sample of application letter on email

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Job Application Email Examples and Writing Tips

How to Apply for a Job via Email

• What to Include in Your Job Application Email

Tips for Writing an Application Email

Job application email examples, frequently asked questions (faqs).

There are several different ways to apply for jobs, including by email. How you’ll apply will depend on the company and position. In many cases, you’ll submit your application through an online job site or the employer’s job site. For some jobs, particularly retail and hospitality positions, you may be able to apply in person.  

Another common way to apply for jobs is by sending an application letter, along with a resume, via email. This is especially the case with smaller employers without automated application systems. If the employer wants email applications, it will be noted in the job posting.

Here’s how to apply for a job when an employer asks you to email your application, including what to send, writing tips, and examples. 

Key Takeaways

• Take the time to write a cover letter, and use it to show the hiring manager why you're a well-qualified candidate for the job.
• Add a signature to your email, including your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn URL, so it's easy for the employer to get in touch.
• Be sure to include your name and the job for which you're applying in the subject line of the message to help ensure your email is opened and read.

What’s the best way to use email to apply for jobs? What’s most important is to follow the application instructions in the job posting and only send a resume and cover letter by email if the employer requests it. If the company requests additional information, be sure to include that as well.

Use a professional email account.   The email account you use to send your application should be a professional one. If you’re applying for a lot of jobs, you may even want to set up an email account just for job searching. This way, you'll be able to easily keep track of your applications because they won’t be mixed in with your personal email. If you use an online email service (Gmail, for example), you’ll be able to access your messages from any device. When you set up the account, try to use a variation of your name, such as firstname.lastname@email.com. 

Have your resume ready.  Most employers will ask you to send them a copy of your resume, and some will request a cover letter as well. Microsoft has a free version of Word (Word for the Web) that you can use to create documents online.

You can use Google Docs to create and save copies of your application. If the employer requests Word or PDF documents, save your documents as Word documents or PDFs and then attach them to your email message.

Google Docs and Gmail are free for personal use, and you can store your application materials on Google Drive, which provides 15 GB of free storage.

Choose a file name for your resume.  When you save your resume, include your name in the title so the employer will know whose resume it is. For example, CalibraKhan_Resume or MichaelCummingsResume. Some companies may specify a particular file-naming convention to use, so double-check the job posting, and be sure to follow any instructions.

Be professional.  Just because you’re sending your message via email doesn’t mean you can be casual or sloppy. Take the time to carefully compose your email message and the materials you send with it. Your objective is to get an interview, and you’ll need to make the best impression you can.

Include a cover letter.  When you send your resume, it’s a good idea to include a cover letter unless the company specifies not to send one. This can be included in your email message, or you can send your cover letter and resume as attachments. A cover letter highlighting your qualifications for the job will help get your application noticed by the hiring manager.

Attach your documents.  Before you click send, remember to attach your documents to the email message. In Gmail or Microsoft Outlook, click on the paper clip icon to add your application materials to the message. The option should read “Attach Files” or “Attach."

Proofread and test your message.  It’s also important to write your correspondence as carefully and accurately as you would a printed letter. Proofread your email and send yourself a test message so you can be sure the formatting holds up and your attachments come through.

What to Include in Your Job Application Email 

Your email job application letter is a cover letter that accompanies your resume. The intent of the email is to let the recipient know:

• Why you are writing
• Which job you are applying for
• What your qualifications are for the job
• What you have to offer the company
• How you will follow up or how the recipient can get in touch with you

When sending an email to apply for a job, it’s important to be concise and to grab the hiring manager’s attention with a well-written message that highlights why you’re a good fit for the job. Your message should include the following:

Subject line:  Since hiring managers receive a lot of emails, make it easy for them to filter application emails. Include your name and the job title you are applying for in the message's subject line. If a job has been assigned a posting number, provide this as well. For example:

Subject Line:  Margaret Hannon – Social Media Marketing Assistant Position (posting #1234)

Salutation:  If possible, address your email to a specific person. If the hiring manager's name is not mentioned in the job listing, you can sometimes discover it by reviewing the company's website. If a name isn't available, you can open with "Dear Hiring Manager," as in the sample letter below, or with the more formal “ To Whom It May Concern .”

