How to Write an Outstanding Job Application Email (with 3 Samples!)

After carefully curating your CV and cover letter, you’re finally ready to apply for a job. 

Lucky for you, it’s never been easier! With LinkedIn’s “Easy Apply” or JobStreet’s “Apply Now” functions, you can send your entire profile with the click of a button.  

The problem is, anyone can do that these days. That’s why hiring managers are flooded with job applications each day.

With such intense competition, how do you make your application stand out from the rest? 

Knowing how to write a job application email is a crucial step to catch a hiring manager’s attention and land that interview you deserve. 

In this article, we’ll explain some of the best practises of writing a job application email and provide a few samples that you can use too.

In this post, we will share:

• What is a Job Application Email
• Why Write a Job Application Email
• How to Write a Job Application Email
  • What to include in your email
  • Job Application Email Structure
• Job Application Email Samples

What is A Job Application Email

It’s an email you send to recruiters to apply for a job. The email should contain your resume, cover letter, and a short personal introduction.

However, it doesn’t end there!

Use your email as a pitch to sell yourself to recruiters.

Share your career narrative and highlight your competitive advantage to convince recruiters that you are a good fit for the company. Think of it as a highly condensed version of your Cover Letter. 

Recruiters spend each day pouring through countless applications, so you have to hook them in by emphasising your best achievements and skills in a clear and concise manner.

An outstanding job application email reels recruiters and hiring managers in, enticing them to find out more about you by reading your Resume and Cover Letter.

Why Write a Job Application Email

“Isn’t it more convenient to apply through job portals?”

That’s definitely true.

But there’s a trade-off: You can’t customise your application. When you apply through job portals such as LinkedIn’s Easy Apply, recruiters will only see your name, contact information, relevant roles and skills, and education.

Hiring managers won’t have enough context to judge your fit among a sea of applications. How will you differentiate yourself from the pack? 

A personalised job application email helps you stand out. This email is your first point of contact with recruiters, an elevator pitch that lets you make the best first impression. 

So how do you write an outstanding job application email?

How to Write a Job Application Email

You should aim to persuade the recruiters of your value to the company in a concise manner. 

If your email is easy to read, your recruiters will have less work to do and will be more willing to consider your application! 

Here’s how you could structure a compelling job application email.

Structuring your Job Application Email

Start with an Informative Subject Line

A detailed subject line clearly informs recruiters about you and your application.

Let’s look at this email subject line:

Compare this to a similar one:

Which one is more likely to catch the eye of a recruiter?

The latter!

Why?

The subject line is direct and focused, informing the recruiter that you’re applying for a particular job opening. Remember, recruiters always look at the subject line first. Take that extra effort to make sure your email is worth opening!

Introduce yourself, state what position you’re applying for, and how you found out about the job

A great introduction provides context about your job application email. Introduce yourself formally – it’s another opportunity to sell yourself professionally!

Consider this example:

Highlight your relevant job experience and expertise

Emphasise your competitive advantage to show how your experience can bring value to the company.

Amazing!

The hiring manager is immediately hooked by Bobby’s unique selling points which are backed up by relevant metrics: his expertise in e-commerce, his sales captured, and his sales captured, all pointing towards how he can add value to Lazada.

Indicate your enthusiasm to follow up with the employer

Express your desire to follow up to show your enthusiasm to work for the company.

Isn’t this a great way to end your email? 

Bobby is providing a call-to-action for the employer to follow up and continue the conversation. 

Before you hurry off to send your perfect email, do remember to attach your CV and cover letter!

Need more inspiration?

Check out our Job Application Email examples, which we have written for jobseekers across different levels of experience. 

Sample 1: Job Application Email Sample For Fresh Graduates

Fresh out of school and ready to enter the workforce? Here’s a sample for you.

If you don’t have much work experience, you can highlight your achievements in school and how it’ll help you add value to the company.

Sample 2: Job Application Email For Mid-Career Individuals

You’re eyeing a senior role in another company in the same industry. When writing the job application email, insert your industry-specific experience and key achievements.

They are important as they justify why you deserve this position.

Sample 3: For Experienced Professionals Seeking Career Changes

Looking for a new challenge after a long and successful career? 

Leverage your experience and highlight your greatest achievements to blow hiring managers away!

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve learnt how to draft a job application email to make a great first impression to recruiters. 

An outstanding job application email: 

• Is formal and professional
• Highlights your achievements and experiences
• Signals your willingness to contribute to the company

With these tips, you’re on your way to drafting great emails that’ll get you the interviews you deserve.