resume by email subject line

Exactly What to Write in the Subject Line When Sending Your Resume

You'd be rich if you got paid for every hour you've put into this resume. It’s tailored top to bottom, chock full of action verbs , bursting with powerful bullet points , and you finally feel like it’s ready to go. Now you just need to get that document into the right hands—maybe someone who can interview you for a job you’re excited about or connect you with their friend who works at the company you’ve been eyeing. (And if you’re looking for more new opportunities to apply for, you can find thousands of job postings right here on The Muse !)

These days, you’re not as likely to be printing off your resume and sending it via snail mail, of course. Most of the time you’ll either be uploading your resume to an applicant tracking system or sending it in an email. And the last thing you want is for your message (and resume) to languish in someone’s inbox, unopened, or worse, be relegated to the spam or trash folders. Which means you need to craft a clear and compelling subject line.

That’s what this article is about: that handful of words that can lead someone to read the resume you worked so hard on—or not.

Why is your resume email subject line important?

You might be wondering what the big deal is—isn’t the content of your resume ultimately the most important thing here? Well yes, your resume should be in great shape, and that’s what will land you a call back. But it doesn’t matter how spectacular your resume is if no one opens the email to even read it.

The subject line is what will “determine if the email is opened and read or not,” says Muse career coach Steven Davis , founder and CEO of Renaissance Solutions , who has more than 20 years of recruiting experience. “Emails can contain viruses. They can also have information someone doesn’t care about. Busy people rarely open every email they get. The decision to either open or delete an email...is made based on the subject line and who the sender is.” Your job, Davis says, is to “motivate the person to open the email.”

Think about it from the recipient’s perspective: When your inbox is flooded with hundreds of emails a day, you need to know something isn’t spam or an ad or a generic message sent out by a brand before deciding to open and read it. “Everyone’s just really got a ton coming at them,” says Muse career coach Nekpen Osuan Wilson , the cofounder and CEO of WomenWerk . “People are busy and have a limited amount of time to do everything,” including filtering through the noise in their inboxes. You need a subject line that will cut through that noise.

Wait, when would I email my resume?

There’s a long list of scenarios in which you might send your resume via email. Here are a few of the most common:

• You’re applying for a job and the instructions tell you to email your resume, cover letter, and any other materials to a specific email address.
• You’re applying to a job with a referral or recommendation.
• You’re following up with a networking contact you met or had a conversation with (perhaps you mentioned you’re job searching and they said they’d keep an eye out for you and asked you to send over your resume).
• You’re sending your resume to a recruiter to have on hand for any roles that might be a good fit for you.
• You’re going on an informational interview and trying to give your contact some background info in advance.
• You’ve asked someone to review your resume and give you feedback and they’ve already agreed to do it, so now you’re passing on the document. (Don’t just assume they’ll do it before making sure they have time and are willing, Wilson says).

What to include in your resume subject line

When you’re responding to a specific job posting, check carefully for any instructions for your email subject line. If any directions exist, follow them—your assertion that you have a strong eye for detail will lose some credibility if you didn’t even read the role description closely. Otherwise, though, here are some elements you might include in a resume email subject line:

• The job title you’re applying for
• Any job code or position number listed on the job listing
• The name of anyone who referred you to the position: (and the fact that you’re being referred)
• Brief references to relevant education, credentials, skills, or experience
• Anything else you think the reader would find particularly compelling (optional): “Write emails from the perspective of the person reading it,” Wilson says. “What’s the priority or most important to the person reading this email? What do you want them to take away?” For example, when submitting your application, you might write, “Senior staff accountant job - Jess Lai, CPA” or, “Regarding the English teacher role (#3392)–“Teacher of the Year” winner with 15+ years of experience.”

7 subject line tips for emailing your resume

If you’re hoping someone will open your email, read your message, and look at the resume you worked so hard on, here are a few guidelines to follow.

1. Don’t forget to write a subject line!

Rule number one for writing a subject line is, you got it, writing a subject line. It might seem obvious, but haven’t you ever spent so much time agonizing over a message that you completely forgot to fill in this field? “It needs one or I’ll think you’re spam,” says Muse career coach Tara Goodfellow , owner of Athena Consultants . In fact, a message with an empty subject line might get filtered straight to spam and never make it into an inbox. If it doesn’t, the recipient might still delete or archive it as a reflex, especially if they don’t recognize the sender’s name.

2. Keep your subject line (and your email address) professional

“I’ve seen emails with, ‘What’s up?’ in the subject line. That’s a huge mistake,” Davis says. When it comes to sending off your resume, make sure you’re keeping your subject line professional and don’t use overly familiar language with a stranger (or even an acquaintance).

The subject line doesn’t work alone. Your email address also contributes to the crucial first impression. “Please review your email address and consider how it will be received [and] perceived,” Goodfellow says. It might mean something to you—perhaps it’s an inside joke or an old nickname—“but [it will] not come across as professional to someone who doesn’t know you,” she says. “Create a new one!”

3. Be brief

In an era when people are likely to be checking emails on their phones, you have to take into account the limited number of words they’ll see before the subject line gets cut off. The email marketing service Mailchimp, for example, recommends using no more than nine words and 60 characters as a best practice. So keep your subject line short and make sure you “use the first few words to get to the point,” Davis says. “Less is more.”

