A job application email is your chance to make a great first impression on hiring managers. While it may seem minor, this email introduces you. With so much riding on a single email, how can you craft one that wows? This article will help you to craft a professional, winning email. Follow step-by-step instructions, use our customisable template and model real samples. Implement expert dos and don’ts. By preparing thoughtfully, you can introduce yourself effectively and help write an email that captures your attention and sets you apart.
1. Preparing to Write Your Email to Apply for a Job
Before writing your job application email, take the time to prepare so your message hits the right notes.
1.1. Research the company and position
- Do your homework before applying – explore the company website, job postings, social media, and recent news.
- Understand their mission, values, and culture.
This will help you demonstrate interest in the company.
1.2. Review the Job Posting
- Carefully review the job posting, underlining key responsibilities, requirements and preferences. Compare to your background and abilities.
- Use excellent experience/skill matches in your application to showcase relevant strengths.
1.3. Gather Necessary Application Documents
- Get required application items ready, including an updated resume, cover letter, and work samples if required.
- Tailor these to the job.
- Have them on hand to easily include with your email application.
1.4. Find the hiring manager’s contact information
- Avoid generic HR addresses
- Check LinkedIn or the company site to find the hiring manager/supervisor’s name and contact info instead.
- When a particular person in charge of hiring is addressed directly through your email, it makes all the difference.
2. Elements of an Effective Job Application Email
After completing your prep work, it’s time to write an email. Structure your message carefully to catch the hiring manager’s attention instantly.
2.1. Compelling Subject Line
Hiring staff get tons of emails, so choose a subject line that grabs attention and opens your message. Use this formula:
[Position Title] – [Your Name] Application
Examples of effective subject lines
So, for example, Marketing Manager – Jane Smith Application
Other variations include:
Application for [Position] Role
Seeking [Position] Opportunity
Aim for brevity while still being descriptive.
2.2. Warm Greeting
As we learned above, ideally, you’ll have the hiring manager’s direct contact info. Put it to use with a personalised greeting like:
Dear Ms. Alicia Thompson,
If applying through a general jobs email, go with the following:
Dear Hiring Manager,
Follow by quickly introducing yourself:
My name is [name], and I am very interested in the [position] role I saw listed on your website.
2.3. Body Highlighting Why You Are the Right Candidate
The body of your email proves why you’re a strong match for the open position. Structure this section with 3-4 concise paragraphs focused on:
- Paragraph 1: Express genuine enthusiasm for the company and the role, being as specific as possible about your interests. Do this in multiple, shorter sentences rather than one long one to add burstiness.
- Paragraph 2: Summarise 2-3 top qualifications or accomplishments that align directly with the position’s responsibilities and requirements. Quote wording directly from the job posting and describe how your background helps.
- Paragraph 3: Demonstrate your understanding and care about the company by mentioning their recent achievement or noting something that excites you about their work culture.
2.4. Closing Lines
End your job application email positively by thanking the hiring manager for their consideration.
For example:
Thank you very much for reviewing my application. As my experience demonstrates, I would make a strong addition to your marketing team. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you further about the position at your convenience. My resume and cover letter, which detail my qualifications, are attached.
I look forward to your response.
(Close with a signature containing your full name and contact information.)
3. Job Application Email Template
If you are unsure where to start, use this proven email template for job application as a model, customising areas highlighted in brackets:
3.1. Subject Line
[Position] – [Your name] Application
3.2. Greeting
Dear [Hiring manager’s name],
3.3. Body
Paragraph 1: Introduction
My name is [your name], and I was excited to see the opening for a [position] role listed on your website. [1-2 sentences on why the company or position appeals to you].
Paragraph 2: Relevant Qualifications
As you’ll see in my attached resume, I have [x] years of experience in [field] precisely [summarise key qualifications and achievements relevant to position duties]. For instance, in my current [or past] role as a [title] at [company], [highlight a key accomplishment or skill demonstrating fit].
Paragraph 3: Company/Industry Knowledge
Through my research on [company name], I’m impressed by [recent achievement] and your focus on [value proposition]. [Note a particular aspect of company culture you find appealing]. I believe my skills and values related to [area] would make me a collaborative addition to the team.
Paragraph 4: Personality/Enthusiasm
[Optional paragraph for relevant details about your outside work that demonstrates positive traits helping you excel in this role, such as work ethic, leadership activity, etc. Use vivid details.]
3.4. Conclusion
I welcome the chance to speak with you by phone or meet in person to discuss my qualifications further. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Thank you for your consideration – I look forward to your reply.
