There are strategic advantages to applying for an application via email instead of a job board. An email application is also more personal, which can help differentiate you from the field of candidates, and emailing your resume and cover letter directly to the hiring manager may allow you to bypass the Applicant Tracking System (ATS).
How do you send a resume through email, and what should you say? In this guide, we provide step-by-step instructions and five job application email examples to help you make a positive impression on the hiring manager and secure your next job interview.
What To Write in an Email When Sending a Resume
1. Include your contact information and job title
At the bottom of your job application email, list your relevant contact information. This includes your full name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL. Also feature your job title in this list so prospective employers see your current occupation immediately.
If you’re making a career change, you may want to go broader. For instance, if you’re applying for a technical role after working in sales, you wouldn’t introduce yourself as a sales representative. Instead, you might frame yourself as an “information technology (IT) Professional” or “Technology Specialist.”
2. Keep it short
Although you might think crafting a long email packed with information is the right strategy, it’s better to create a concise, focused email application. Hiring managers have a limited amount of time to review every application they receive.
If your email is filled with long-winded paragraphs, the reader may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information. Try to achieve a length of two to three paragraphs as you craft your job application email.
3. Talk about why you’re interested in the position
Because you’ve taken the time to email a hiring manager directly, also mention something about the company in your application. This shows prospective employers that you’ve researched the company beforehand and have a genuine interest in the position.
As you detail your background and industry expertise, explain how your skills and experience can benefit the company you’re applying to. This extra touch will personalize your application and give you a competitive edge during the hiring process.
4. Feature your achievements but avoid arrogance
It’s important to sell yourself during the email application, but don’t overdo it. Language over text can very easily be misinterpreted, so show confidence in your career achievements without projecting hubris.
Keep in mind that having the right qualifications is only one piece of the puzzle for hiring managers. They also want to ensure that the candidate is the right fit for their organization’s work culture and team.
5. Contact the hiring manager directly
If you’re sending a job application email, it’s important to research the company website and LinkedIn profile to ensure you’re sending it directly to the hiring manager. If you can’t find the name of the person to send the application to, you may want to avoid applying this way.
Emailing your resume and cover letter to someone in the HR department won’t guarantee that your application reaches the hiring manager. It also won’t have the same personal quality, which is the primary benefit of applying for jobs via email.
Job Application Email Examples
As you formulate your response, link your career achievements and industry expertise with the organization to make a strong impression on the hiring manager and secure an interview. A job application email needs to be personalized to be effective, so research the company before applying for a job opening. Below, you’ll find five examples of job application emails.
Sample Email 1
Hello Cynthia Roberts,
My name is Joseph Corbin, and I’m interested in applying for the software developer position with Codex Inc. Having worked for over six years in application development, I’ve cultivated expertise in user-centered design, which I feel would benefit your organization in the launch of your new mental health services application.
During my time with Bright Technology, my team developed and launched a unique mobile application platform that enabled users to discuss stock market strategies and indicators for specific investments. Our focus on user-centered thinking in our user interface (UI) design helped us garner over 500,000 active users over three years. My experience in mobile app development would be an asset to your team.
You’ll find my resume and cover letter attached at the bottom of this email, along with my contact information. Feel free to contact me with any additional questions about my background. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Joseph Corbin
Sample Email 2
Greetings Lori Taylor,
My name is Allison Rosenberg, and I’m interested in applying for the nurse manager position at Mercy Hospital. Having worked over eight years as a registered nurse (RN) in high-volume hospitals, I believe my leadership capabilities would be an asset to your team.
Your organization has a strong reputation for its commitment to equity in health care delivery, which is what draws me to apply for this position. I’m excited about the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals who share my passion for diversity and inclusion in the medical field.
My resume and cover letter are attached below. Feel free to contact me via phone or email if you have additional questions about my background. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Allison Rosenberg
Sample Email 3
Dear Tyrone Jackson,
My name is Anthony Gentile, and I’m interested in applying for the product manager position with Atlas Gaming. During my time with Ark Light Games, I managed the development and launch of three Triple-A titles, generating over $20 million in sales. My industry expertise would be an asset to your organization during the launch of your new role-playing game (RPG).
Your company’s immersive approach to the RPG genre is what draws me to apply for this role. As a product manager, I am passionate about companies at the forefront of innovation within the gaming industry. My experience could aid your company in positioning your product as a market disruptor.
You’ll find my resume and cover letter attached at the bottom of this email. Please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience with any additional questions you may have about my experience. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Anthony Gentile
Sample Email 4
Dear Meiling Li,
My name is Selena Ramirez, and I’m interested in applying for the digital marketing specialist position with Aurora Fashion Inc. l have a strong background in social media marketing and brand messaging, which could help your company continue to grow your brand awareness within the women’s fashion space.
Your company’s creative and diverse fashion lines have extreme potential within this market. I’m confident I can help you craft the right marketing strategy to build brand loyalty amongst your target audience.
My cover letter and resume are attached below. Feel free to reach out if you have any additional questions about my background and experience. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Selena Ramirez
Sample Email 5
Dear Hideo Araki,
My name is Mina Sayed, and I’m interested in applying for the content writer position with Archive Media Inc. With over eight years of experience in journalism and web copywriting, I can deliver innovative content that will resonate with your readers and continue growing your online presence.
Your organization’s existing content does an excellent job of establishing the right tone and approach to sensitive subject matter. As a journalist for the Philadelphia Inquirer, I can provide valuable contributions to your online news site.
My cover letter and resume are attached below, along with a link to my writing portfolio. Please contact me via phone or email with any additional questions. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Mina Sayed
Frequently Asked Questions About Writing Emails When Sending a Resume
Should you include a cover letter with your email?-
When you apply for a job via a traditional application, you generally submit a cover letter with your resume. Sending an email with both, however, isn’t necessary. The body of your email acts as a cover letter, so you don’t need a separate attachment. Make sure to customize the email to the position and employer just as you would a cover letter.
How do you address the recipient?-
When you’re sending an email for a resume, do some research to find out who the hiring manager is for the job and how they prefer to be addressed. You may find this on their LinkedIn profile. When in doubt, use the title Mr. or Ms. and their last name. Double-check to ensure you’ve spelled everything correctly to make a good first impression.
How do you email a resume?-
Always use a professional email address when you’re sending a resume. One that includes your first and last name makes it easier for the hiring manager to identify you.
After you’ve drafted your email, ask a few trusted friends or a professional mentor to review it for typos and ensure it’s thorough and professional while still being brief. Investing in email tracking software so you know when your emails have been received and opened can help you know when to follow up.
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