4. Follow directions (if there are any)

Yes, we said this already, but it’s worth repeating: For some roles, you’ll see a note at the bottom of the job description instructing you to submit your resume and other materials to a particular email address in order to apply. “Some of these general jobs inboxes have a specific format,” Wilson says. “That’s important to note. Make sure to follow that.” For instance, it might say: “Submit your resume, cover letter, and portfolio to [email protected]. Subject line: Senior product designer #29881.”

In these cases, you’ll want to use the exact subject line they give you, because they may be employing filters to sort and direct the messages to the right folder or person. If you want your resume to get where it needs to go and to make a good impression, “Follow. Instructions. Completely. In many cases, this is their first assessment of you,” Goodfellow says. Make it a positive one.

5. Make it clear why you’re sending your resume

In some cases, your subject line will be dictated by a set of instructions and you shouldn’t deviate from them. But otherwise, you have a little more leeway to make it irresistible in whatever way makes sense for the situation. The most important thing is to make it abundantly clear why you’re reaching out—and to be specific. That’s why if you’re applying for a job or sending your email to a recruiter, you should explicitly mention the job title.

“Don't assume the only job I’m working on is the one to which you applied. Please give me some context,” Goodfellow says. Recruiters are often hiring for dozens of roles at a time and you want it to be easy for them to mentally catalog your email (or to come up in an inbox search).

“So many people send me emails and the subject is, ‘Touching base,’ or, ‘Following up,’ or, ‘Checking in,’” Davis says. It’s easy to gloss over those vague subject lines when you don’t know who the sender is or why they’re reaching out. “The more specificity someone has in that subject line the more effective it will be.”

If you’re reaching out to a networking contact, Wilson says, you might try something like, “Following up to potentially join your team at SalesCo.,” “Let’s continue the conversation from SXSW,” or, “Following up from data science webinar chat - Alexandria Lopez.” If you’re following up on an intro, maybe it’s, “Thank you for making time, this is Jin from Hannah’s network.” Or if you saw someone post about an opportunity, you might mention it and try to highlight something you have in common, perhaps, “Fellow NYU alum regarding your LinkedIn post about open roles.”

6. Don’t be aggressive

Yes, it’s frustrating to feel like you’re sending emails into a void and getting no response. But it won’t help you to let that impatience or anger seep into your subject lines. “It can’t be too pushy,” Davis says. “Something as confrontational as, ‘Haven’t heard from you,’ or, ‘I sent my resume a week ago,’” isn’t going to encourage your audience to respond. In fact, it’ll probably do the opposite.

7. Proofread!

It should go without saying that you’d proofread your resume and cover letter for errors and typos (and then proofread it again and maybe have a trusted friend or family member give it a look with fresh eyes). Proofreading your subject line is equally as important. Again, it might be your very first impression and you don’t want it to also be your last.

“I still have to do this. When I’m typing my last name—and it’s long, I have two Os and two Ls—the last thing I want is someone thinking I can’t even spell my last name,” Goodfellow says.

Resume subject line examples

Need a few examples of what all this advice looks like in action? Here are some sample subject lines for different scenarios.

Resume email subject line examples for when you’re applying for a job

• Operations manager
• HR Generalist (REQ-7881) - Polly Kim
• Full-stack engineer #1769 - Asha Murray
• Financial analyst role application (Derrick James)
• Product marketing manager job application - Noah Cohen
• Application for research assistant role - Sasha Martin
• Application for UX researcher position (Tiffany White)
• Regarding the program coordinator position, applied January 28
• Regarding the product director role (experienced team leader, expert in agile development)

Resume email subject line examples for when you’ve been referred

• Referred by Sandra Rodriguez
• Recommended by Jordan Stein
• Following up on June Park’s introduction
• Customer success manager application (referred by Jessica O’Malley)
• Referred by Priya B. for email marketing manager role (R122)
• Hi Bob, Farid suggested I contact you

Resume email subject line examples for when you’re reaching out to a networking contact

• Following up on our chat at the HR Expo (this is Aya Belsky)
• Let’s continue our conversation on SEO from the marketing meetup yesterday
• Fellow UT-Austin alum from yesterday’s webinar following up
• Thanks for making time, this is Ashley from Marcelo’s network
• Following up to potentially join your department at XYZ Co.
• I forgot to mention at the data panel yesterday…
• Sending over my resume as promised (this is Marta from the sales happy hour)

Resume email subject line examples for when you’re sending your resume for feedback

• Thanks again for offering to review my SDR resume!
• Appreciate your time yesterday! Attaching my resume

Top 20 Email Subject Lines for Sending Your Resume

Posted on 09 aug 2021, updated on 15 jun 2022.

When sending your resume via email, you need to pay serious attention to your email subject line just as you would the content of your email. Why so? It’s because your email is the first thing that recruiters and hiring managers see. But more than just tell them they are receiving your resume, your email subject line provides a glimpse of the value that you potentially offer to their organization. Thus, it pays to learn how to write your subject for sending resume the right way.

The importance of email subject lines

In today’s rapidly moving business world, even an average employee can experience email overload, otherwise known as the piling of unsolicited messages in one’s inbox. If you can relate to the problem of email overload than perhaps you can imagine the abundance of email communications that a point-of-contact person such as a recruiter or human resources manager is bombarded with. Faced with a barrage of new emails, you’ve probably skimmed at email titles, ignoring and even deleting those that don’t catch your attention. Recruiters and hiring managers are the same way.

