You’ve found a job you’re really interested in, and the hiring manager wants you to send your application via email. This makes you a bit nervous, as you’re used to online applications, but you’re willing to do what it takes to be considered for the position.
Whether you’re currently working in Las Vegas, looking to relocate from another city or ready to get back into the workforce, the first impression you make on an employer is crucial. In this case, that is the contents of this email, so here’s some advice to make it shine.
Five Tips to Write the Perfect Job Application Email
Use a Professional Email Address
More than just a way to contact you, the email address you include on your resume speaks volumes about you. If you don’t already have one, create a free account using your name only — including a few numbers is also fine, if your name is taken — on a service like Gmail or Outlook. Sending a job application from any other type of email name — i.e, gymrat@xxx.com or browneyedgirl@xxx.com — is overtly unprofessional.
Include a Specific Subject Line
It’s unlikely the email address you’ve been instructed to send your application to is exclusively for the job at hand. Therefore, it’s important to clearly note the reason for your email in the subject line — i.e., Job Application for Sales Manager Position. Otherwise, it might get lost in the mix or even deleted, if the recipient mistakenly thinks it’s spam.
Maintain a Formal Tone
You wouldn’t think of using a casual tone to address a hiring manager in your cover letter, but email can feel a bit more casual. Despite that, it’s important to remember this is a very formal message. Therefore, you’ll need to maintain a professional tone from start to finish.
Start the email by addressing the hiring manager with the proper pronoun and their last name — i.e., Dear Ms. Jones. If you are unable to find their name use “Dear Sir or Madam.” End the message with a formal goodbye — i.e., sincerely, best or kind regards.
Carefully Follow All Instructions
It’s not uncommon for companies to include several directives for an email job application — i.e., a certain subject line, a question to answer or attachments to include — as a way to gauge candidates’ ability to follow instructions. Pay careful attention to this, because you’ll likely be disqualified if you don’t get every step right.
Keep It Brief
The hiring manger will likely receive a high volume of emails, so they don’t have time to read a novel. Make your message easy to scan by including the name of the job you’re applying to, a short description of why you’re the perfect fit, the name of the person who referred you — if applicable — and your contact information.
Stand Out From the Crowd
If you’ve been applying for jobs for a while now, but haven’t had much luck, PrideStaff Las Vegas wants to help. Our expert recruiters will work with you to polish your approach, ensuring you’ll get hired in no time. Contact us today to get started!
