Email Subject Lines for Resumes and Job Applications
(Original article by Alison Doyle, The Balance)
“These days, a lot of your job search, networking, and other business communication is conducted via email. Employers receive many emails a day; many times, whether an email gets opened depends entirely on its subject line.
To make sure your emails are read, you need a clear, professional subject line. Read below for tips on how to write a strong email subject line, and also see sample email subject lines.
Why the Subject Line is Important
The subject line (along with the name or email address of the sender) is the first thing someone sees in an email. Because emails can contain viruses, as well as irrelevant information, busy people rarely open all their email, and the decision is made based mainly on the subject line and the sender.
When you leave the subject line blank, your email may likely end up being discarded as spam or just deleted.
When you send a job search, networking, or other business email, the recipient may not know you or be familiar with your name. Therefore, the subject line is your opportunity to make a strong first impression and to get your resume read.
Tips for Writing an Effective Email Subject Line
Keep it professional. This goes for both your subject line and your email address. The subject line shouldn’t include any informal words or phrases like “Hey” or “What’s Up.” Use only professional, polite language.
Also make sure that your email address is appropriately professional – cutiepie123@000.com could make the hiring manager wonder how serious a contribution you would make to their company.
Note why you are writing. You need to make sure that your subject line will be of interest and considered relevant in order to get your email read.
Make it relevant by including key words related to your reason for writing.
When you are networking, state what you are interested in, or why you are contacting the person, in your subject line. You might be asking for information, or requesting a meeting, advice, or referral.
If someone recommended the contact, definitely include their name in the subject line. Networking emails can be the most difficult to get noticed, because the person emailing isn’t seeking to solve a specific problem or fill a position. Your subject line is your opportunity to grab their attention and make them want to know more about you.
Mention the job title. In an email applying for a job, use the job title as the subject line, so the employer knows what position you are interested in. There may be multiple positions the hiring manager is seeking to fill, and it will be helpful for him or her to see at a glance which job you are applying for.
Mentioning the job title is also helpful in case there is an automated filter that categorizes the hiring manager’s email. With the right subject line, you’ll be sure that your application is placed in the appropriate folder to be seen in a timely manner. You can include your name as well, or “referred by” if someone recommended that you apply.
In your follow-up correspondence (particularly a thank you email after an interview), “Thank You” can precede the title of the job.
Keep it short and specific. The more specific you can make your subject line, the easier it will be for the recipient to categorize your email quickly, and respond appropriately. Be as succinct as possible though, as lengthy subject lines may be cut off, and could lose the most important information.
Many people check their email on mobile devices that display only 25-30 characters of the subject line. You’ll have much more space if they are reading on a computer, and when they open the email they will see the whole subject. Use the first few words to get to the point, and leave the extra information like your credentials and experience for the end.
Edit, edit, edit. When editing your email before sending it, also be sure to proofread your subject line.
Since the subject is your first impression, you want to be sure that your writing is clear and free of errors.”