Regards/Sincerely,
[Your full name]
[Email address]
[Phone number]
4. Job Application Email Samples
Seeing examples of email application letters with different roles helps depict what effective messages look like. Use these samples as additional models when crafting your email:
4.1. Sample 1: Application Email for Marketing Manager Role
| Subject: Marketing Manager Application – Lily Tan Dear Ms. Peterson, Please accept this email as my application for the open Marketing Manager position at Acme Company posted on your website. With over seven years in the marketing field, including two years as a Marketing Director driving double-digit growth for three brands simultaneously, I believe I have the right mix of experience, innovative thinking and leadership ability to excel in this role. Specifically, I led cross-functional teams on integrated digital and traditional campaigns for several product launches. This improved brand awareness, customer acquisition, and sales targets. Managing various fast-paced projects from start to finish improved my organisation, budget management, and collaboration skills. This kept stakeholders on the same page and campaigns on schedule. I welcome the opportunity to develop innovative strategies and build high-performing teams to hit aggressive revenue goals, much like Acme’s 20% annual growth trajectory I’ve read about. In addition to core marketing qualifications, I’m drawn to Acme Company’s culture of empowering employees at all levels to develop fresh solutions and try new approaches without fear of failure. I am an ambitious self-starter focused on constantly improving processes through my own data analysis, analysing customer insights, or collaborative brainstorming with colleagues. I would value being part of an organisation that celebrates bold thinking. Please refer to my attached resume, which showcases additional career achievements. At your convenience, I can discuss in detail how these experiences directly correlate with the key responsibilities of Acme’s Marketing Manager role during a phone call or in-person meeting. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing the next steps! Regards, Lily Tan [contact info] |
4.2. Sample 2: Application Email for Software Engineer
| Subject: Experienced Full Stack Developer Seeks Engineering Role Dear Mr. Kim, As listed on your website, I am writing about the Full Stack Developer opening in Acme Company’s expanding engineering group. With over five years of experience building and supporting cloud-based applications using React, Node.js, JavaScript, and related web languages, I believe my specialised skills directly match those required for success in this opportunity. Here is a simplified rephrasing: Most recently, as Lead Developer for a high-traffic e-commerce platform, I led the effort to migrate our monolithic system to a decoupled architecture using React micro frontends. This migration resulted in a 30% increase in site speed and scalability to support order growth. I have become skilled at hands-on programming for customer-facing apps and advising stakeholders on balancing business needs with technical constraints. Acme Company has a strong reputation for engineering excellence, as seen in your patented optimisation algorithms and multiple awards for UX design. I share your product philosophy, which is focused on speed, reliability, and simplicity. I am confident I could quickly learn your cloud platform and code base to tackle challenges like your new two-day delivery initiative or expansion into additional global markets. You will find examples of my work, including code samples and application screenshots, compiled in my portfolio. Please review these and my resume highlighting relevant project work, then let me know your availability for a phone call to discuss my qualifications further. I welcome the opportunity to join your talented development staff as Acme continues redefining ecommerce experiences. Thank you for your consideration. Kind regards, John Lee [contact info] |
4.3. Sample 3: Graphic Designer Application Email
| Subject: Experienced Graphic Designer Good morning, Please accept this email as my application for your open Graphic Designer role, which requires print and digital conceptual skills. With a BFA in Graphic Design and over six years of experience driving branding projects from ideation through execution for three agencies, I offer the aesthetic vision, technical abilities, and collaborative attitude needed to communicate Acme Company’s identity and story visually across mediums. My portfolio, which features branding, editorial, packaging, and illustration projects, demonstrates proficiency across your required programs like Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp, and Blender. I take pride in combining creative artistry with strong time management, organisation, and client focus to deliver bold, strategy-aligned designs. I can seamlessly translate ideas from mood boards into immersive web experiences and print catalogues. My online portfolio [link] showcases these strengths across client work spanning industries. Thank you for considering my graphic design skills and experience for this position. I would be happy to discuss my qualifications further anytime that suits your schedule. I look forward to hearing from you! Best, Lauren Reyes [contact info] |
5. Tips for Writing a Successful Job Application Email
Beyond our template and samples, keep these proven tips in mind to craft an outstanding email to apply for a job:
- Proofread Meticulously
- Remain Concise Yet Compelling
- Customise Broadly
- Use a Professional Email Address
- Follow Up Politely
6. Mistakes to Avoid When Emailing Your Job Application
While crafting your emails, avoid these common mistakes that can sabotage your chances:
- Sending a Generic, Non-Personalised Email
- Forgetting to Attach Your Resume
- Using an Overly Casual Tone
- Failing to Demonstrate Company/Industry Knowledge
- Sending the Exact Same Email to Other Companies
Conclusion
Crafting an exceptional email to apply for a job requires thoughtfulness and care to show the hiring manager why you’re the right fit for this next career move. Follow our step-by-step guide, use our downloadable template and samples, and avoid common mistakes so your message makes your desired first impression.
FAQs
Q1. How to write an email for a job application?
A1. Research the role and company thoroughly. Highlight 2-3 relevant qualifications aligned to position responsibilities in the email body. Close by thanking the hiring manager, inviting further discussion, and attaching supplemental documents like your resume.
Q2. What is the best way to start an email applying for a job?
A2. Open with a warm, professional greeting, addressing the hiring manager by name when possible. Introduce yourself in the following sentence and state the position you’re applying for.
Q3. How do you email a job application?
A3. When emailing a job application, include a clear subject line, a customised cover letter, an updated resume, and any requested attachments to introduce yourself and show your qualifications.
Q4. What mistakes should I avoid when emailing a job application?
A4. Avoid sending a generic message that fails to demonstrate a passion for the role or company. Using overly casual language or forgetting attachments also detracts. Proofread meticulously to prevent errors from leaving the wrong impression.
