Here are 8 Tips to help you Write A Subject Line that will score you your dream Job.
When you apply using email, you will have three major requirements: a clear subject line; the email body in which you explain who you are, your qualifications, and your interest in the role; and attachments.
What you need to apply to a job via email
There are two options when it comes to the body of your email:
- Abbreviated cover letter: If you choose to attach your cover letter, consider abbreviating it in the body of your email so that the recruiter or hiring manager gets a sense of your experience and skills.
- Full cover letter: Rather than attach your cover letter, you can copy and paste it into the body of your email. With this option, your email body will function as your full cover letter.
What attachments should you include in a job application email?
It’s important to review the job description and take note of requested attachments and any formatting specifications, such as whether you should submit your materials as PDFs or another file extension.
Typical email job application attachments:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Portfolio samples
A job application email differs from a job application follow-up email in which a candidate reaches out via email to a recruiter or hiring manager after first applying for a job elsewhere, usually via an ATS.
How to write a job application email
As you would with any other job application, take time to review the job description, identifying the experience and skills you have that align directly with the role. These details will inform your email body (cover letter) and will also convey the research you’ve done about the role and company.
Once you have all the relevant information, it’s time to begin crafting your email.
Include the pertinent details
If instructions on how to apply are not outlined in the job post and you don’t have a referral, then the best email subject lines will include:
- The reason for your email
- Position title
- Position location (if provided)
- Position ID (if provided)
- Your name
1. Write a clear subject line.
The subject line of your email needs to state your reason for writing. A job description may specify what you should include. If not, craft a clear subject line that states your reason for writing and your name. For example, “Application: Position Title, Your Name” or “Application for Position Title: Your name.”
2. Include a salutation.
Review the job description to see whether the company wants you to address your email to a specific employee or hiring manager. If not, you may determine who the hiring manager is by researching their title on the company’s LinkedIn page. If that information is not available, keep your salutation generic with a simple “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear [Department] Hiring Team.” Learn more about how to address a cover letter.
3. Introduce yourself in the first sentence.
Get direct in your first sentence and treat it like a resume objective. State who you are, the amount of experience you have or what you’re currently doing, and that you’re writing to apply for the role. If someone referred you, mention it.
4. Turn your Cover letter into the body of your email
The body of your email can either be your full cover letter (if you choose not to attach it) or an abbreviated version of your cover letter (if you choose to attach it). As with a standard cover letter, you’ll want to discuss your experience, your unique fit for the role, and any accomplishments that speak to your larger impact.
If the hiring manager prohibits attachments or gives no instructions on how to send your cover letter, it’s best to send it as the body of the email. To do that, copy your cover letter and paste it into the email box.
5. Close with details.
As you conclude your email cover letter, reiterate what you want and why you’re interested in this role at this particular company. State the documents you’ve attached such as qualifications and your availability for next steps.
6. Sign your email.
Sign your email with your contact information, including your full name, phone number, and email. If you have a website, include the address. Sign professional emails with phrases like “My Best,” “Regards,” or “Many Thanks.Sign professional emails with phrases like “My Best,” “Regards,” or “Many Thanks.”
7. Attach your materials.
Make sure to attach all required materials, such as your resume, Qualifications, certifications and membership certificates in the appropriate format.
8. Proofread before you hit “send.”
Review your email for any typos or grammatical mistakes. As with a formal cover letter, you want to make sure your email is error-free so a recruiter or hiring manager can see your attention to detail.
Conclusion
Your email subject line is a crucial part of your job-marketing strategy. Work with the tips above to craft email subject lines that help you get you one step closer to landing the job. You also want to ensure that you have a well-crafted resume that highlights why you’re the right candidate for the job. Good luck!