Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Adding the necessary information
• Part 2 of 3: Refine your subject line
• Part 3 of 3: Compose your email
• Tips
• Warnings

When applying for a job, it is common to email your cover letter and resume. The subject line is the first thing the recipient sees. A short subject line letting the recipient know exactly what the email is about is the best way to ensure that your email is read. In general, your subject line should include the word "job posting" or "resume" along with your name and the position you are applying for.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Adding the necessary information

1. Check for specific instructions from the employer. The employer can expect specific information in the subject line of your email. If the job posting includes instructions on what to include in the subject line, follow those instructions instead of making up your own.
   • Employers often provide a specific formula for the subject line because they have programmed email filters to extract emails from people applying for a specific job. If you don't follow the employer's formula, your email could be overlooked.
2. Please provide your name and the position you are applying for. Start your subject line with the word "application" or "resume". Then check the job listing for the exact name the employer used for the position, including any code. Enter your first and last name as the last part of your subject line.
   • Indicate the specific job title, instead of using a generic description such as "entry-level position" or "manager".
   • Use your full first and last name in the subject line. Nicknames or short names are not suitable at this stage. If you have an interview, you can let the recipient know what you prefer to be called.
3. Separate elements with hyphens or colons. Minimal punctuation keeps your subject line neat and legible. Avoid using more than one type of punctuation, if possible. Logically smooth the parts of your subject line.
   • For example, you could write something like "Resume - Product Developer - Mark Daalderop".
   • Another subject line that may be: "Application - Mark Daalderop - Product Developer". You can also turn these elements around and write something like "Mark Daalderop CV: Product Developer".

   Tip: Try to keep your subject line short. When the recipient views the email on a smartphone or other mobile device, they usually only see the first 25 or 30 characters.

   
   
4. Type your subject line as a title. Using all capital letters in your subject line may seem like a good way to get the recipient's attention, but it is seen as garish and makes a bad impression. Only capitalize the first letter of the line in your subject line and lowercase the rest.
   • For example: "Mark Daalderop - position product developer: CV attached"

Part 2 of 3: Refine your subject line

1. Research the recipient of the email. If you know the recipient's name, look them up online for background information and professional experience. You can make your subject line stand out more by addressing the recipient more directly.
   • If the recipient has a LinkedIn account, it can be a good place to find information about their professional background.
   • Reading articles the recipient has written can also help prepare for an eventual conversation or provide information to include in a subsequent email.
2. Look for and list something in common, if possible. If you know someone who works for that employer, or if someone recommended you apply, include their name in your subject line. This allows you to distinguish yourself from other applicants.
   • For example: "Cv Mark Daalderop recommended by Star Butterfly: position Product developer".
   • If someone recommends you for the position, put that information at the beginning of the subject line. You want this information to be the first thing the recipient reads.

   Variant: Connections are not always people, they can also be places. If you went to the same school as the recipient or worked in the same company, you could also mention that.

   
   
3. Add your best qualification for the position. In general, the topic should be kept short. However, if you can bring in something special from your background or experience that makes you uniquely qualified for the position, point it out briefly in the subject line.
   • For example, you could write "CV - Mark Daalderop - Product Developer, 20 Years Experience".
4. Learn your subject line carefully. While you may already know that you should proofread your email, the subject line is often overlooked. This can be a serious mistake because the subject line is the first (maybe only) thing the recipient will see.
   • Make sure there are no spelling or typos. Check the correct names - even your own - to make sure everything is spelled correctly.

Part 3 of 3: Compose your email

1. Use a specific name if possible. Check the job posting or the company's website to see if there is a specific person you should send the resume to. If you can't find a specific name, leave the name completely off and start your email with a basic greeting, such as "Hello".
   • Traditional letterhead can appear stiff and too formal in an email. Instead of "Dear Mr. Martens", try something like "Dear Mr. Martens".
2. Briefly explain why you are writing. Start your email with a sentence clearly stating that you are applying for the position you mentioned in your subject. If applicable, let the person know where you saw the job posting. If someone recommended you for the position, include that in your first sentence.
   • For example, you could write, "I am applying for the position of product designer, which I saw on my university job board."
3. Summarize your interest in the position. Briefly explain why you noticed this particular job opening, or why you would be interested in working for that company. You can also name any skills or backgrounds that make you an excellent candidate for the position.
   • For example, you could write, "I am very interested in this position. I studied product design in college where I got high marks for my design projects. I think I can be a great asset to your design team. "
4. If you don't include a formal cover letter, add more details. If the vacancy for a resume and cover letter, write a separate cover letter and attach it to the email along with your resume. However, if the job posting does not include a cover letter, you can include the same information in your email as you would in a formal cover letter.
   • Follow the same guidelines you would for the hard copy of a cover letter. Try to keep the full letter on one page, and use active, direct language to describe your skills and experience.
   • Keep in mind that the recipient can read your email on a computer, or on a cell phone or other mobile device. Use short paragraphs of three to four words to make it easier for the reader to look through your email.
5. Indicate that you have enclosed a resume. At the end of your email, let the recipient know that your resume is attached (possibly along with a formal cover letter). You can also mention the file format you used.
   • You can write: "I attached my resume to this email, along with a formal application letter (both as PDF)."
6. Ask the recipient to contact you if there are any questions. In the last section of your email, encourage the recipient to reach out to you and say how grateful you are for the opportunity. You may also notice that you are looking forward to a response or to answer any questions that may arise.
   • For example, you could write: "Do not hesitate to contact me if you need additional information or if you want to make an appointment. I look forward to hearing from you. "
   • You could also say that you plan to contact us again in a week if there is no response. If you include this in your email, make sure to remind yourself to actually do so.

   Variant: If you feel confident, try changing "if" to "when". This removes some of the uncertainty. For example, you can write, "Do not hesitate to contact me if you want to schedule a meeting."

   
   
7. Finish with your full name and contact details. Choose a standard closing, such as "Sincerely" or "Dear", leave a line or two, and then type your first and last name. Add your phone number under your name.
   • If you have a website, you can include the URL for it as well. Only do this if it is in some way related to the position you are applying for or shows that you have a background and skills related to the position.
   • If you have formatted a signature for your emails that is automatically applied, then you don't have to retype your name and contact details.
8. Convert your resume into a common file format. Some employers indicate which file format to use. If nothing is mentioned in the vacancy, please use a .doc or .pdf file. You can also use a .rtf file, although some of your formatting may be lost with this file type.
   • PDF is usually the best format to use for your resume, as the contents of the file cannot be accidentally changed or deleted.
   • If you are also sending a formal cover letter, please include it as a separate attachment, in the same file format as your resume.
   • Save the file with a unique name that includes your first and last name. For example, you can use "PietHamers_cv.pdf".

   Tip: Avoid spaces or special characters in your file name. They are not accepted by all operating systems and can make it more difficult for the recipient to open the file.

Tips

• Send your email to yourself first to see what it looks like and make sure your attachments are easy to open. You can also send it to a friend who has a different operating system than you.
• Use a conservative, professional email address to send your resume, such as an address that only shows your first name and last name.
• Unless the employer specifically states in the vacancy not to do so, you can follow up on the email by sending the employer a hard copy of your resume and cover letter.

Warnings

• Read your resume carefully before attaching it to your email. Typos and grammar mistakes can ruin your chances of getting an interview invitation. Update dates and numbers as needed.