Emailing a resume is essential to make a strong first impression with potential employers. The right messaging, tone, and timing significantly impact whether your application stands out, ultimately increasing your chances of landing the job.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to include in your resume email before hitting send. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on what to write in email when sending a resume, as well as examples to help you stand out in a pool of candidates. Let’s start!
Key Takeaways
- Emailing a resume is a crucial step in your job-hunting process, as it offers a direct way to show your expertise to the employer.
- It’s essential to read the job postings carefully so you can make an informed decision on how to submit your resume.
- To stand out in your resume email, create a compelling subject line, personalize your message, emphasize your skills, and close the email off with a professional signature.
- When emailing a resume and a cover letter, make sure you proofread and double-check that both are attached before sending.
Should You Email Your Resume to the Employer?
You should email your resume to the employer if that’s what the job posting specifies. While it’s more common for companies to accept resumes sent directly through online platforms or job boards (like LinkedIn), the preferred method depends on their process.
If the instructions request that applicants must submit their resume via email, don’t think twice about following that requirement. It shows that you’ve carefully read the posting and are willing to go through all the necessary steps to secure the position.
Typically, smaller companies value a personal interaction right at the beginning, so the chances they’ll ask for a resume in their inbox are high. Larger companies, on the other hand, usually ask applicants to send applications through specific platforms, streamlining the process.
Whatever the case, it’s important to follow through—ignoring or doing the opposite of what the employers ask might work against you and give other candidates an advantage.
How to Email Your Resume
When you’re on a job hunt, knowing exactly what to write in an email when sending a resume is crucial. The process involves more than merely attaching a file and submitting your application; think of it as your chance to make a lasting first impression and set yourself apart from other candidates.
Here are the six steps you should follow to ensure your email grabs your employer’s attention:
#1. Create a Compelling Email Subject Line
The subject line is the first thing your employer sees, so it has to sound professional and concise. Be clear about what they can expect when they open the email—don’t use vague or overly casual language.
A compelling email resume’s subject line should include the job title you’re applying for and your name. Some employers add reference numbers to the job posting so they can easily track them. Add the number if provided; if not, leave it out.
Here’s what a good email resume subject line could look like:
“Application for [Job Title] -[Name]-[Reference Number]”
In contrast, an ineffective subject line might be: “Resume attached!” or “Important email.”
#2. Make it Personalized
Personalization is key when emailing a resume. It shows you’re taking extra steps to familiarize yourself with the organization and its people. So, take your time to research the company on platforms like LinkedIn and find the hiring manager’s name.
Once you have it, start your email by gently greeting them. A good example would be “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name].” If their name is difficult to find or you’re unsure if you’re looking at the right person, use “Dear Hiring Manager”—this is way better than a plain “Hello.”
Knowing how to politely send a CV is all about using simple yet effective personal touches. Those small efforts can make you stand out and leave the impression that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
#3. Introduce Yourself
When it comes to what to say when you’re emailing a resume, a safe bet is to start by briefly introducing yourself. Explain who you are by providing your full name, then mention the position you’re applying for and how you’ve come across the job posting.
Here’s what a good introduction looks like:
“My name is Peter Jackson, and I’m applying for the Software Engineering position I saw on LinkedIn.”
Avoid sounding overly casual or like you’re sending the email to many companies and not paying attention to detail. A bad introduction would sound like this:
“I’m Peter, and I’m applying at your company because I believe I will be a good fit.”
#4. Emphasize Why You’re a Good Fit
Emphasizing why you’re a good fit allows you to let employers know that your skills are the perfect match for the job requirements. One way to demonstrate this is by ensuring your resume summary aligns with the points you make in the email.
You could also highlight the value you’d bring to the company by mentioning specific accomplishments related to the position. If possible, back this up with numbers, as employers love to hear about measurable results.
Let’s take a look at a good example:
“In my opinion, I would be a great fit for this position because I possess both soft and technical skills necessary for success. In my previous role, I developed a software application that improved processing speed by 35, increasing customer satisfaction.”
#5. Provide a Strong Closing Statement
When emailing a resume, your closing statement is the final opportunity to make an impression. Start by expressing your excitement about getting the position, then let the employer know they can find the resume in the attached section.
Next, state that if they have any questions, they can feel free to reach out. Lastly, emphasize how eager you are to hear back the feedback. Here’s an example:
“I’m very excited to be part of your team and use my expertise to contribute to your company’s success. I’ve attached my resume for your consideration, and I’m happy to answer any questions you might have. Looking forward to hearing from you!”
#6. Create a Professional Signature
End the email by incorporating a professional signature. You can take advantage of email signature generator tools like WiseStamp or Newoldstemp.
