How to write the perfect job application email

Contents:

1. How do I complete an application online?
2. Applying by email: a step-by-step guide to securing your dream job
3. Your email application is ready to go – your new dream job awaits

The days when you had to submit applications to companies exclusively by post are long gone. These days, the hunt for your dream job takes place online, and in most cases, all you have to do is simply submit your application by email or by using an online application form. It's faster, and it saves money and valuable resources.

Nevertheless, you should take just as much care when applying by email as you do when applying in writing. In order to give yourself the best possible chance of getting the job, you need to make sure you get everything right. From the subject to the text to the attachments: we're here to show you what really matters when it comes to writing your job application email!

How do I complete an application online?

This is actually a good question, because there are in fact two different types of application that you need to be aware of. We already touched on this briefly earlier on. An application is either sent by email or submitted via an online application form. You will come across both variants in job advertisements, so here's a quick explanation of how the two differ.

In this article, however, we will focus on email applications and help you to avoid potential blunders by walking you through it step by step. Let's go!

Applying by email: a step-by-step guide to securing your dream job

One in a million: this is a more or less accurate description of the situation in which your application finds itself when it lands in the HR manager's inbox. It's not hard to imagine that in such a crowded inbox, those little touches can make all the difference when it comes your chances of securing that dream job: a well-worded subject line or snappy email text will give your application the special something it needs to get you through to the next round of the application process. But how can you make sure that your email application will really stand out? Our five tips are guaranteed to help you increase your email application's click rate.

1. Tip: a sensible email address

When you're starting the application process, your first step should be to get a sensible email address. Why bother, you might ask? Well, creating a new email address will take you just a few minutes, but it will help you make a positive impression on recruiters. Not to mention, it makes perfect sense to separate your application-related correspondence from the rest of your emails to help you keep track of everything. After all, you wouldn't want to miss an important reply. How frustrating would that be!

What makes a serious email address?

Cute, cool or funny e-mail addresses simply don't belong in an email application. You might not have given it much thought before, but emails like this make it seem as though you are immature and don't take things seriously, thereby scuppering your chances of getting the job. So avoid including anything more than your name in your email address:

• No nicknames
• No online nicknames
• No date of birth

Here's how you create a sensible email address:

• Only use your first name and surname
• Your email address should be as short as possible and as long as necessary
• You can shorten your first name
• Your surname should always be included
• You can add a dot, hyphen or underscore between your first name and surname, but never a space.
• Addresses from free email service providers such as Gmail, GMX or Outlook are fine

Tip 2: choose an informative subject line

The subject not only makes it easier for recruiters to know what to do with your documents, but this single line can also be the deciding factor in whether your email even gets opened in the first place. If you succeed in crafting a persuasive subject line, this shows that you are putting thought into it and really want the job. On the other hand, failing to include a subject line or including one that is insufficient will certainly work against you. So don't miss your chance to make a good first impression and make sure to give the subject line your full attention.

When writing the subject line, be mindful of the following:

• Keep the subject as brief as possible
• Spelling mistakes are inexcusable
• Include the word "application"
• Use the specific job title
• Cite the job advert reference number if available
• Ideally, your name should be clear from your email address.

What should I write as the subject when submitting speculative job applications?

If you are not responding to a job advertisement but instead applying on your own intiative, you should always call first to ask for a specific contact so that you can email your application to the right person in the company. You can refer to the phone call in the subject line to increase the chances of a face-to-face job interview.

Tip 3: write the perfect email text for your application

Now let's look at a particularly important part of your application – the email text. The email cover letter is the first thing written by you that recruiters will read, even before your actual application documents. You should therefore also be using the email text of your application to convince future employers that you have lots to offer – and in a short and snappy way. This doesn't sound hugely challenging, but it's important to quickly get to the point and, of course, to do so without any errors.

What to include in your application's email text:

• Salutation with name of contact
• Cover letter no longer than four to six lines
• Closing greeting
• First name and surname
• Current signature (address, telephone number and email address)

Example: email text to accompany your application

Dear Ms/Mr,

I was very interested to read the job advertisement for your current vacancy. I have therefore attached my application documents to this email.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions. I hope to soon meet you for an in-person meeting, so we can discuss what I would be able to bring to the role.

Kind regards

Leonie Miller

Leonie Miller

Miller Street 1

12345 Example Town/City

Telephone or mobile number

Email address: [email protected]

Tip 4: organise your email application attachment correctly

You should add your digital application dossier as an attachment to your application. This should be arranged as follows:

• Cover letter
• Cover page (optional)
• CV
• Letter of motivation ("third page")
• Certificates
• Other references if needed

When applying via email, the documents should generally not be attached individually, but sent as a single PDF file. This allows you to ensure that your application documents don't get mixed up.

How big can the email attachment be?

The attached PDF containing your digital application dossier should be no larger than 3 MB and also have a unique file name.

What name should be given to the digital application folder?

When you label the PDF file containing your application documents, you should include both your name and the job currently being advertised. It could look like this:

Leonie Miller_Application_Job TItle.pdf

Tip 5: check your email application

Before sending off your application via email, you should check it over once more to make sure you have covered everything. You can use our checklist to help you:

Checklist: email application

• Are you sending your application from a sensible email address?
• Is it being sent to the correct recipient?
• Is your application email's subject line sufficiently concise?
• Is the attachment attached, appropriately named and no larger than 3 MB?
• Does the application email text include a salutation, closing greeting and signature?
• Is the application email text worded in a meaningful way and free from errors?

Your email application is ready to go – your new dream job awaits

Are you well prepared and ready to get out there into the job market? Then start your search now right here on JobTeaser. Because with us you can search for your dream job yourself or simply let the companies that are a good fit come to you. Simply upload your CV to your JobTeaser profile.

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