What to mention in the subject while sending resume

Think of your email subject for sending resume like the title of an article or a book. You have to make an effort to make your title catchy and compelling to encourage your reader to read the rest of your text. Otherwise, you risk your email resume getting sent to the trash bin, or worse, marked as spam. As for what to mention in subject while sending resume, here are four of the most important tips for making your subject for sending resume to HR as effective as can be.

1. Make it obvious you’re applying for work

One of the biggest mistakes you can do (which a lot of applicants commit) is not clearly stating your intention, which is to apply for a job. Failing to do so can end up confusing and even infuriating recruiters and hiring managers, especially if your email subject line for job application is shoddily written and the messaging vague. Here are some solid examples of how to be direct-to-the-point with your email subject line when sending your resume.

• Resume, John Doe, Applying for Sales Position, Miami
• Job Application, Jane Smith, Applying for IT Specialist, Salt Lake City

2. Your qualifications

If the job listing has very specific requirements, such as knowledge of specific computer languages or a master’s degree, it can help to use these qualifications in your email subject for sending resume. Check out these examples:

• Experienced Content Writer – Over 100 Real Estate Articles Written
• Forklift Driver with 2 Years’ Experience Applying for Vacant Position

3. If referred, include referring person’s name

If you were referred by someone from the company, including that person’s name in your subject line for job application. By adding your referrer’s name, you can make your email stand out, especially if it’s someone who is in good standing with the company. In this case, you are already making a good impression even before the recipient even looks at your resume.

• Referral from Steve Smith: Joe Johnson, Resume for SEO Specialist Position
• Referral from Mary Winston: George Abrams, Resume for Senior Marketing Position

4. Formal words and phrases

Never use informal words or phrases that you would use in casual conversations with your friends—even if the recipient is someone you personally know. Some examples of terms not to use include “Hi,” “Howdy.” or “What’s up?” Practice professionalism at all times in your correspondence when applying for work. Likewise, avoid using abbreviations or shortened terms unless that’s how they were used in the job listing or submission instructions.

Email subject line good practices

More than just using the right words and terms, it also helps to keep some good practices in mind when writing your email subject for sending resume.

1. Keep it short

Recruiters and hiring managers reportedly take only six seconds to skim through an entire resume. How much time do you think they’ll spend on your subject for sending resume to HR? Grab their attention immediately by keeping your email subject line concise and direct to the point. Use too many characters, and your subject line can get cut off abruptly, especially on smart devices and mobile phones. You risk losing your recipient’s interest this way.

It is highly recommended that you limit your email subject line to 80 characters or less. That should be enough to let your reader know that you’re applying for a job. If you have a lengthy name, there’s no need to write it entirely—including only your first and last name in your email subject line will suffice.

• Job Application, Tony Parks for Accountant Position, Dallas, TX
• Resume, Norman Brown for Coaching Staff, Pembroke, NC

2. Review, and review again

Due to the limited space available, any typographical or grammatical error in your email subject line will be immediately obvious. These errors leave a negative impression on any reader, telling them that you’re lazy and can’t be bothered to check your work. For your application’s sake, proofread your subject line along with the rest of your resume before sending it out. By ensuring your subject line is free of spelling or grammatical errors, you preserve your credibility in the eyes of the reading recruiter or hiring manager.

In addition, make sure you’re sending your email resume to the right person—you certainly don’t want the hiring manager to find another supposed recipient of your email resume.

3. Keywords, keywords, keywords

A lot of the resume applicant screenings done by companies these days rely heavily on keywords. Many modern recruiters use filters to separate job applicants from the rest of their emails, so you need to make your email subject line for sending resume to HR ‘filter-friendly’ by incorporating keywords relevant to the job position.

Phrases like ‘job applicant’ or ‘job candidate’—along with the position you’re applying for—will make your email subject line for sending resume to HR stand out from those coming from other candidates. Here are some examples of subject for sending resume:

• Job Applicant – Roger Meeks – Communications Assistant

• Job Candidate – Nigel Tufnel – Available Immediately

• Applicant for Vacant Manufacturing Position – Bob Menkin

• Applying for Telemarketing Job – Leo Gibson

4. Variations of what to write in subject while sending resume

Although the standard mail subject for sending resume (consisting of simply of the job title and your name) won’t do any harm, it can help to deviate from the norm if you truly want to catch a recruiter’s attention. Some of the smart variations to the traditional email subject line includes:

a. Accomplishments

You can use your most important credentials and experience to get straight to the point with your email subject for sending resume. Here’s a format that works: [Your credentials] with over X years of experience. Below are some examples of this subject for sending resume:

• Job Applicant—Hotel Manager with 20 Years of Experience

• Resume: Savvy HR Manager Looking for Next Role - 10 Years’ Experience

• Job Candidate—5-Year Sales Rep with Knack for Exceeding Targets

• Resume: Master Plumber Applying for Vacant Position

b. Acronyms

Attaching acronyms related to academics, job titles, and affiliations after your name in your subject line for sending resume offers a unique opportunity to capture a recruiter’s attention and immediately distinguish yourself from the competition. Here are some examples of subject for sending resume:

