Career Advice
How to Write an Outstanding Job Application Email (with 3 Samples!)
Applying for a job is really easy these days, especially if you use LinkedIn or apply through job portals.
All you have to do is click, and your profile and CV get sent to HR.
But sometimes, there are no shortcuts. Some job ads may specifically call for job applications to be submitted by email.
That’s why it’s absolutely critical to know how to craft a compelling email for your job application.
Your job application email is your first point of contact with HR. Seize the opportunity to sell yourself well via email, and score an interview callback!
In this article, we’ll show you how to write a job application email that emphasises your competitive advantage, and provide some sample emails that you can use too.
ResumeWriter Tip: Tempting as it may be to apply directly through job boards, we recommend to avoid doing so! Make the effort to email the hiring manager instead. Trust us, you’ll have a better chance of standing out amid a sea of applicants.
How to Write a Job Application Email
- What is a Job Application Email
- Why Write a Job Application Email
- How to Write a Job Application Email
- Job Application Email Samples
What is A Job Application Email
Think of your job application email as a highly condensed version of your Cover Letter.
In our ultimate Cover letter guide, we explain what a Cover Letter is: an opportunity to tell recruiters more about you on a personal level, and bring your best attributes and achievements to the fore.
Your Cover Letter convinces employers that you’re a worthy candidate, by letting your career narrative and competitive advantage shine through.
Your job application email is a more concise version of that. Pick out only the top few highlights from your Cover Letter for your email.
These highlights should entice recruiters and Hiring Managers to open up your Resume and Cover Letter attachments.
Why Write a Job Application Email
“Why can’t I just send an email cover letter?”
It’s not that you can’t!
Sending an entire Cover Letter in email format isn’t unacceptable. It’s actually a matter of personal preference.
But at ResumeWriter.SG, our view is that it’s a far better option to send an email with your Resume and Cover Letter attached.
Here are a few reasons why:
- Attachments are easier for HR and the Hiring Manager to file, print, distribute and save for easier future reference.
- Emails might get lost in inboxes or accidentally deleted
- If you get an email thread going from your initial email, which has the embedded Cover Letter, it’ll get pushed all the way to the bottom and likely forgotten about
So, with these in mind, doesn’t attaching the Cover Letter in email sound better to you?
With that said, how do you write a standout job application email?
How to Write a Job Application Email
Remember, the objective of your email is to persuade potential employers of the value you’ll bring to the company.
How can the employer benefit from your experience and skill set? How are you going to make an impact? Why should he hire you over other candidates?
ResumeWriter Tip: Besides your Cover Letter and job application email, your resume is another crucial component of your “sales pitch” to prospective employers! Discover our secrets to crafting a winning resume.
What to Include in a Job Application Email
Include your:
- Full Name
- Title of Position you’re applying for
- How you found out about the job
- Reasons you’re applying
- Competitive Advantage (Reasons why the employer should hire you)
- Highlights of Your Experience, Achievements and Qualifications
- LinkedIn Profile
Structure of a Job Application Email
- Email Subject Line: Open with a concise and direct subject line that clearly states the intention of your email
- Opening Line: Introduce yourself, clearly state the position you’re applying for, and where/how you found out about the job.
- Body Paragraph: Insert 2-3 short sentences outlining your competitive advantage, and why the employer should consider your application.
- Ending Line: Conclude with a call-to-action for the employer to follow up, and thank them for reading your email.
- Closing: End your email with a formal sign-off
Get more inspiration from our Job Application Email samples below 🙂
Job Application Email Samples
Sample 1: Job Application Email for a Digital Marketing Associate Position
| Subject Line: Application for Digital Marketing Associate – Terry Cheung
Dear Mr Lee, I hope this email finds you well. My name is Terry Cheung, and I would like to submit my application for the Digital Marketing Associate position that ABC Media posted on JobsDB Hong Kong last week. I’m a journalist-turned-digital marketer, and specialise in online content creation, video production and content distribution. Having worked at a variety of media publications such as Oriental Press Group, Hong Kong Free Press and Lifestyle Asia, I’m confident that I can leverage my expertise in digital media and marketing to grow readership and drive online engagement for ABC Media. Please find my resume, cover letter and portfolio attached for your perusal. Should you have any questions or would like more information from me, feel free to reach me via email or mobile (+852 1234 2345). Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon! Thank you. Best Regards, |
Sample 2: Job Application Email for a Software Engineer Position
| Subject Line: Application for Software Development Engineer – Kylie Chan
Dear Mrs Ho, I hope this email finds you well. My name is Kylie Lee, and I would like to submit my application for the Software Development Engineer position that DEF Technologies posted on Monster Hong Kong last week. I have 5 years of software development experience, and specialise in native Android app development in Kotlin and Java. I live and breathe code, and have seen 4 software projects to completion in my professional capacity, most notably the successful launch of QWERTY app, which has 50K users in Hong Kong today. As a market leader in Mobile App Development technologies, DEF Technologies’ projects are cutting edge. I would be beyond excited to contribute to your company’s mission to reshape the mobile app development industry! Kindly find my resume, cover letter and GitHub portfolio URL attached. If you require more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me via email or mobile (+852 1234 2345). Thank you for considering my application. I’m excited to hear from you soon! Warmest Regards, |
Sample 3: Job Application Email for a Business Development Manager Position
| Subject Line: Application for Business Development Manager – Desmond Tay
Dear Mr Smith, I hope this email finds you well. My name is Desmond Tay, and I would like to submit my application for the Business Development Manager position that XYZ Company posted on Monster Hong Kong 3 days ago. I’m presently a Business Development Manager for MNL Payway, a startup developing cross-border payment services. Over my 3 year tenure, I’ve doubled our startup’s key accounts from 20 to 40. I’ve also led the expansion of our operations across 5 SEA countries in the past 18 months. With XYZ Company’s operations centered around cryptocurrencies’ adoption and distribution in the region, I am confident of effectively contributing to your team through my expertise in financial services and digital payments. Kindly find my resume and cover letter attached. Please feel free to contact me on email or mobile (+852 1234 2345) if you would need more information from me. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you. Kind Regards, |
If you found this article useful, you might also like:
- List of 50+ IT and Software Companies in Hong Kong
- Ultimate Hong Kong Salary Guide
- List of Headhunters in Hong Kong
- How to Reject a Job Offer Politely
- How to Write a CV: Ultimate CV Guide
- How to Write a Cover Letter: Ultimate Cover Letter Guide