Email Subject Lines for Resume & Job Applications

Email Subject Lines for Resume & Job Applications

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Keep it short and concise

Your email subject lines for a job application should be brief and to-the-point. If you write too much text, then it can get cut off in the subject line, especially on smaller devices like smartphones.  In fact, eMailmonday reports that up to 77 percent of emails are opened on mobile phones. As a result, it is suggested that subject lines be less than 50 

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Keep it short and concise

characters. The first few words should identify that you're applying for a job and catch the reader's attention

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Include referral info

If you were referred for a position, include the person's name in the subject line. Many organizations offer an employee referral program given that there is already credibility built into a referral.  By including a referral name, you can get your foot in the door before anyone even looks at your resume. An example of a job referral subject line is:

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Include referral info

“Referral From Jane Doe: Joe Smith, Resume for Junior Marketing Position”

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Refer to instructions

If you have a job description to refer to, be sure to read it carefully and follow the submission instructions.  If it says to include the position name, position location, position ID, and your name, then include only that. If you were referred to the job, it's OK to include the referral name as well. Here are a few subject line examples:

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Refer to instructions

“Senior Marketing Manager, Houston, Job ID 21, Jane Doe” “Referred by John Smith: Senior Marketing Manager, Houston, Job ID 21, Jane Doe”

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Be professional

Keep your email subject line professional; don't use informal words such as “hey” and “howdy.” Also, avoid using shorthand or abbreviations if they aren't part of the job title or submission instructions. Avoid this: “Howdy Hiring Manager, Joe Smith Applying for Accountant, Houston” And do this: “Job Application, Joe Smith Applying for Accountant Position, Houston”

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Proofread

Similar to any job marketing collateral, proofread your subject lines to ensure there are no typos or punctuation errors. You don't want your email to be overlooked or left unopened due to a bad first impression from an avoidable typo in your subject line.

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How to write the perfect subject line for submitting your resume

Include the pertinent details If instructions on how to apply are not outlined in the job post and you don't have a referral, then the best email subject lines will include: – The reason for your email – Position title – Position location (if provided) – Position ID (if provided) – Your name

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How to write the perfect subject line for submitting your resume

If you're not applying for a specific job, and instead, you're inquiring about job possibilities, include: – Reason for your email – Your name – Brief qualifier (if beneficial and not too long) – Referral (if relevant)

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How to write the perfect subject line for submitting your resume

Include certifications If you have certifications or qualifications that add value to your job application or are required for the job, include them in the subject line. Here are a few email subject line examples of how to do that.

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How to write the perfect subject line for submitting your resume

Use a professional email address Think of your email address as your email subject line's partner. Many recruiters and hiring managers frown upon unprofessional email addresses and don't open emails from job applicants that use them — even if they have a good subject line.  For example, don't use addresses like 

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How to write the perfect subject line for submitting your resume

FunAllTheTime@email.com or ReadyForFriday@email.com. Your email address should be professional, and ideally, identify who you are. Use your first name and last name, if it's available. If it's not, then use some combination of your name and profession or your name and a numerical value.

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