How to Write an Email for a Job Application: An Ultimate Guide

Found your dream job? You're probably thinking that the job is almost yours - you just need to send a quick application email and land the job. This may well be true, but you must catch the recruiter's attention with an impactful email.

The majority of candidates overlook the importance of the 'first contact' email when responding to a job application. As a result, their emails are usually not even answered. There are two options to solve this issue.

The first is to rely on the professional service Custom Writings, where essay writing experts will indicate key points to mention in your application email in order to be recruited. The second is to dedicate time to creating a masterpiece of an email. With the help of this guide, you will learn some valuable tips. Ready?

Mastering the Job Application through Email

What is a job application email? You should think of it as a personal essay that attracts the employer’s attention. Some career advisors describe it as the 'prologue' to a cover letter. It should be short and concise without any wordy information.

Note that a job application email should not contain a direct cover letter. You should attach the files with such information. According to Lauren Bradshaw, an academic writing expert:

“Those who send emails with cover letters as a text instead of attaching the files cause additional headaches for recruiters since they prefer to download application information and organise it into candidate folders”. 

Therefore, attached files are an advantage as they can be downloaded and then added to your 'potential employee' folder. 

If you want to master the perfect format for a job application email, read the following tips and make sure you send emails at the right time.

Writing Your First Job Application Email

The first criterion of starting writing is deciding on the content. A typical but strong job application email should contain these factors:

• Your full name

• The position you're applying for (if a job vacancy contains more than 1 job, ensure to choose one that fits your education, skills, etc)

• How you found the job (Internet, job platforms, recommendations, etc)

• Why you're applying (specify the reasons why you apply, it may be your experience in the field or skills that they are currently looking for)

• What you bring to the table (why they should choose you over other candidates);

• Links to your social media profiles (employers usually like to check through your LinkedIn profile)

Now, let’s move to the actual structure. 

The subject line of the email should state a clear reason as to why you are writing. For instance: 

Application for Web Designer - John Johnson

It is pretty clear what position you apply for, and you also add your name. This way, a recruiter will find your email faster.

As for the opening line of your email, you should briefly introduce yourself and repeat the position you're applying for. Do also mention how you found the job vacancy. The companies use this information for marketing and analytics purposes. It helps them know where their vacancies are the most visible.

After that, you proceed with the main body, just as with essays. Of course, it is shorter than an essay paragraph and is composed of only 2-3 sentences where you should explain your experience and advantages over other candidates.

Following the main body, a person finishes with a closing line. It is like a call-to-action for a recruiter.

Beyond that, don’t forget to thank the recruiter for acknowledging your email, or taking time to read it.

End your email with a formal Best Regards, Sincerely Yours, etc., and add your name. 

You may additionally learn more requirements with a guide provided by the University of Sydney. Ensure to gather all information before beginning writing.

Additional Hints on Making Your Candidacy Visible

Similar to an in-person acquaintance, your job application email has only one chance to impress. If you manage to catch a recruiter’s attention and get a reply, you must have written something dazzling. How to be such a candidate? Let's see...

Moreover, some people who start looking for a job make one huge mistake. They send direct or private messages to recruiters via their social media profiles. For instance, the job vacancy on a designated platform was published by Maria Johnson (recruiter), and a person managed to find her profile on Instagram and direct message her regarding the opening.

This is a no-go as social media profiles are only for personal communication. If you write for employment purposes, you may jeopardise your candidacy. 

Last but not least, another mistake is copy-pasting someone else's job application email, found on the Internet. A recruiter may check it for authenticity if they hesitate about your persona. Your smart ploy might just get you exposed. 

That’s it. If you are still really scared to write an email, and not sure whether your writing style will attract a recruiter’s attention, always rely on writing experts.

Feeling inspired? Visit our blog for more career advice! How can you be sure the information we provide is top-notch? We are a group of professionals working with recruiters, career coaches, and HR specialists from all over the world! 

Trust our experience and let us help you find a new job in Europe!