How to write an email to get a job?

When submitting your resume by email, you also need to attach a persuasive application letter. Cover letters are important - 60% of employers expect that you submit a letter along with a resume. Moreover, an unprofessional or empty email will likely end up in the trash before someone reads your resume.

Today, our career experts will explain how to apply for a job opening by email and how to write a standout letter that catches the hiring manager's attention in seconds.

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What to do before applying for the job

Before you start writing an application email, here are the preparations you need to make:

• Use a professional email address. A fun email address is a huge turnoff for companies. 76% of resumes are discarded because of an unprofessional email address. Don't give the hiring manager a reason to reject your application and use an email address that contains your first and last name.
• Update your resume. Few things are more frustrating than finding out that your resume looks like a mess or you haven't updated it in years. Rewrite and update the resume in line with your professional goals so that it is at hand at any time.
• Make sure that your resume attachment looks professional. Use a professional file name for your resume, for example, "Nina Smith_Sales Supervisor_Resume". Attach the resume as a DOCX or PDF file - these formats open correctly on most devices.
• Research the company. Do your homework. Read the job posting and study the company's website and social media. Thus, you'll find it easier to personalize your email and connect with the hiring manager.

How to write a winning application email

Whether you are writing to apply for a job listing with a particular company or sending a job inquiry email, follow these guidelines to get your letter noticed.

Write a captivating subject line

64% of recipients decide whether to open an email based on the subject line. Keep it informative and concise so that the recipient can see your reason for writing. Plus, adding a good subject line will help you pass the spam filters. Examples:

• Job application: Communications Director Position
• Informational interview request - Marketing Department, Ashley Lee
• Job application - Referred by Lisa Hamilton.

Add a personalized salutation

Use the hiring manager's name in your email salutation. By addressing the letter to a specific employee, you'll show interest in the position and ensure that the letter reaches the right recipient. If you cannot find out the person's name, use Dear Hiring Manager as a salutation. Avoid using generic salutations such as "To whom it may concern”.

Introduce yourself in 1-2 sentences

Start your job search email with a brief summary of your strengths. Add a target job title and explain where you found out about the opportunity (on the job portal, LinkedIn, or else). If you have a reference in the company, include their name. Your goal here is to introduce your professional background and encourage to read your letter from top to bottom.

Treat it like a cover letter

Never send an empty or too short job application email! When submitting a resume by email, write at least 2-3 paragraphs explaining why the job captured your interest and why you are a good fit. Align your letter with a job description and emphasize the specific skills and qualifications the company is looking for. It will show your potential value to the organization.

Add specific achievements

Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional, your job searching email will benefit from adding measurable achievements. No need to reiterate your resume, just mention 1-2 achievements that prove your professional competencies and align with employer requests. Example: "While working as a Marketing Manager for ABC company, I developed a customer loyalty program that resulted in a 25% increase in repeat purchases".

Capitalize on technical skills

If the company is looking for a candidate with a specific degree or hard skills, mention them in your job application letter. Ideally, you should mention where and on what project you used those skills. Don't describe all the skills you have, as it will make your letter too long. Identify 2-3 core skills that appear frequently in the job description and focus on them.

Show enthusiasm

In your cover letter, explain why you'd like to join the company. Express your interest in the industry or field in general, or tell why this is a dream job for you. Companies love inspired, motivated individuals. It is also helpful to show that you share the company's vision and mission. Say, if the company is known for its green initiatives, tell about your participation in similar projects. Such personalization will set your job hunt email apart from the competition.

Be careful with emoticons

Emojis are very popular in messengers and emails. However, restrain yourself from using them when introducing yourself to the company. Since this is a business letter, it's best to keep it formal. However, if the company has an informal culture and uses a lot of emoticons on its website and social media, you may add a smiley face at the end of your email.

Add a formal closing

Close your letter with a call to action or a phrase like "I look forward to hearing from you". Sign the letter with your full name and contact information.

Double-check the attachments

Check that you've attached all the needed files. Depending on the employer's instructions, you may need to attach a resume, cover letter, portfolio, and other relevant documents. Attach the resume as a Word document or PDF file to ensure it opens correctly.

Send it early in the morning

The time when you send an email also matters. The best time to send your job application or follow-up email is between 9 and 11 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Such letters have a higher chance of being opened, so you can count on the best results.

Keep your job application letter short and to the point. Introduce yourself, mention the target job title, and explain why you're a good fit for the position and the company.

Want to master the art of effective email writing? Read our guide to writing business emails that get opened.

Mistakes to avoid in your job search email

When sending a job application email to your dream company, every detail matters. To ensure the success of your application, avoid making these popular mistakes:

• Overuse of cliches and buzzwords. Words like hard-working, go-getter, proactive, and responsible are so overused that they irritate hiring managers. Replace them with specific descriptions of your skills and responsibilities.
• Spelling and grammatical mistakes. An email with mistakes instantly makes a poor impression. It shows that you lack attention to detail or don't care much about the position. Double-check the letter text before sending it, and pay special attention to the company name and job titles. Use spell checking software to speed up the process.
• Negative experiences. If you were fired from your previous job or had a confrontation with the boss in your current company, keep these experiences to yourself. Don't bring it up in your application letter and explain any experiences you had positively.
• Unprofessional tone. Don't use slang or a casual tone in your email. Avoid abbreviations, emoticons, and other expressions that your potential employer can see as unprofessional. You want to make the best impression and seize that career opportunity, so be formal and polite.
• Claims with no evidence. Avoid making statements like "genius", "unique" or "the best software sales manager in Austin". Hiring managers see them as pointless bragging. If you truly have exceptional skills, show them with examples or list relevant achievements.

Job application email example

Here is an example of a job application letter for your inspiration:

The letter starts with a brief introduction where the candidate mentions the target job opening. Next, in the letter body, they outline relevant skill set and experience to get the potential employer interested. In the last paragraph, they use a call to action and a professional signoff.

Job application letter template

Want to write a professional email application? Here is a template you can use to organize your letter.

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FAQ

How do I write an email inquiring about a job?

The structure of a job inquiry email is similar to that of a job application letter. Email the hiring manager directly, explain why the organization attracted your interest and what you can bring to the table if hired. If you effectively tailor your message, they will get back to you about the existing opportunities.

Do I need to write a cover letter when applying for a job by email?

If the company asks you to submit a resume and cover letter, follow these application instructions. When the company doesn't require a letter, it is up to you to send it. However, keep in mind that a good cover letter will increase your chances for consideration.

How do you ask for a job via email?

A good job application email starts with an introduction where you provide a summary of your experience and explain why the job attracted your attention. Next, you need to highlight relevant experiences and achievements to explain how the company will benefit from hiring you. End your letter by adding an emotional connection with the company and a call to action.