• Job application – William Tan, RN EMT, WSI

• Resume – Samantha Patton – Network Engineer, MBA, FSNE

• Job applicant – Jim Barnes, CPA

• Resume – Rick Rhodes - Film Producer, PGA

c. Gratitude

Beginning your email with ‘Thanks’ or ‘Thank You’ is a great way to immediately establish good rapport with the recruiter reading your email subject line. A little gratitude goes a long way, and can be especially helpful if you’ve been in contact with the recruiter before. Here are some samples of what to write in subject line while sending resume:

• Thank You – Len Fields, Marketing Applicant

• Thank You – Warehouse Manager

• Thank You for Your Time – Liam Hinds, Job Interviewee

• Thanks – Mike Epps – Job Applicant, Graphic Artist

d. Maximum Characters

Though it’s ideal to keep the number of characters of your email subject line at a minimum, there are times when an expanded email subject line can work, especially if you choose your words wisely. Here are some examples of subject for sending resume:

• Senior Accountant Position –Worked 5 Years at A&L Law Firm with background in AML and Compliance

• Public Health Associate Seeking New Opportunity – Jared Shears – MPH

• Job Interview Request – 7 Years Marketing Director – Ivor Dempsey

• IT Applicant Looking to Help – In-Depth Training and Knowledge in Internet Security

5. Do you have a professional email address?

Returning to the topic of professionalism, you simply can’t have an email address that doesn’t make you appear like a responsible and mature adult. So that email with your funny nickname simply won’t cut it—that is, if you want recruiters to take you seriously.

As a starting point, your email should have both your first and last name. Having a few non-alphabetical characters in your email address is fine, as long as you limit them to four or five. It can also help to add your profession to your email address, as it can make your name stand out more (for example, [email protected]).

When including numbers, try to avoid those that reveal your age (birth year) or location (zip code), because these can be used to discriminate, whether intentional or not. And don’t hesitate to make an entirely new email from scratch if you have to. Emails are fairly easy to create, and you can even make one specifically for application purposes.

20 additional well-written email subject lines for submitting resume

Here are 20 different email subject lines. Feel free to draw inspiration from them. Notice how they are written concisely and direct to the point.

• Administrative Staff Assistant Job – Jane Denz
• Job Inquiry – William Lee
• Job Inquiry – Auto Mechanic – Desmond Young
• Applicant Managing Director Position
• Job Posting on Indeed.com for Warehouse Manager
• Managing Director Position – Bobby Dahl
• Application for Sales Associate
• Applicant for Telemarketer – Justin Blake
• Accountant for Multi-National Company Seeking New Opportunity
• Job Listing #341 on Jooble
• Experienced SEO Marketer Looking for Next Role - 10 years’ experience
• 5-year ACAD Designer Applying for Vacant Position
• Research Assistant Resume
• Referral – Mike Green, Referred by Danny Watson
• Resume, Robert Fernandez for Teaching Position
• Referred by Michelle Cohen for Sales Assistant Job
• Resume – Danny Gatton – Applying for Organization Staffer
• Jonathan Glazer – Resume – Floor Manager Position
• Job Application – Megan Yoo for Secretarial Job
• Job Applicant, Billy Stevens for Admin Staff Position, New York, NY

Work with Resumeble for your resume

Your email subject for sending resume is just one of the many ingredients to help you get one foot in the door. Make sure your resume is just as robust by having one of our experienced resume writers work with you to develop your application document.

More than just simply writing resumes for our clients, we at Resumeble take it one step further by providing an interview guarantee—we can ensure that you receive an interview call within 60 days of finalizing your resume. Other job hunting services are also offered, such as cover letter writing, LinkedIn write-up, and more. Send us your current resume for a free, no-obligation evaluation, and let’s start working on giving your career the great start that it deserves.

• 7 seconds: this is how long your resume has either to impress or be ignored by the recruiter
• 300+: average number of applications one corporate job opening posted online receives
• 3%: number of sent resumes that result in interviews

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• Career Advice
• What to Say When Emailing a...

What to Say When Emailing a Resume (with Examples)

10 min read · Updated on June 12, 2024

Introduce yourself professionally when you email your resume

You've written the perfect resume and tailored it to the role you're aspiring to. What should you do next? A few years back, you'd have printed it off on some quality paper, addressed an envelope in your best handwriting, posted it off, and settled in to wait for a response. These days, though, it's more common to email your resume. It's faster, it's more professional, and it's easier to share a file than a printout.

But if you're going to email your resume, what should you say? Should you attach a cover letter? How much detail should you include? 

So many questions! 

But fear not, TopResume is here to help you decide what to say when emailing a resume, and we have answers to all these questions and more. Settle in as we guide you through it.

Should I email my resume?

Yes! It's absolutely fine to email your resume when you apply for a job. In fact, it's usually preferred to printed correspondence these days. Of course, the most important point is that you should follow the instructions on the job posting. If it requests a printed resume or a resume uploaded via an online portal, you should definitely apply in line with those instructions. However, if there are no specific instructions, an email application is advisable. Just make sure you're addressing it to the right person!

General rules for emailing your resume

Before we get into the specifics, let's refresh on some general guidelines for emailing your resume to a company. After all, first impressions count, so using proper email etiquette is important.

Use a professional email address. “ HotLips69@...” may have seemed cool and funny when you set up the account, but does it really convey that you're a credible professional? If necessary, set up a new email account to use for job applications – and remember to check it regularly for responses!

Add a clear subject line. Make the point of your email clear with a logical  subject line – you could include the job title of the vacancy you're applying for, for example, or refer to the fact that the email is a job application or resume.

