Job application email examples with professional writing tips

In today’s technology-driven world, it is rare to apply for a job in person. In most cases, job applications are online. And while some businesses have a dedicated platform set up for the job application process, smaller companies often rely on one-on-one interactions with applicants. This is where job application email examples can help.

If you are applying for a job where you need to reach out personally to the hiring manager or HR rep, you will almost inevitably begin your contact via email. But before you send your job application email, you need to know what your email should contain, and how you can write it in a way that puts your best foot forward.

The following guide will walk you through what a job application email should include, with examples of how to write your email and some professional tips for the process.

What is a job application email?

An email job application is correspondence that accompanies a resume or application. In most cases, you will be sending a job application email to a hiring manager to inform them of your interest in a job listing and to share your qualifications with them.

Because a job application email is usually the first correspondence you have with a company, it should be professional and engaging. This initial introduction can go a long way in helping your name stand out in a competitive job market.

Job application email examples

When sending a job application email, the key is to be concise but compelling. Your goal should be to catch the hiring manager’s attention, drawing them to read your resume and reach out to you for an interview.

The following are examples of what a job application email might look like. Always create unique content for your email, tailoring your approach based on the job for which you are applying.

Example 1

Subject Line: Communications Specialist — Skylar Lintwood

Dear Kaleigh:

I am reaching out with interest in your Communications Specialist position. With five years of professional experience helping to drive high-quality communications across ABC Industries, I am an ideal match for the role. My most recent position was as Lead Communications Associate, and I have also held roles as a Communications Associate and Communications Intern.

In your job posting, you talk about your desire to elevate your internal communications across the service management department, which is something I am passionate about ensuring. At ABC Industries, I recently spearheaded a project to create a consistent communications calendar surrounding the release of our internal digital platform. In doing so, I was able to increase the employee engagement rate with internal communications by 75%. Additionally, during this time, I designed and launched an internal communications website.

Attached to this email, you will find my resume, further showcasing my previous experience working in communication roles, as well as my accomplishments while holding these positions. If you have any further questions about my experience and qualifications, please reach out.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,

Skylar Lintwood
[email protected]
LinkedIn Profile
555-555-0100

Example 2

Subject Line: Sales Consultant – Alexis Brown

Dear Hiring Manager:

I am pleased to be considered for your Sales Consultant role. Over the past three years, I have been working as a Sales Associate for Renem Industries. My experience, paired with my drive to close deals, makes me a perfect fit for the position.

In your job listing, you talk about the need for sales consultants to be able to quickly assimilate to new sales methods and tools. This is an area where I have always been able to excel. In my past role, I led the team in adopting a new sales platform, mastering the system within a week. 

In doing so, I was also able to increase my sales metrics by 30% month-over-month. I also took on a mentorship role, assisting new sales team members with hands-on training, encouraging a culture of shared success.

Attached is my resume, where you will find further information about my sales background and qualifications. If you have any questions, please reach out.

I look forward to discussing this exciting opportunity with you soon.

Thank you for your consideration.

Alexis Brown
[email protected]
555-555-0100

The basic elements of a job application email

Do include:

• A subject line: Always fill out the subject line before sending your email. A good rule of thumb is to include the job title you are applying for, paired with your name. If the job listing includes a job ID number, add this as well.
• A personalized greeting (if possible): Whenever you can, greet the hiring manager by name. Use a professional greeting if you can’t determine who the recipient is through LinkedIn or a company search.
• The job role details: Start your application email by referencing the job for which you are applying. Include a few key details from the job listing to showcase that you took the time to review the listing thoroughly.
• Your qualifications: Because your application email is your introduction, you want to include a compelling story about why you would make a great fit for the role. When possible, back your qualifications with concrete examples.
• A closing: Be sure to close your email with a thank you and a desire for future conversation.
• Your contact info: Always include a few different contact methods. Common contact information includes phone numbers, emails, and LinkedIn profiles.

Don’t include:

• Copied content: Never copy and paste the same job application email for multiple job listings. Write a unique email for each job. This will ensure that the content is not vague and that it speaks to the specifics of the role.
• Personal stories: When showcasing your qualifications, stick to professional examples. Avoid discussing personal stories in your initial correspondence.
• Spelling or grammar errors: Nothing will weed your application out faster than an introduction email riddled with errors. Use an online tool, such as Grammarly, to ensure that your email is free of spelling and grammar errors.
• Too much information: A job application email should be concise. Stick to a few short paragraphs.
• Anything that could be considered offensive: Never bring up politics, religion, or other polarizing topics in your application email, even if you think you know your audience.

Professional writing tips for a job application email

Writing a job application email is an important step in making a career change. Use the following professional writing tips so the email you send is the best possible representation of your experience and qualifications.

Do your research

Before you compose your job application email, research the position thoroughly. The more information you have about the company and the role, the more you can tailor your email to match the company’s values and their desired skill set.

Additionally, do your best to find out who you are emailing. You can use LinkedIn, the company’s About Us page, or even a quick inquiry to the business to determine who the hiring manager is. This will allow you to address the person by name, which creates a more compelling email.

Use a professional tone

To keep your email professional, avoid using slang and stray away from being too informal in your language. Instead, try to implement industry or job-specific language that will help demonstrate your experience.

Show, don’t tell

Your application email is the first chance you have to showcase how qualified you are for a position. Rather than simply stating that you are a good fit for a role, back up your claims with professional examples.

When possible, include numbers as well. Qualifying your experience with metrics is more compelling than simply stating that you accomplished something.

Review your email before hitting send

No one is perfect, which is why it is always best to review your email one last time before you hit send. You might even consider having a family member or friend take a look at the email as well. Often, a second set of eyes will catch simple errors or will help you determine areas where you could improve your message.

Before hitting send, ask yourself the following:

• Did you attach your resume?
• Did you check your email against a spell check?
• Did you include your contact info?
• Did you include a subject line?

Remember, once you hit send, you can’t undo what’s been done. It is better to spend an extra 15 minutes reviewing everything rather than following up later with a second email.