What do you say in an email to a potential employer when everything that needs to be said is available in the attached resume and cover letter? As it turns out, there’s still plenty to say!
While your resume and cover letter are your ultimate marketing tool to getting a job, the email that contains that valuable Word DOC or PDF is still the first knock at the door of opportunity.
So, what is there to write in an email when sending a resume and cover letter? Let’s get started.
Should You Send Your Resume and Cover Letter By Email?
It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that sending an email with your resume and cover letter is informal. However, it’s not!
Instead of letting your resume be just another faceless entry on a job website already swamped with overworked recruiters, sometimes the personal touch can help you stand out.
Of course, you can also upload the resume to Indeed or any other job site and do well with that, but you’re cheating yourself out of the opportunity to shine brighter than the other applicants.
When Should You Send Your Resume and Cover Letter By Email?
Many times, sending an email with your cover letter and resume is acceptable and even encouraged. Let’s go over a few of those.
When It’s Requested
Sometimes you’ll have an opportunity to apply for a position without ever entering your information on a convoluted company website.
Instead, if you have the inside track to a job thanks to networking and the hiring manager or human resources director want to see your resume in an email, all you need to do is handle it.
When You Have the Hiring Manager’s Email
Personal touch from a job candidate matters when applying for any job. Research the company you’re applying to, find out the hiring manager’s name, and send them an email with your resume and cover letter.
You can still apply for the position on the company’s website or through numerous job websites, but directly reaching out can help you stand out.
When It’s An Appropriate Time of the Week and the Day
Time waits for no one. But sometimes, you’ll know the best time of day or week to send an email so it reaches the correct person.
There are times when you know the hiring manager is sitting at their desk or when they have blocked off time to recruit or review resumes.
When Submitting Your Application Another Way Doesn’t Work
The job application process is not fun for many people – especially considering job search and company websites can be a dark labyrinth of broken links and half-baked forms that don’t apply.
If you find yourself in this position, reach out to the hiring manager or HR director to let them know of your troubles applying. Not only are you letting them know of a potential website issue, but you are also showing initiative.
How to Write an Email Job Application
An email job application is another method of applying for a job if an application is unavailable to you. Let’s review a few tips on making yours stand out.
Greeting for Job Application Email
Get to the point here. State your name, what position you’re seeking, and why you think you’re the best fit out of any other applicants.
You want to appear friendly but firm in your resolve to gain employment with your company of choice.
What to Write in an Email When Sending a Resume Subject Sample
The subject line of an email is just as crucial as the opening line of your email. Crowded email inboxes around the country are already a symphony of white noise and spam, all locked in a battle for reduced attention spans. Therefore, your email must appear legitimate and fly above potential spam.
Your subject line must mention the job you’re seeking and why you’re reaching out. Subject lines like “Regarding the Open Sales Manager Position” or “Resume and Cover Letter for Content Strategist Position” stand out here because they don’t resemble spam and are formal.
What to Write in an Email When Sending Resume and Cover Letter
Now we’re at the meat and potatoes of the issue.
With your opening line and subject line out of the way, it is best to keep it brief here – no more than a few sentences indicating that you are reaching out in hopes of getting your resume and cover letter to the hiring manager or HR director.
There is no need to tread upon the ground covered in your cover letter. Your email is best described as a warm greeting, like introducing yourself and declaring your intent to apply for an open position.
What to Write in an Email When Sending a Resume With References
If your resume comes with a list of personal and professional references, make sure to mention those in the email.
There is no need to say anything more: “My resume also includes a group of people you can contact if you need to know more about my professionalism, work ethic, and character.”
The importance of striking a balance between being direct and sounding personable cannot be overstated.
Signoff for Job Application Email
The signoff should be simple and direct. For example, let the email recipient know to “please find my attached resume” and how to contact you for more information.
Wrapping Up
If you still need clarification about what to write in an email when sending a resume and cover letter, then we’ll sum it up here.
Emailing a hiring manager or HR director about an open position requires you to be direct about your intent to apply.
Let the email recipient know that your resume and cover letter are attached to the note and that you will look forward to any further communication about the role – no matter what the result may be.
Good luck with your job hunt!