Choose a professional greeting. Think “Dear [name],” or even just “[name],” rather than “Hiya” or “Greetings.” While email is less formal than a letter, you still need to keep the tone professional.

Be concise. Short,  snappy paragraphs are easier to read on a screen, and no one wants to trudge through pages of waffle to find the information they need. Respect the reader's time by keeping it simple.

Add a formal sign-off. A version of “thank you” and your name is sufficient – you may also want to add your professional title, a contact number, and a link to your portfolio if you have one.

Don't forget the attachments! Make sure that you've actually attached your resume (and your cover letter, if required). Ensure they have sensible file names, too: “Jay Miller – Resume” or “J Miller – Sales Executive Resume” is more professional and easier to retrieve than something like “JM 010224 v3” or simply “Resume.” Also, double-check the file type that you're sending – check out our article  Word vs PDF  if you're not sure.

What to say when emailing your resume – the detail

So now we've reviewed the basics of email etiquette, let's get down to business. You need to know what to say when emailing a resume. Well, the exact wording will vary depending on the situation, the role, and your personality, but you'll certainly need to include the following:

Why you're emailing

Your reader may have a ton of open vacancies and is likely to receive many resumes for each one. Make their life easier by clearly stating the role you're interested in applying for. If you have a reference number for the vacancy, you can include that too.

Your elevator pitch

Briefly explain who you are , what you do, and why you're the right person for the open role. This doesn't need to take up a lot of space or be very detailed – the key thing here is to be convincing enough for them to want to open your resume document to find out more. Include whatever information is most pertinent to the role – that could be your academic qualifications, your industry experience, awards and accolades, or particular skills. Refer to the job posting to find out what the company wants to see in a successful candidate and ensure the requirements are reflected in your email.

A call to action

Encourage the reader to open your resume, reach out with further questions, or schedule an interview. This one little line can show your enthusiasm for the role, emphasize your professionalism, and prompt your reader to take the next step in progressing your application.

What to say when emailing a resume – sample messages

Do you need a bit more inspiration to craft your message? Take a look at these sample emails and use them as a frame for your own resume email. Remember, the job advert is your cheat sheet when it comes to deciding what details to prioritize here.

What to say when cold emailing a resume

To: Katie French

From: Matthew Cole

Subject: Sales resume

I've long admired XYZ Inc. as a leading supplier of home tech solutions and have heard many positive reviews about your company as an employer. To that end, I am attaching my resume in the event that a sales vacancy may soon arise.

As you can see, I have enjoyed a successful 10-year career in technology sales and am a committed user and advocate of your products. This year, I am on track to exceed my sales target by 46%. I would bring an extensive network of industry contacts and a proven ability to motivate sales teams to surpass expectations.

If there are no suitable vacancies at the moment, please feel free to keep my resume on file for future reference. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Matthew Cole

Sales Manager, Acme Products

What to say when emailing a resume in response to a job posting

Subject: Sales Executive vacancy (Ref: ABC123)

In response to your advertisement for a Sales Executive, I am attaching my resume. As you can see, I combine eight years of sales experience with a degree in Marketing and three awards for excellence in sales roles. 

The advertised role is particularly interesting to me, as it will allow me to leverage my expertise in technical sales, provide the opportunity for international growth, and establish trusted relationships with your clients to open new avenues for revenue and increased sales.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions; I look forward to discussing my suitability further with you at an interview.Thank you for your consideration,

Sales Executive, Acme Products

What to say when emailing a resume to a recruiter

Subject: Healthcare Roles

Dear Katie,

I saw on JobBoard.com that you are recruiting for several healthcare roles, and would like to submit my resume for your consideration. I combine 10 years' experience as a Healthcare Assistant with numerous industry certifications and consistently receive positive patient feedback.

I look forward to hearing from you,

What to say when emailing a resume to follow up on a conversation

Subject: Finance Manager follow-up

Following our phone discussion earlier today, I would like to reiterate my interest in the Finance Manager position and attach my resume for your consideration.

As you can see, I am currently fulfilling the Finance Manager role at XYZ Company and am looking forward to developing my career within a global organization. I have a master's degree in Business Administration, as well as extensive experience in managing the finance function within a security business. I look forward to bringing my leadership skills to your team of finance experts.

Please reach out to me at 555-555-5555 when you have had a chance to review my attached resume.Regards,

Finance Manager, XYZ Company

What to say when emailing a resume following a referral

Subject: Events Manager vacancy

Dear Ms French,

Please find attached my resume. I have been referred to the Events Manager position by one of your colleagues, John Day, who I previously worked with at ABC Inc. Having delivered many successful events with John as my manager, I'm flattered that he has now asked me to apply for your open role. 

I've recently delivered a conference for 800 international delegates and a team building event for 5 national teams, both of which were very well received and were completed within challenging budgets. I am confident that I can bring a similar level of client satisfaction to DEF Inc. and look forward to discussing the position further with you.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch to schedule an interview at your convenience,

555-555-5555

Should you attach a cover letter when emailing a resume?

Now we've covered what to say when emailing a resume, it's time to consider the cover letter. As you can see, we recommend that the body of the email be kept short and concise. If you feel the need to include more detail, you can consider attaching a cover letter as well as a resume. There's no obligation to do this unless a letter is specifically requested as part of the application instructions, but it does give you the opportunity to expand on key points of interest.

