow to handle the situation while accepting responsibility for your actions and still presenting your credentials to the employer:

1. Create a subject line

Once you've double-checked your email and see that your resume isn't there, begin crafting another email, starting with the subject line.

Your subject line should make it clear to the hiring manager that there is another document for their consideration. A clear subject line will also indicate that the attached document is essential.

A few examples of professional and concise subject lines that convey these ideas are:

• Resume Attachment for "Intended Recipient"
• Additional Attachments For Your Review
• Re-sending Application Materials

2. Write in the same thread

Don't send multiple emails to the recruiter, as that can be confusing and make you appear to be disorganized. Instead, follow up in a reply email.

3. Show accountability for your mistake

Write a brief statement in this new email accepting responsibility for your mistake in a professional manner.

Make your statement brief, as you don't want to appear to be making excuses for your actions.

Instead, showcase your ability to own your errors and correct them promptly.

Here are examples of how to apologize with tact:

• I mistakenly forgot to attach my resume to the previous email, my apologies for the oversight.
• Sorry, I sent the email before realizing that my resume was not attached.
• I did not attach my resume to the first email; I apologize for the inconvenience.

4. Don't be afraid to use humor

No one expects you to be robotic. It's okay to lighten up a little and use a bit of humor without being unprofessional.

It may allow the employer the opportunity to see how you'll fit into the company culture.

Examples:

• I realized that you'd probably get a better idea of my skill set had I attached my resume to the email; here it is!
• This email might be more helpful than the previous one because it actually contains my resume. Sorry about that!
• Here's the email you asked for, with the resume attached this time. Thanks for your patience!

Example email

Dear Jennifer,

I apologize for sending the previous email without checking to ensure that the resume was attached. This email contains the requested details as well as my resume. Thank you for your patience, and sorry for any inconveniences this may have caused.

Kind regards,
Sarah

Key takeaways if you forgot to attach your resume

• Don't panic, it's not the end of the world
• Create a concise subject line
• Send the new email with your resume as a reply
• Accept responsibility for your mistake
• Consider using humor to lighten the mood
• Remain professional

Forgetting to attach your resume for a position you really want doesn't have to be the end of the world.

With a little professionalism, poise, and humor, you can ensure it’s your qualifications they remember, not how they learned of them.