First paragraph:  In the first paragraph of your letter, it’s important to explain why you're writing. Mention where you saw the job application, the date when it was posted, and how you found the posting (e.g., presented on the company's website, posted on a job board, etc.).

If you were referred by a friend or colleague, mention it at the beginning of your email. A referral can help you secure an interview.

Middle paragraphs:  This section of the letter is where you can make a pitch for your candidacy. Why would you be a good fit for the job? What can you offer the company? Highlight your most relevant jobs and responsibilities as well as your accomplishments. Make sure not to copy your resume directly.

Final paragraph:  Use this space to thank the recipient for reading your email, and mention that your resume is attached. This is also the place to thank the recipient for considering your application. State when and how you will follow up as well.

Closing:  Use a  formal close such as "Best" or "Sincerely" to sign off your letter, then type your full name.

Email signature:  You can also include your email signature, which is an easy way to provide contact information to recipients. List your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile URL if you have one. For example:

Margaret Hannon margaret.b.hannon@email.com 555-123-1234 linkedin.com/in/margarethannon

Don't forget about your resume. Attach it to the email message in the  format requested by the employer . If a specific format isn't required, send it as a PDF or Word document.

Review sample email cover letters to help you get started. Just remember to customize your message for every job opening. 

Sample Email Job Application Message #1

Subject : Assistant Communications Director – Joseph Green

Dear Hiring Manager,

Your job posting on Craigslist for an Assistant Communications Director piqued my interest. Your description of the work responsibilities for the Assistant Director role closely matches my experience, and I am excited to submit my resume to you for your consideration.

In my position as an Assistant Communications Director for ABC Company, I wrote articles for the company website, edited and posted contributed articles, managed the company's social media presence, and wrote and sent out a weekly email newsletter to subscribers. I also implemented an automated email tool that grew the company's subscriber base by 40% within six months.

While Assistant Communications Director for Assemblyperson Janet Brown, I researched, drafted, and amended legislation, wrote press releases, and was responsible for office communications and correspondence.

My resume is attached. If I can provide you with any further information on my background and qualifications, please let me know.

I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration.

Joseph Green Joseph.Green@email.com 202-555-5252

Sample Email Job Application Message #2

Subject: Adjunct Instructor Position - Jane Lee

Dear Ms. Smith,

I was keenly interested in reading the job posting for the position of Anatomy and Physiology Professor at Middleburg University. I believe my experience is a strong match for the responsibilities pertaining to this role, and I’m pleased to submit my application for the position.

My most recent teaching position was at Amery University, where I taught both anatomy and physiology as an adjunct professor. In addition, I served on two faculty committees and participated in a research project.

I have attached my resume to this letter. Through it, I hope you will learn more about my background, education, achievements, and awards.

If I can provide you with any further information, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you about this opportunity.

Thank you for your consideration.

Jane Lee Jane.Lee@email.com 454-555-4653

Do you need to send a cover letter when you email a resume to apply for a job?

If a job listing requests a cover letter, it’s important to write one. If it’s optional, a cover letter can help boost your application, but it’s not required.

What’s the best file format to use for a resume sent by email?

Resumes are typically sent as .doc or .pdf documents. Some job postings specify the file format the employer wants to receive, for example, an Adobe PDF file or a Microsoft Word document. Many employers don’t have a preference and accept both.

CareerOneStop. " Job Applications ."

CareerOneStop. " Online Applications ."

Microsoft. “ Use Word, Excel, PowerPoint and More for Free With Office on the Web .”

Google. “ Google Docs .”

• English (UK)

• Cover Letter

Email Cover Letter: 5 Samples & Writing Guide + Expert Tips

How do you write an email cover letter? Should you format it differently? Should you attach it? See 5 examples for different jobs to write a cover letter email that gets results.