Top tip: You may like to read our article on  how to write a cover letter to make sure you get this part of your application bang on!

How long does it take to hear back after emailing a resume?

Don't panic if you don't hear back immediately! While email is a speedy way to apply, recruiters and hiring managers receive many resumes for every open role and need time to sift through them, create shortlists, and schedule interviews. That said, certain recruiters have a reputation for ghosting unsuitable candidates, or your application may simply have been overlooked, so there's no harm in following up after a week or two if you haven't heard anything.  

What to write in a follow-up email

Subject: Communications Assistant vacancy (ref: 12345)

I emailed my resume to you last week in response to your advertisement for a Communications Assistant. I just wanted to check that you'd received it, and to reiterate that I remain very interested in the role.

If you didn't receive the resume or have further questions regarding my application, please do get in touch with me either via email or by phone at 555-555-5555.

Email with confidence

Now you know what to say when emailing your resume in any situation, you're ready to apply for your dream job! Use this checklist to make sure you've nailed it before you hit the send button:

Correct email address and personalized greeting

Appropriate subject line

Clarification of the role you're applying for

Elevator pitch

Call to action

Professional sign-off

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• Job Search Tips

Email Subject Lines for a Job Application (Examples + Tips)

10 min read

With 250+ resumes sent for a single job opening, you want your resume to stand out from the crowd. Emailing your resume directly to the relevant recruiter or hiring manager when applying for a job is one of the most effective ways to land an interview!

However, you need to do this correctly: starting with the subject line. When selecting an email subject for sending a resume, make sure to keep it short, follow any provided directions, and use the power of a name to get your email open.

Since this is the first contact you’ll have with your potential employer, you want to ensure it’s done right. With hiring managers and recruiters receiving tons of resumes through email, the email subject for a job application could be the difference between getting your email opened or deleted.

Nearly 1/3 of people decide whether or not to open an email based on the subject.

Not to worry, we’ve got your back! We’ll show you how to write the perfect email subject lines for a job application and provide examples and tips to help you stand out from the crowd. 

Why is the subject line for a job application important?

Let’s think about your subject line being the thing that helps you stand out among other job seekers. The first thing to realize is that there are probably hundreds of applicants for each job that you’re applying to. Keeping your email subject line short and sweet will help ensure that the recipient immediately knows why you’re messaging them, which is good because of the vast amount of other emails they have to go through. 

Also, if you’re sending your email to apply for (or inquire about) an open position, it could be the first opportunity you have to make a good impression. It’s the first glimpse your prospective employer gets into your ability to communicate effectively and concisely. 

Top 3 tips for the perfect subject line when emailing your resume

Studies have found that 35% of email recipients decide whether or not they’ll open an email simply based on the subject line, so make sure what you’re typing is concise, but relevant, to the reason you’re reaching out. To get your email opened, you need to keep these tips from our career experts and former hiring managers in mind.

1. Keep it short and simple

Remember that brevity is important when writing your specific subject line. Most of the text in the email subject line gets cut off so ensure the first few words capture attention.

Hubspot recommends keeping the subject line length under 50 characters. That way, while scanning the inbox, your receiver pretty much knows what the email is about. It’s fine to go over this a bit, but ensure you get the important details in the first few words.

You shouldn’t put anything in the subject line that sounds like you’re trying to sell something. Avoid soft skill phrases like “dedicated” or “passionate.” This is a major turnoff for hiring managers – and will likely earn your email a one-way trip to the trash folder.

EXPERT TIP: Most emailed resumes are still going through an applicant tracking system (or ATS) of some sort. Here are some tips on passing the ATS resume test .

2. Follow instructions

If you’re emailing about a specific job posting, you should always check the job description for instructions regarding submitting an application. Sometimes you’ll find clear, specific instructions on what the person wants in a professional subject line.

For example, if the job listing specifically asks for the position, Job ID #, and your name, you would simply write:

Marketing Manager, Job ID # 2283, John Doe

Don’t add anything else if instructions have been provided! Follow directions . This could weed you out as an applicant.

3. Use a referral name

Did someone in the company refer you? If so, this is possibly the best way for a job candidate to capture the hiring manager's attention of a hiring manager. Ensure you use the name of the person who referred you in the subject line.

This is what that would look like:

Referral from Tom Nash: John Doe, candidate for Senior Accountant position

Most positions filled today come through some sort of referral as there is already a trust factor established when an employee, or someone associated with the company, refers you. Hiring managers love referrals so be sure to mention their name and “referral” in the first few words of the email subject line!

Expert Tip: Learn How to Ask for a Job Referral + 5 Templates .

Email subject line examples

The bottom line is that your email subject line should be direct. Never leave the HR manager to wonder what the email is about. If you’re following up on an interview or job application, state it directly. If you’re applying for a new role that has a job advertisement associated with it, try to include one or two keywords from the job description. That’ll really help your email stand out as something that’s relevant to the person reading it. 

Here are some examples: 

Accountant seeking position requiring GAAP knowledge – Jane Smith

Project Manager passionate about Team Building – Suzy Colter

Digital Marketing expert with 10 years’ experience – Brian Smith

Sales Rep dedicated to forging loyal relationships – Brad Toler

Web Developer specializing in user-side features – Tammy Rae

Perfect cold job search email subject line

Sometimes, there’s a company you want to work for but you can’t find a single job opening. That doesn’t mean you can’t reach out to them. It’ll take a bit of research on your part to find out who you’re supposed to email (the best place to do that research is LinkedIn). Once you find the name of the person to contact, you’ll be sending what’s referred to as a cold job search email. 

