Imagine yourself diligently searching for a new job. With Lady Luck in your favor, you finally found an ideal posting. You immediately start polishing your resume and crafting a good cover letter. You hit a roadblock the next minute because it is time to craft the job application email subject line. This seemingly small yet crucial detail can determine whether your application is thrown into the pile of unopened emails entering an HR manager’s inbox.
Studies have shown that 47% of emails are opened because of the subject line. Just like crafting a catchy headline for a news article, you must ensure your subject line instantly grabs the reader’s attention. This article sheds light on how to fill in that ever-important subject line with one that is fun and inviting (or at least not repellent) and helps to set yourself apart from other job seekers.
1 Understanding the Role of a Subject Line in Job Applications
The subject line for job application may be a minor detail. But it’s not insignificant.
1.1. Capturing the attention of the hiring manager or recruiter
The hiring manager or recruiter will see the subject line first in their inbox. A well-crafted subject line can immediately grab their attention. This will make them want to read more about your application.
1.2. Conveying professionalism and relevance
Your subject line must be professional and job-relevant. A polished and focused subject line demonstrates your understanding that it is crucial to present yourself professionally.
1.3. Standing out from other applicants
Under the pressure of the job market, standing out is necessary. One effective way might be creating a unique and personalized subject line that is untypical of those myriad applications, making it more likely to get noticed.
1.4. Increasing the chances of your application being opened and read
A compelling subject line is more likely to be read by the hiring manager. This gives you a better chance to impress with your resume and cover letter.
Step 1 – Research the Company and Position
The first thing you need to do before writing your job request email subject is to investigate the company and position you are applying for.
1. Thoroughly review the job posting and requirements
Familiarize yourself with the key responsibilities, experience, and skills needed for the role by carefully reading the job posting. This will enable you to better customize your subject line to what that employer wants to know.
2. Visit the company’s website and social media profiles
Rely on the internet to learn more about the culture, values, and what they have been up to. This can be valuable in helping you tailor a job application email subject that resonates with the company.
3. Identify the company’s values, culture, and mission
By learning about the company’s fundamental values, culture, and mission, you can connect your application to what the company is looking for, which makes the job application email subject sound more familiar and exciting.
4. Understand the essential qualifications and skills sought for the position
Focusing on the essential qualifications and skills listed in the posting will help you lead with that information in the subject header to signal that you are a good match for the position.
Step 2 – Identify Keywords and Phrases
The right words can improve your chances of having recruiters read your message’s subject line.
1. Note essential keywords from the job posting
Recall keywords from the job posting that reflect core requirements for whatever position you seek. This will make those keywords immediately recognizable and more understandable in context for the recipients.
2. Consider industry-specific terms and buzzwords
Your message should incorporate industry-specific terms and buzzwords to help the employer recognize that you are familiar with the field. By including such terms, you demonstrate how serious your interest is in an interview or job offer from them.
3. Incorporate relevant skills and qualifications
By showing your significant skills and qualifications, you let the recipient know that you would be capable of this job or position.
4. Use action verbs to demonstrate your capabilities
In the subject line of your mail, action words such as “Proven,” “Experienced,” or “Certified” can effectively communicate your skills and strengths.
Step – 3 Keep It Concise and Clear
A concise and clear subject for job application makes the message easily readable and quickly understood. Complexity and variation are critical.
1. Aim for a subject line length of 6-10 words
Keeping your subject line approximately between 6-10 words keeps it concise yet informative. It will be simple yet not too simple for recruiters to browse and comprehend.
2. Avoid unnecessary details or generic phrases
Redundant specifics or employing overused expressions that can weaken the effect of your subject line should be sidestepped. Be targeted but not too robotic to uphold transparency.
3. Be specific and direct in your language
Employ targeted and unambiguous lingo to guarantee your job application email subject conveys your intention.
4. Ensure the subject line is easy to read and understand
A straightforward yet not simplistic and intelligible subject line is more likely to be appreciated by busy recruiters. This will help in strengthening your chances of getting noticed.
Step 4 – Include the Position Title and Your Name
If you are trying to figure out how to write a subject in email, don’t forget personalization. Personalizing your subject line with the job role and name gives context.
1. Mention the exact position title as listed in the job posting
Utilizing the precise terminology provided shows you’re applying specifically as advertised.
2. Include your name to personalize the application
This makes the recipient think of your email in a more personalized way and ensures that your application stands out and is remembered.
3. Consider adding the job reference number, if applicable
In many cases, a job posting will have a reference number. Including it in your job application email subject can be a way to make it more likely that your application is routed correctly.
4. Format the subject line in a professional manner
When learning how to write a subject in an email, be careful about the tone. Upholding a professional tone and structure in your subject line can help you make a good impression on the recruiter.
