What to write in an email when sending a resume

What to write in an email when sending a resume in 2024

Does the job posting ask you to submit a resume by email? Keep in mind that what you write in an email is just as important as the attached resume and cover letter. An email for a job application should briefly introduce you to the hiring manager, explain your interest in a job position, and encourage them to read your resume.

In this article, we will share the best practices on how to write a resume email that piques the interest of the recruiter. Plus, we will share resume email examples for different situations.

Struggling to write a resume that will land interviews? Our experts can help. At ResumePerk, we will match you with a resume consultant who knows your industry. Your writer will create a tailored resume that is effective for ATS and impresses human hiring managers. Newcomers discounts of up to 15% are available!

Before we dive deeper into what to write in an email when sending a resume, let's look at some good examples. Use them as inspiration for crafting your letter.

Resume email sample for graduate

Image: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/3-sample-emails-when-sending-resume-employer-email-tomáš-ondrejka/

This letter format is ideal for a student or graduate. Include a target job title, relevant internships, and academic achievements to intrigue the recruiter. This letter sample also has a good structure and is skimmable, which will contribute to a good impression of you.

Resume email sample for experienced professional

Image: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/3-sample-emails-when-sending-resume-employer-email-tomáš-ondrejka/

This resume email template works great for an experienced professional or manager. It also indicates the target role and the company name and encourages the recruiter to review the resume attached. Include how many years of experience you have, add 2-3 professional achievements, and show your motivation for joining the company. Such an approach will surely get you noticed.

Sample follow-up email

Image: https://neodove.com/10-sample-email-templates-for-sending-resume/#4_Follow-up_Email_Template_–_Email_Template_For_Sending_Resume

In this letter, the candidate follows up after applying for a job. Following up on the status of your application will surely catch the hiring manager's attention. If you decide to send such a letter, highlight your continued interest in the position and your qualifications for the role. You needn't send your resume as the hiring manager already has it, but you may attach it just in case.

Now, let's move on to the best practices of writing a letter for sending a resume to a company.

8 Professional tips for writing an email for a resume

Whether you are sending a resume in response to a job posting, a cold email, or a referral email, the structure and key rules will be the same. Follow these tips to craft a catchy, professional letter.

Know the right time to send your letter

When you send a letter with your resume, the time is as important as the letter's content. Hiring managers are overwhelmed with emails, so send your letter when it has the highest chance of being opened.

The perfect timing is before 8 AM on Monday or Tuesday. Thus, the recruiter or hiring manager will see your letter at the top of the list and are more likely to read it. If you send your email on Friday, the recruiter might be already overwhelmed with other tasks and your letter will never get read.

Find out the hiring manager's name

If you don't know the name of the person responsible for hiring, do your research. You can find the hiring manager's name on LinkedIn, through your contact in the company, or even by calling the organization.

Addressing the person directly has its benefits. Firstly, it shows that your letter is personalized and you are not mass-mailing. Secondly, it proves that you've done your homework and researched the company. Finally, as you research the person, you can learn more about them and find common ground that you can mention in your email.

If there is no way to find out the person's name, use Dear Hiring Manager as a salutation.

Use a professional email address

In 2024, sending a resume with an email like liquorcandy1995@gmail.com raises questions. Maybe, this email was cool fifteen years ago, but it is best not to use it for your job search anyway.

Use an email address with your first and second name in it. It looks like a tiny detail, but using a professional-looking email address surely contributes to that first impression. Plus, you don't want to get your resume tossed because of something as insignificant as a bad email address.

Craft a catchy subject line

According to many surveys, a subject line often determines whether your letter gets opened. An effective subject line should attract attention and state the purpose of your letter.

When writing a sample email for a job application, include the job title, job ID, and your full name in the subject line. Here are the examples:

Example 1: Job Application - Sales Associate, ID #10824 - Marie Mendelson

Example 2: Job Application: Senior Marketing Manager, Barbara Hensley

If the job description has any instructions about the subject line, use them precisely. If not, stick to the format above.

Use a traditional email structure

Any resume email should have an introduction, an email body, and a conclusion with a call to action. Let's have a brief look at what to write in each section.

In the opening sentence, add a specific job title, company name, and the purpose of your letter (for example, to apply for a job). You can add the name of your reference in this paragraph too.

In the email body, list your relevant skills, education, and professional achievements in 2-3 sentences. Remember that the recruiter receives dozens of resume emails, so only include facts that will pique their attention. Introducing a few key skills, boasting a prestigious degree, and a couple of achievements with numbers is a very effective strategy.

In the conclusion of your email, thank the prospective employer for their time and consideration. Mention that resume files are attached for their review and express interest in the job.

When attaching your resume, use a PDF or DOCX format. These file types are the most popular and open on any device. If the employer asks you to use a specific file type, follow their directions.

Add your contact details at the bottom

Put a professional signature at the end of the letter. Then, put your contact details in the letter. You can include your phone number and email address.

It is also helpful to add 2-3 links, for example, to your personal website and LinkedIn profile. Thus, you let the recruiter learn more about you and get interested in hiring you. Plus, this simple step sets you apart from other job-seekers who didn't bother to share comprehensive information about themselves.

Proofread to avoid mistakes

Mistakes, typos, and poor grammar in job application documents turn off employers. They show sloppiness and lack of attention to detail and can jeopardize your chances for a dream job.

So, take the time to review your sample email cover letter before you send it. Use a spell-checking software, or proofread the document manually. Look for typos, incorrect tenses, missed commas, and other popular issues. If this job opportunity is super important to you, consider hiring an editor to review and strengthen your letter.

Attach a cover letter, too

First things first: an email you use to send resume is not your cover letter. However, it can replace the letter in some situations.

If you are puzzled and not sure whether you need to attach a cover letter, consider the reasons why uploading a cover letter is necessary:

• The job posting specifically asks for it. If the job ad requires you to apply with a resume and a cover letter, ALWAYS include a letter. Upload it as a separate document that is formatted in the same way as your resume and focuses on the same skills and experience. Don't copy and paste your cover letter into the email body unless the employer asks for it.
• Your career has issues. If your resume has employment gaps, job-hopping, or you are changing careers, you need a letter that will explain these issues. Your letter body is not meant for that. Send a separate letter and write why you took a year off work and what you were doing during that time.
• You are applying for a senior-level position. C-level applicants can hardly explain their career history and successes in a couple of paragraphs. As a senior manager, you need a comprehensive letter that sells your personal brand, showcases successes, and lists all the critical skills. Send such an email as a separate document.

In any other cases, you may use a resume email as a replacement for an actual cover letter for job applications.

Key Takeaways:

• When sending resume to a company, write a concise professional email. This email should show your interest in a job, and highlight your qualifications, and contact details.
• Send your resume in DOCX or PDF format. These formats open correctly on most devices.
• Choose the right time to send your resume and cover letter. The best time is Monday and Tuesday before 8 AM.

Increase your chances for a job position

Surveys show that job-seekers with professionally written resumes have a 32% higher chance to get a job. If you aren't getting enough interviews, our experts will help strengthen and polish your documents. We will correct any mistakes and focus on your core skills and achievements for a positive impression. The resume consultant works directly with you until you're satisfied! Chat with us or place your order today for a brighter professional future!