Should you attach a cover letter to your email? Or should you write a cover letter in the body of your email?  It’s a real dilemma. But email covering letters are the new norm. Learn how to make it right.

In this guide:

• How to write a cover letter email that gets noticed.
• Why cover letters in emails should be short and snappy.
• Five great email cover letter templates for different jobs.
• Tips and examples to help you write the best letter in the stack.

Save hours of work and get a cover letter like this. Pick a template, fill it in. Quick and easy. Choose from 18+ cover letter templates and download your cover letter now.

Create your cover letter now

What users say about ResumeLab:

I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your cover letter.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous cover letter was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

This guide focuses on actionable examples . Need more detailed step-by-step instructions for sending a job application email? See our guide: Emailing a Resume to Get a Job: Resume Email Samples

Need all the steps to write your cover letter fast? Check our step-by-step guide on  how to write a cover letter .

How to Write an Email Cover Letter

You’re 40x more likely to get hired, if you apply directly to the hiring manager. But only 0.14% do it! The rest go through job boards and career sites. That’s from a study of 55 million applications !

Applying for a job via email will only work if you get your message across fast . Don’t make the manager open two attachments, one with a resume and another with a traditional cover letter. Write your cover letter in the email body so she can see your value right away.

Email cover letter format:

• Put your name in the subject line. Otherwise how will they find you later?
• Add the job title to the subject line and first line of your email.
• Use the 3-paragraph cover letter format , but keep it short and snappy.
• Find resume keywords in the job ad.
• Include one big achievement relevant to the job.

Expert Hint: Don’t forget to attach your resume to the cover letter in your email! Forgetting to attach your resume is a massive rookie mistake!

Need examples? This email cover letter sample is for a job that wants skills in raising revenue and cutting costs:

Sample Email Cover Letter for Professionals

Subject line: Project Manager PMP Stacy Anne Fetter Seeks position with Upwird IT (Job ID #77781)

Dear Mr. Holt,

I’ve attached my resume for the Project Manager position at Upwird.

I’m a Project Manager and PMP with 6+ years of experience. I cut costs 27% and raised revenue $450,000 in 7 months at Doherty-Welman Inc. I’m excited about the great Project Manager opening you’re offering. I know you’re looking for a candidate who can handle Lean training, project scheduling, and standardized work.

I’d love to share my achievements in those areas, including cutting costs $1.2 million with work standardization. Can we schedule a call to discuss?

Best Regards,

Stacy Anne Fetter

Project Manager PMP

linkedin.com/in/stacyannezfetter

[email protected]

812-241-4445

Why does that work?  Because it’s quick and easy to read. Plus, it teases the exact qualities Mr. Holt wants.

This next cover letter email sample is for a job that wants a software engineer. He or she must have a track record of excellent video game design:

Sample Cover Letter Email for Computer Science

Subject line: Software Engineer Carl Espinar Seeks position with BlockBinners (Job ID #72234)

Dear Ms. Gallardo,

I’ve attached my resume for the software engineer position at BlockBinners.

I’ve been a huge fan of your podcast for 5 years. I’ve studied your approach to game development religiously. I credit your ideas with my success at GameSezzl, where I was an integral part of the team that made 2nd runner up for a Game Developers Choice Award.

With 5+ years of experience in game design, C++, and Java, I think I’d make a great addition to your team. Could we set aside some time to talk next week?

Carl Espinar

Software Engineer

linkedin.com/in/carlzespinar

[email protected]

carlzespinar.com

402-871-0787

See the value?  You proved your skills so fast the manager got vertigo.  Even if she skims. 

Our next email cover letter example targets a job that wants a graphic designer. The perfect candidate has done great work for high-end clients.

Sample Email Cover Letter for Creatives

Subject line: Graphic Designer Sheryl Hood Seeks position with Ash-Litski (Job ID #72643)

Dear Mr. Cho,

I’ve attached my resume for the graphic designer position at Ash-Litski.