Step 5 – Customize for Each Application
Crafting a different subject line for every application reflects your interest and thoughtfulness.
1. Tailor the subject line to the specific company and position
Tailor your subject for sending resume to the specific company and role you are applying for. This clarifies that you have done your homework and are genuinely passionate about the job.
2. Avoid using the same generic line everywhere
Writing one subject for all your applications makes you sound lazy and robotic. Customization shows that you have thought about your application and will be more than just a one-size-fits-all person.
3. Incorporate unique details or qualifications relevant to the role
The emphasis should be on the unique ability or experience that will make you the most popular candidate for the job. This is key to making your resume email subject unique.
4. Demonstrate your genuine interest in the opportunity
Craft a subject line that clearly shows your excitement and authenticity towards the position. This generates a positive first impression with a recruiter.
Sample Subject Lines for Job Applications
Check out a few examples of job application email subject lines before you sit down to write yours
1. “Experienced Marketing Manager – John Doe – Application for XYZ Corp.”
This subject line dives straight into the experience of the candidate and the role they are applying for.
2. “Creative Graphic Designer Seeking Position at ABC Agency”
This is a transparent, short subject for sending a resume that indicates the candidate is suitable for the role.
3. “John Smith – Front-End Developer with 5+ Years of Experience”
This is a compelling subject line personalized to the candidate’s experience and skills required for the profile.
4. “Application for Sales Representative Role – Jane Doe”
This is the simplest type of job application email subject and refers to the position title and candidate name, which helps the recruiter recognize them.
5. “Passionate Social Media Specialist Eager to Join DEF Company”
This subject line makes it very clear that the candidate is interested in the position/company.
6. “Applying for Accounting Manager Position – Reference #1234”
This is another example of a targeted subject line with the job reference number that makes it more relevant.
7. “John Doe – Proven Project Manager with PMP Certification”
The candidate’s certification and experience in project management are included in the subject line.
8. “Marketing Coordinator Role at XYZ Startup – Sarah Johnson”
A unique and personalized subject line that includes the job title, company, and the candidate’s name to illustrate the detail-oriented nature of the candidate.
9. “Experienced HR Professional Excited About ABC Company Opportunity”
This is an experience-based subject line that says, “hey, I know what I’m doing, and I really want to work for you.”
10. “Data Analyst with Python Skills – Application for XYZ Analytics”
An email subject line that neatly summarises their critical abilities and the ideal position for which they are applying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few things to steer clear of in your job application email subject are as follows
1. Using generic or vague subject lines
A subject like “Job Application” is too general. It doesn’t differentiate itself from other emails, and it doesn’t say much. Ensure that your subject line tells the reader of the email what they are reading about.
2. Including irrelevant or unnecessary information
Limit your response to pertinent details that indicate why you are qualified and excited about the opportunity. Too much irrelevant information can distract from your main message.
3. Making spelling or grammatical errors
Having errors in the email subject for sending resume looks unprofessional. So lastly, you need to proofread your subject line to make sure it is error-free.
4. Using all uppercase or lowercase letters
Always stick to the sentence case if you wish to sound professional. Refrain from using all uppercase or all lowercase lines, as it looks amateurish or screams out.
5. Forgetting to mention the position title or your name
It is essential to clarify who the email is from by including the job title and name in the subject. This helps recruiters better find your application in a sea of emails.
Conclusion
A subject line is not a mere formality to accompany your job application. Remember, it is going to be your first impression. Use the subject line appropriately to help yourself stand out from the thousands of applications. These are the first words that appear in every email sent to recruiters, so please do your research and create a professional tone for your job application email subject line.
FAQs on Job Application Email Subject Line
Q1 What must I include in the job application subject line?
A1 The subject line of your email should include the position title and your name for some personalization. If a job reference number was provided, you can also include that. This will help the recruiter understand which application they are referring to.
Q2 How long should a job application email subject line be?
A2 The ideal subject line length is 6-10 words. It shouldn’t be too lengthy or too short. The recipient should get its intent with just a single look at it.
Q3 Why should you research before writing your subject line?
A3 Learning as much as you can about the company and the job specification will enable you to craft your subject line in a way that relates to the values and culture of the company. This personal touch indicates that you are keen on the job and a fit for it.
Q4 Can I use the same subject line in all my job applications?
A4 The subject line should always be personalized to the job you are applying for. A copy/paste subject line for every application can look impersonal. It won’t make your skills and talents jump off the page for every unique job.
Q5 How can I differentiate my subject line from other candidates?
A5 Use keywords from the job description or responsibilities to make a subject line relevant. Add your particular professional pertinence and express your enthusiasm for the offer.
