Learn how to apply for a job via email and get attention for your unique professional story.
There are a variety of ways to apply for a job. While many companies now rely on an applicant tracking system or ATS, others may require you to apply via email. In this article, we鈥檒l go over what you need to apply for a job via email, how to write a standout email, and other tips you can use when applying for jobs.听聽
Sometimes, a company requires that you submit your job application via email rather than through a job portal like an ATS. When that happens, they will typically outline how to do so in the job description, noting what materials you should send, the email address you should use, and even potentially what you should note in the subject line.听
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, your interest in the role, and attachments.听
There are two options when it comes to the body of your email:聽
Abbreviated cover letter: If you choose to attach your cover letter, consider abbreviating it in your email so that the recruiter or hiring manager can understand your experience and skills.听
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 be your entire cover letter.听
It鈥檚 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.听
Typical email job application attachments:聽
CV
Cover letter聽
Portfolio samples聽
A job application email differs from a job application follow-up email in which a candidate contacts a recruiter or hiring manager via email after first applying for a job elsewhere, usually via an ATS.
As you would with any other job application, review the job description, identifying your experience and skills that align directly with the role. These details will inform your email body (cover letter) and let you know about your research about the role and company.听
Once you have all the relevant information, it鈥檚 time to begin crafting your email.听
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'.听聽聽
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鈥檚 LinkedIn page. If that information is unavailable, keep your salutation generic with a simple 'To Whom It May Concern' or 'Dear [Department] Hiring Team'.听聽聽
Get direct in your first sentence and treat it like a CV objective. State who you are, the amount of experience you have or what you鈥檙e currently doing, and that you鈥檙e writing to apply for the role. If someone referred you, mention it.听
The body of your email can either be your entire 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鈥檒l want to discuss your experience, your unique fit for the role, and any accomplishments that speak of your more significant impact.听聽
As you conclude your email cover letter, reiterate what you want and why you鈥檙e interested in this role at this company. State the documents you鈥檝e attached and your availability for the next steps.听聽
Sign your email with your contact information, including your full name, phone number, and email. If you have a website, include the address.听
Make sure to attach all required materials, such as your CV, in the appropriate format.听
Review your email for any typos or grammatical mistakes. As with a formal cover letter, you would like to make sure your email is error-free so that a recruiter or hiring manager can see your attention to detail.听聽
Below are two sample job application emails, one from a recent graduate with little experience and another from a mid-career applicant seeking to advance.
[Subject line] Application: Junior graphic designer,聽
Dear Creative Hiring Team,
My name is Simran Kaur, and I鈥檓 writing to apply for the junior graphic designer role on your team at X. I recently graduated with my BA in graphic design.听
I鈥檝e been incredibly impressed with X鈥檚 B-corp status and mission to connect volunteers with meaningful and impactful experiences. While at XYZ University, I volunteered with a local composting group while completing two work placements, one at the creative agency ABC Designs and the other at A to Z Corporation.听
During my work placements, I:聽
Designed original assets, including logos, landing pages, and templates
Retouched work to meet each client鈥檚 specifications聽
Met with clients as part of the graphic design team to receive and implement feedback聽
I appreciate the challenge of bringing an idea to life through visual web-based mediums, and I鈥檓 interested in applying my experience to your company鈥檚 needs. I鈥檓 an organised team player with strong attention to detail, traits that will serve me well at X.听
I鈥檝e attached my CV and two samples of work I completed during my placements. I鈥檓 available to discuss my experience and skills at your convenience.听
Yours faithfully,
Simran Kaur
Skaur@email.com
555-555-5555听
[Clear subject line] Senior copywriter application: Samantha Dent
Dear Mr Kumar,
I鈥檓 writing to apply for the senior copywriter role at X. My name is Rahul Arora. I have over six years of experience strategising, creating, and revising compelling copy for various e-commerce brands, such as X, Y, and Z.听
Most recently, I鈥檝e been working as a copywriter at ABC, a company dedicated to servicing small businesses in the e-commerce space. I handle copy needs for six clients, ranging from plant delivery services to cookware. I regularly develop distinctive value-driven language for each digital campaign that drives action, and my clients see results thanks to those efforts. For instance, X experienced a 3% increase in sales and a 12% increase in engagement across their social media platforms after our most recent end-of-the-year campaign.听
I鈥檝e appreciated my time at ABC, but I鈥檓 eager to continue growing in my career. I鈥檓 now interested in finding a senior copywriter role at a company that prioritises empathetic, value-first copy. I believe that opportunity is at X, where I can more impactfully manage campaigns and contribute to the team鈥檚 strategy and leadership.听
I鈥檝e attached my CV, a more in-depth cover letter, and writing samples. I look forward to discussing this role in more detail.听
Yours sincerely,
Rahul Arora
555-555-5555
Rarora@email.com
谤补谤辞谤补.飞别产蝉颈迟别听
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