In this instance, you have to be even more mindful of your email subject line because the hiring manager won’t be expecting to see a job application email. Don’t beat around the bush, make it clear that you are reaching out for a job, and try to mention a skill or two that will impress your recipient. 

Here are some examples of cold job search email subject lines:

Job Inquiry – Software Engineer, AWS Expert

Letter of Interest: Account Manager, Multimillion-Dollar Accounts

Is ABC Co hiring [Job Title]? – I have 10+ Years of Experience.

Excited to be your next Accounting Team Member

If you have major qualifications or certifications

If there are certifications or major qualifications you possess you should include them. If the position requires a CPA certification, list it after your name. This could help you stand out to the hiring manager. For example:

Job application – Accountant, Job Id #4453 – John Doe, CPA

What to avoid when writing your subject line

It’s easy to fall into some traps when writing your email subject line. Sadly, succumbing to these pitfalls can be a big hindrance to your success in getting through to the hiring manager. Always remember, the delete button is so very conveniently located. Think about how you go through your own email. Bad subject lines get tossed, right? 

1. Use a professional email address

Not having a professional email is one of the worst mistakes you can make as a job seeker. Hiring managers and recruiters will usually reject an email if it sounds unprofessional. Emails like “Knicksfan11” or “MichaelandBrianna229283” will not be taken seriously.

Your email should be a combination of your first and last name or your name and the job title you’re after. Having a few numbers in your email is fine, but too many will make you look like a bot. Be careful with using numbers that allude to your age (year of birth) or location (zip code).

Just like customizing your LinkedIn URL, your professional email address should stick to basic information like your name, job, or possibly your general location.

Here are examples of acceptable emails:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Newer email servers like Gmail come across as more professional than AOL, but your focus should be on the first part of your email address. Custom domains are another option for further personalization!

2. Avoid being too general with your opening line

Many people scan the first line of an email message along with the subject line. You want to explain who you are and why you’re emailing right off the bat. Just like with the email subject line, you want to grab the hiring manager’s attention with specific language that highlights your skills and achievements in a way that helps them see how you’ll benefit their team. 

3. Don’t forget to be professional

You are not emailing your buddy asking if they want to go to the BBQ this weekend. You are emailing your future boss – potentially. Keep it professional by avoiding language like “Hey” or “What’s up.” Also, emojis have no place in a professional email to someone you want to impress. In fact, it’s been suggested by some hiring managers that emails from job seekers that contain emojis indicate that the person writing the message doesn’t know how to take things seriously. Is that the type of message you want to relay?

Sample email message for a job application

If you’ve made it this far, then you’ve had a lot of information thrown at you and mostly all we’ve talked about is the email subject line. What about the rest of the email? To minimize any distress you’re feeling right now about how to write an email to a prospective employer, here is a sample message that you can use for inspiration in writing your own: 

Subject: Job Inquiry from SEO Marketer with 10 Years of Experience

Dear [Hiring Manager Name], 

Thank you for opening this email in which I would like to express my interest in an SEO Marketer position at [Company Name]. The latest news from your company indicates a shift into new markets and I am confident that I can help make that happen. 

Over the last 5 years, I worked with [Previous Company Name] and became the go-to person for market research and helped localize the company’s website to two new markets. I helped them develop new, culturally sensitive digital marketing campaigns that saw huge returns in client conversions and a great ROI. 

All of this is definitely repeatable for your company. I’d love to learn more about your plans for market expansion and discuss other skills, qualifications, and career achievements I can bring to your team. Please feel free to reach out to me at [email address] or [telephone number] so that we can find time to have a meeting. 

I appreciate the opportunity to work with you and understand your time is valuable. Thank you for spending some of your day reading my email. I look forward to hearing back from you.

[Your Name]

No fluff – just action

The tips above should help you craft the perfect email subject when submitting a job application or following up. Always cut straight to the point and leave out the fluff. Using tricks and keywords that hook someone into opening an email will not work with hiring managers and recruiters. Remember that once you capture the attention of the employer, you want to have a solid resume that clearly and effectively portrays why you’re a good fit for the position or company. For an expert’s opinion of your resume, try out ZipJob’s free resume review or hire an expert today.

ZipJob is a resume and cover letter writing service with over 100 professional resume writers ready to help you impress recruiters and hiring managers. Check out more ZipJob reviews or get started with a free resume review from our experts.

Recommended reading:

7 Tips for Writing A Cold Email for a Job (+ Examples)

How To Follow Up After An Interview (+ Examples)

How to Write a Thank You for Your Consideration Email

Marsha Hebert, Professional Resume Writer

Marsha is a resume writer with a strong background in marketing and writing. After completing a Business Marketing degree, she discovered that she could combine her passion for writing with a natural talent for marketing. For more than 10 years, Marsha has helped companies and individuals market themselves. Read more advice from Marsha on ZipJob's blog .

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Nov 7, 2022

How to email a resume with 8 samples and templates

At some point during your career you’ll need to send your resume by email. Here's how you do it.

Lawrie Jones

Table of contents

Are you searching for a job? Thinking of applying?

