While job applications are often submitted online on company websites or job sites like Indeed, many times you’ll be asked to send your application via email. When applying for a position through email, it’s important to compose a professional and concise application letter to ensure you are noticed by potential employers.
In this article, we discuss when you should send an application via email, what to include in your email application and how to compose an attractive email application letter to gain recruiter attention.
What to include in your email application
It’s important to always follow the application instructions in the job posting—only send a resume and cover letter by email if the employer requests it. The following are components to include in your email application:
- Your full name and contact information
- The reason you are writing
- The title of the job you are applying for
- The qualifications that make you a good fit for the position
- Your resume
- Your cover letter
- Additional documents that the job listing specifically asked for
- How you will follow up
If you choose to write your email as a cover letter, you don’t need to attach an additional cover letter with your email application.
How to email a job application (Job Application Email Tips)
Here are the steps to take when composing and sending a job application via email:
1. Prepare your documents
The first step in composing an application email is to get the documents you will include in the email ready to be sent. These will likely include your resume and cover letter as well as additional documents requested for the position such as examples of your work.
You should send your documents as a PDF to ensure the recipient can open and view them. Include your full name in the title of each document so the viewer can easily see who the documents belong to.
Related: How To Send an Email Cover Letter (With Example)
2. Compose your application email
The next step is to compose the email you will send with your application documents. You can either use the email as your cover letter or include a copy of your cover letter with the email.
Include a salutation that addresses the recipient, one or two paragraphs that describe why you are writing and your qualifications and a closing paragraph that includes your contact information and thanks for the recipient’s time.
You should also include mention of the documents attached to the email. Additional information to put in the email is how you heard about the job opening and if/when you will follow up.
3. Choose a concise and clear subject line
The subject line of your application is important as it quickly allows hiring managers to see what the email entails. Since hiring managers receive so many emails for job positions, keeping your subject line as clear and concise as possible increases your chances of catching the attention of the viewer.
Consider a subject line such as “Your Name – Position you are applying for” or something similar to ensure the recipient knows exactly what your email is about.
4. Finish the email with your signature
Include a signature at the end of your email that consists of your full name and contact information such as your phone number, email, online portfolio and any social media profiles you wish to share with the recruiter.
5. Include your attachments
Attach your resume, cover letter and any additional documents to the email before you send it. Send these as file attachments in the email.
6. Review, proofread and email your application
Before hitting send, it’s important to review and proofread your email to ensure accuracy, professionalism and correct grammar and spelling. Consider adding an online writing assistant like Grammarly to your browser to catch mistakes and make suggestions for improvement.
It’s also a good idea to send a test email to yourself to ensure your email looks good and has all the appropriate attachments. Once you are sure your application is perfect, you can send the email to the recruiter.
Tips for writing an email application
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when sending a job application email:
- Include your name and the job title you’re applying for in the subject line of the email.
- Include the name of the recipient in the salutation whenever possible.
- Include details about how you found the job listing, including the date and website you found it on.
- Don’t repeat the exact phrases used on your resume in your application email.
- Be sure to mention if you were referred by someone.
- Send your documents as PDF files to ensure the recipient can open them.
