Job Application Email: How to Write One That Gets Noticed

Learn how to craft a compelling job application email that stands out to recruiters.

Craft a Direct Subject Line

Jump straight in with a punchy phrase that gets straight to the point — your subject line is your first impression, so make it count. Picture the hiring manager sifting through an ocean of emails; your message needs to be the lighthouse.

Spark curiosity or state the role you’re applying for and your name. For example, ‘Experienced Java Developer – Jane Doe’. This clarifies your intent and grabs attention.

Steer clear of vague or generic language; specificity is your ally. If the job posting included a reference number, include that in the subject to signal your attention to detail.

Avoid all caps or over-the-top phrases that might land you in the spam folder. Instead, blend formality with a dash of personality to stand out. Remember, brevity wins the race in email communication. Keep it concise, clear, and compelling.

Address the Hiring Manager By Name

Scour the company’s website, LinkedIn, or even call the front desk to find the name of the hiring manager. Starting your email with “Dear Hiring Manager,” feels impersonal. Picture a lock and key; your effort to discover the name is the key needed to unlock a recruiter’s attention. Make sure to use Mr., Ms., or Dr. as appropriate – but avoid assuming marital status.

This personal touch demonstrates respect and professionalism, setting a warm tone for the rest of your message. It signals initiative and attention to detail – two traits that are music to a recruiter’s ears. Your email becomes more than just another item in an inbox; it transforms into a handshake, an introduction, and a promise of quality.

Summarize Your Qualifications

Diving straight into your qualifications, remember brevity is your ally. Picture a summary as your elevator pitch: concise and striking. Highlight your top achievements, relevant experience, and specific skills that align with the job’s requirements. Think of it as a movie trailer of your professional life; capture the essence but leave them wanting more. Mirror the job description’s language to resonate with the role’s needs and make it a no-brainer for the hiring manager to see you as the candidate who fits like a glove. Always opt for powerful action verbs to bring your experiences to life. Lead with results and quantifiable successes to stand out in a sea of candidates. Remember, this isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal – craft this part thoughtfully to align with the position you’re aiming for.

Include a Professional Signature With Resume and Cover Letter Attached

Signing off on your job application email can be more than a mere formality; think of it as your digital handshake. First, confirm that your email has attachments—your meticulous resume and compelling cover letter. Now, onto the signature: start with a polite sign-off, like “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your full name.

Under your name, include contact information such as your phone number and professional email address, so they can reach you without a hitch. If you’ve got one, throw in your LinkedIn URL for good measure—a full deck increases your chances of being noticed. Keep it sleek, avoid fancy fonts or images that might sidetrack from the main event—your application.

Remember, your signature is the bow on the package; it should be neat and mirror the professionalism of the documents you’re sending. A well-crafted signature is like leaving a crisp business card—it might just be the nudge needed for them to give you that callback.

Follow Up On Your Application

Sending your application is half the battle; the other half is making sure it doesn’t vanish into the digital abyss. A friendly nudge can work wonders to keep your name on the radar.

The art of the follow-up is timing and tact. Wait about a week before reaching out. This period acknowledges the busy schedule of the hiring manager while displaying your keen interest in the position.

Start with a polite email; thank them for considering your application and express your continued enthusiasm for the job. Be concise. This isn’t the time to rehash your resume, but a chance to reinforce your genuine interest.

Avoid being a pest. If you’ve sent a follow-up and haven’t heard back after a couple of weeks, it’s acceptable to send one more. After that, if silence prevails, it’s wise to move on.

Following up after your initial application reinforces your interest and shows you’re proactive—a trait that employers admire. It’s the cherry on top that can differentiate you from a stack of equally qualified candidates. Remember, a well-timed follow-up email can be just the nudge your application needs to land you that interview.