How to Write an Email to Apply for a Job

Imagine opening your email inbox and seeing an email subject line that makes you think, "I have to read this!" This is what you want your job application email to do for the hiring manager. You’ve spent time perfecting your resume, preparing for interviews, and researching the company, but how you approach the initial communication with the hiring manager can often be the deciding factor in whether you land that job interview.

Subject Line: Make it Catchy but Clear

Your subject line should grab attention without being over the top. It must be clear enough to make sure it doesn’t end up in the spam folder. A good approach is to mention the position you're applying for, making it easy for the recruiter to identify. Here are some examples:

• "Application for Marketing Manager Position - [Your Name]"
• "Software Engineer Application – [Your Name]"
• "Interested in Business Analyst Role - [Your Name]"

Professional Greeting

Start your email with a respectful and professional greeting. Avoid being too casual. Address the email to a specific person if you know their name. If you don't, "Dear Hiring Manager" works fine. This personal touch can make a significant difference. It shows you've done your homework and that you care about who’s on the other end.
Examples:

• "Dear Ms. Johnson,"
• "Dear Hiring Team,"

Opening Statement: Make it Compelling

You need to immediately make a connection between the job you are applying for and your qualifications. You want the first few lines to immediately stand out to the hiring manager.
Here are a few examples to inspire your writing:

• "I am writing to express my interest in the [Position Title] at [Company Name], as advertised on [Where you found the job listing]. With over five years of experience in [Your Field], I am confident that my expertise aligns perfectly with the requirements of your team."
• "With a passion for [Industry], I am excited to submit my application for the [Job Title] at [Company]. I have cultivated a deep understanding of [Specific Skill or Experience], which I am eager to bring to your dynamic organization."

Second Paragraph: Highlight Your Key Achievements

The next section is where you sell yourself. You don’t want to simply regurgitate your resume, but you do want to highlight some key accomplishments that make you the ideal candidate for the job.

• "During my tenure at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Describe a specific responsibility], which resulted in [Specific Achievement or Metric]. I believe my ability to [Specific Skill] would allow me to make a strong contribution to your team."
• "At [Previous Job], I successfully led [a project], where I [What you did], achieving [Result]. This experience has prepared me to bring my skills to [Company]."

Third Paragraph: Why This Company?

Now, explain why you are interested in the company. This is your opportunity to show that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the company’s goals, culture, and industry position.

• "I admire [Company's] commitment to [Mention something specific you know about the company, like innovation, sustainability, or customer service]. This aligns with my own professional values and goals."
• "The innovative projects that [Company] is undertaking in [Specific Industry/Field] are exciting to me, and I am eager to contribute my skills in [Your Area of Expertise]."

Closing Paragraph: Call to Action

Close the email by politely expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute to the company in person. Also, mention that you’ve attached your resume and any other required documents.

• "I would welcome the opportunity to further discuss how my background, skills, and experiences would benefit [Company Name]. I have attached my resume for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you soon."
• "Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of joining your team and contributing to your success. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience."

Professional Sign-Off

End your email professionally. Use a simple, formal closing phrase followed by your name and contact details.
Examples include:

• "Sincerely,
  [Your Name]
  [Phone Number]
  [LinkedIn Profile or Website, if relevant]"
• "Best regards,
  [Your Name]"

Example Email Template

Subject: Application for Senior Marketing Specialist Position – Jane Doe

Dear Mr. Smith,

I am writing to express my interest in the Senior Marketing Specialist position at XYZ Corp, as advertised on LinkedIn. With over seven years of experience in digital marketing, including SEO, PPC, and content creation, I am confident that my skills and experience make me an excellent fit for your team.

In my current role at ABC Ltd, I led a digital campaign that increased our lead generation by 40% in just six months. My ability to craft compelling marketing strategies, paired with my expertise in analyzing consumer behavior, would allow me to contribute meaningfully to XYZ Corp's marketing efforts.

I am particularly drawn to XYZ Corp's innovative approach to digital marketing and your commitment to sustainability, which aligns with my personal values. I would love the opportunity to bring my skills to your team and help further your mission of delivering high-quality, ethical products to a global market.

Please find my resume attached. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my background, skills, and experiences would benefit XYZ Corp. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Jane Doe
(555) 555-5555
[[email protected]]

Tips to Keep in Mind

• Keep it concise: Your email should be no longer than 200-300 words.
• Tailor it to each job: Don’t just copy-paste the same message for every application. Personalize each one.
• Check for typos and grammatical errors: A single mistake can ruin your chances.
• Follow up: If you don’t hear back in a week or two, consider sending a polite follow-up email.

Now that you've read through these steps, crafting your next job application email should feel more manageable and effective. Good luck!