I’m an energetic graphic designer with 6+ years of experience. I’ve delivered logos and designs for web, print, and TV spots for clients like Arby’s, HP, Microsoft, Apple, and Walmart. In the past 5 years I’ve created 1,000+ high-impact designs—one of which received an AIDA award.

I’m so enthusiastic about working for Ash-Litski. Your client list and philosophy of hiring smart people and following their lead is refreshing. Can we set up a call?

Sheryl Hood

Graphic Designer

linkedin.com/in/sherylzhood

[email protected]

sherylzhood.com

302-983-9891

Can’t miss.  They want skill and high end clients. You just demonstrated both. This cover letter email sample aims for a job that needs a sales executive. (Must have a background of improving ROI.)

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

Sample Cover Letter Email for Executives

Subject line: Sales executive Tim Lukacs Seeks position with Dalton-Oort Global (Job ID #87723)

Dear Ms. Smith,

I’ve attached my resume for the sales executive position at Dalton-Oort Global.

Selling a great product is the first rule of sales. Dalton-Oort’s medical solutions solve massive, real problems. I believe your KardioSpy wearable ECG will revolutionize the medical industry. Even though I raised ROI 30% at Karma Microsystems through a program of training and outreach, I believe I could do so much more if motivated by products like yours.

I’ll be in New York next week. Could we set aside some time to meet and discuss your sales goals for the next ten years?

Kind Regards,

linkedin.com/in/timzlukacs

[email protected]

504-908-3037

First rate.  That letter sells exactly what they need. And does it quick.

This next email cover letter example is for a marketing intern. She must know how to run podcasts and assist with digital marketing campaigns.

Sample Email Cover Letter for Internships

Subject line: Marketing BS Heidi Parker seeks internship with Maunterz Inc. (Job ID #09912)

Dear Mr. Zimmer,

I’ve attached my resume for the marketing internship at Maunterz Inc.

I’m a marketing specialist and recent graduate of New Mexico State University, with a BS in Marketing. At school, I built and managed the student business podcast and created a digital marketing campaign that raised $14,000 for cancer research.

I’ve been following Maunterz Inc’s work for the past few months and I think your internship has a great mix of responsibility and training. Could we set up a call?

Heidi Parker

Marketing Specialist

linkedin.com/in/heidizparker

[email protected]

505-251-5424

Pow.  Quick, zappy, and personal. Plus, that “$14,000” grabs the eye.

Expert Tip: You don’t need copious address info at the top and bottom of an email cover letter. Just add your phone and email. Add LinkedIn and a portfolio site if you have them.

With ResumeLab’s resume builder you’ll write your resume in a flash. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

CREATE YOUR RESUME NOW

Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You’re the perfect candidate and we’ll prove it. Just pick one of 21 resume templates and get started now .

For an email cover letter that makes your phone ring:

• Make your cover letter email much shorter than a traditional letter.
• Get to the point right away: why you love the job and your best selling point.
• Use one big achievement in your letter to make them want to read your resume.
• Don’t attach a PDF cover letter when you send a cover letter in an email.
• Sending a cover letter as an email can boost your hiring chances 40x.

Need more cover letter resources? See:

• Free MS Word Cover Letter Templates
• Cover Letter Header Templates and Examples
• General Cover Letter That’s Not Generic
• Free Google Docs Cover Letter Templates
• What to Include in a Cover Letter
• What to Write in an Email when Sending a Resume .

Got questions on how to write a great email cover letter? Want more great email cover letter samples? Leave a comment. We’re happy to reply.

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Having published over 200 career-advice articles, Tom Gerencer is a career expert who covers the whole array of job-seeking topics for people at all career stages, from interns to C-suite members. His insights, commentary, and articles reach over a million readers every month. With inside knowledge of key industry players and in-depth research, Tom helps job seekers with advice across all professions and career stages.

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