If you decide to go the more traditional route, don’t forget to include the following:
- Full name
- Job title
- Phone number
- LinkedIn profile
For an extra touch of professionalism when emailing a resume, you could include your portfolio or personal website (if it’s relevant to the role you’re applying for). Remember to keep it simple, as a cluttered signature can make it harder for the employer to focus on key details.
3 Examples of Well-Written Resume Email
Let’s incorporate everything we’ve covered so far so you can see the steps in action.
Below are three well-written examples of emailing a resume that can help you understand what works best and why:
#1. Example 1
| Subject: Application for Customer Success Manager, John Doe
“Dear Mr. Johnson, My name is John Doe, and I’m applying for the Customer Success Manager position at EngagePoint Media. I found the job posting on LinkedIn, and it seemed like an amazing opportunity. With over 7 years of experience in client management and customer success, I’m confident I can build strong client relationships and drive customer retention. Additionally, my exceptional communication skills make me a great fit for this position. I’ve attached my resume and cover letter below (please see the attachments), and I would be delighted to discuss how my background aligns with the needs of your team. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards, |
#2. Example 2
| Subject: Applying for Content Writer – Sarah Miller
“Dear Ms. Johnson, I’m excited to submit my job application for the Content Writer role at WordCraft Studios. I saw the job posting on your company’s career page, and after learning more about your mission, I felt compelled to apply. My background in marketing and content writing has equipped me with skills like SEO optimization, producing high-quality articles, and creating social media content. All of these skills directly align with the qualifications mentioned in the job posting, making me an ideal fit for the role. You can find the additional details in the resume I attached. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require additional information. I appreciate your time and look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further. Kind regards, |
#3. Example 3
| Subject line: Sales Executive Application – Lauren Kim
“Dear Mr. Johnson, My name is Lauren Kim, and I’m thrilled to apply for the Sales Executive position at GreenLeaf Solutions. In my previous role, I increased the sales revenue by 35% by Q2 and boosted the lead conversion rate by 15% through personalized sales strategies. After looking at your LinkedIn job posting, I’m confident that my background aligns well with your needs, and I’m ready to bring immediate value to your team. Many of the skills required to be successful in the position are areas where I have consistently excelled, such as strategic sales planning, customer relationship management, and data-driven decision-making. I’ve included my resume for your review, and I would welcome the chance to discuss how my expertise aligns with your team’s goals. Please reach out if you need any additional information. Best regards, |
6 Tips to Consider When Emailing a Resume
Here are six tips to help you make a strong impression when emailing your resume to a potential employer:
- Proofread the email. Typos can make the email feel rushed and unprofessional. Take a moment to scroll through the email and check for any spelling or grammatical errors. Plus, it’s a great chance to show off your attention to detail, which recruiters typically look for in candidates.
- Give the resume a proper name. Avoid using generic name files like “MyResume.pdf.” Always include your full name so it’s easily identifiable by the hiring manager. Here’s a good example: “Resume_John_Doe.pdf.”
- Double-check if the resume is attached. It’s easy to overlook this step, even though it’s the purpose of the email. So, review your attachments and ensure you’re following the company’s preferred method for emailing a resume sample.
- Consider including a cover letter. This allows you to dig deeper into the resume, explain certain parts of your work history and skills, and explain why you’re a great fit for the role.
- Use a professional email address. Avoid emailing a resume from an email with casual names like “[email protected]” or “[email protected].” Your email should only include your first and second name, as it gives the most professional look, such as “[email protected].”.
- Add your LinkedIn profile or portfolio. This provides additional information to employers about your skills, accomplishments, and work history. It also allows them to see any recommendations or endorsements from previous colleagues or mentors.
Final Thoughts
Emailing a resume lets you get your foot in the door to get the position you’ve always hoped for. It’s more than just attaching a resume and calling it a day—it’s about showing your professionalism and interest in the role.
Remember, when sending a copy of your resume via email, ensure you stick to all the steps and tips provided in this article. By personalizing your email, crafting a strong subject line, and adding a professional signature, you ensure you’re rising above the competition.
Emailing a Resume FAQ
#1. Should I paste my resume into the body of the email or attach it?
It’s a best practice to attach your resume as a separate file unless it’s specified in the job listing to do otherwise. Attaching it keeps your resume format intact and ensures it’s easy to save and refer to later. You can include a brief intro or cover letter in the body of the email.
#2. What file format is best for sending a resume?
PDF is the best file format when you email a resume, ensuring it looks the same on all devices. Some companies may request Word documents (.doc or .docx) for easier compatibility with their applicant tracking systems (ATS).
#3. How soon should I follow up after sending a resume?
It’s a good practice to wait about 7-10 days before following up. You don’t want to appear impatient, and this timeframe shows that you’re considerate while still demonstrating your interest. When you do follow up, be polite and brief, as many employers value applicants who show initiative without being pushy.