Either way, at some point, you’ll need to send your resume by email.

When sending an email with a resume attached, you’ll need to ensure your message is targeted at the right person, provides all the information you need and hits the right tone of voice. 

How to email a resume

You might be wondering, what should I write in an email when sending a resume? That's what we show you in this guide on how to email a resume.

After going over the basic principles and essential things to note about emailing a resume, you can see 8 examples of resume emails.

What to write in an email when sending a resume

For each job, US employers can expect to receive around 250 resumes . Naturally, they’re looking for reasons to discard them. Informal emails, spelling mistakes, and grammar slip-ups will see your email filed under “Junk”.

Great resume emails are simple, straightforward and easy to understand. They’re not overly funny or attempt to be friendly. But they are professional and provide a little glimpse into your personality. 

The purpose of your email is simply to give the recruiter enough information so that they are encouraged to open your resume. This isn’t a cover letter, so you don’t need to go into vast levels of detail about who you are and why you’re applying, but a short “elevator pitch” is appropriate. 

10 things to include in every resume email 

Here’s a checklist of 10 things you should write in an email when sending a resume:

• Short introduction of yourself
• Statement about the position you are applying for (to avoid any misunderstanding!)
• Brief “elevator pitch” about why you should be considered for the position
• Previous experience with similar roles or relevant results of similar jobs
• Relevant personal information (more on this in the email format section)
• Contact details (including preference)
• Helpful information (such as if you’re going on holiday in the next few days, for example)
• Offer to answer any questions that the recruiter might have (about interview dates, for example)
• Request for information on the next steps
• And remember to attach your cover letter and resume!

Should you send a resume by email?

The answer is 100% yes. Sure, in many cases, you can submit your resume through an online form, so why should you send your resume by email?

Firstly, it creates a personal connection between you and the recruiter. You’ve taken the initiative to email them, and that’s more effective than the anonymity of a web form. 

Secondly, you’re not constrained by character counts. That means you can go into as much detail as you wish (as we explain below, don’t overload the recruiter with too much information). 

Thirdly, establishing a dialogue through email enables you to send follow-up emails if you need to – and in many cases, you will need to. Even the best-planned recruitment processes can be hit by delays , so be prepared to send a follow-up (and use our guide to help!).

Use a professional email address for your resume

Like it or not, your email address is an integral part of your first impression and silly email addresses can harm your chances of getting a job, say the experts. It takes seconds to set up a new online email account, so why put your job search success at risk? 

Some people use their work email accounts to send out resume emails. While it’s not a no-no, it’s risky. Someone may inadvertently see the message, or 

Sending resume email format

Hiring managers and executives are busy people, so you want to keep your email short and sweet. By stripping your messages back to the basics, they’re quicker and easier to write – which means you can spend more time searching for jobs!

When sending a resume email, use a professional format like this:

• Resume email subject line
• Email body (following our top 10 tips for effective resume emails)

Let’s look at the critical aspects of every resume email in more detail.

1. Subject line for resume email

Your resume email is a critical part of the process. Some online guides suggest you try to be friendly or funny, but don’t. Instead, please stick to the basics, keep things simple and make it easy for anyone to understand what your email is about. 

Here are some principles for effective resume email subject lines:

• Label your email “Job application” or “Application for”
• Include the job title in the subject line
• Add a reference number

Here’s how this can work in practice:

• Job application – Marketing Director – REF000111
• Application for Marketing Director – REF000111
• Resume attached – Marketing Director position – REF000111

Of course, you can experiment and develop your own resume email subject lines. In some industries, the creative sector, you may be bolder. 

2. Email body for sending resume

The email body is where you go into details about who you are, what job you’re applying for, and why. We’ve detailed the critical parts in include in your email body above, but as a brief recap, every resume email should include the following:

• Introduction to you
• Details of the job you’re applying for (including a reference number)
• A short explanation of why you’re applying
• Any other information 

It sounds like a lot, but you can cover it in a few short sentences. See our resume email examples below to see how we’ve achieved this. 

3. How to end a resume email

The end of your resume email is your opportunity to offer to answer any questions and ask about the next stage in the process. 

As well as a closing statement, you should provide the essential information the recruiter might need. Always end your resume email with the following:

• Phone number
• Relevant social media links, like LinkedIn and Twitter
• Attach your cover letter and resume

4. Best resume email closings and sign-offs

Resume emails aren’t about being cool but clear, polite, and professional. Go with a classic email sign-off such as “look forward to hearing from you” or “kind regards”, and avoid exciting endings and exclamation marks (“Thanks!!!”).

8 resume email samples

We’ve unpacked the basics of a great resume email. Now it’s our chance to show you how to put everything into practice with 8 resume email samples.

We’ve tried to provide sample resume emails that cover several common situations. These templates include the essential hints and tips we’ve developed. 

Templates are great ways to learn how to format messages, but be sure to adapt and update these resume emails before sending them.

1. Sample email to send resume for job

This is a standard sample email for sending a resume for a job. This is a classic template that suits all circumstances, services, and sectors.

It’s not the most exciting, but it’s quick and easy to adapt, meaning you can send more applications faster. More applications mean more chances to secure a new job.

2. Sample email to send resume to recruiter

Recruiters can include those working in job agencies, internal recruiters and HR partners.

The flow of information is the same as the standard template above, but we add more detail about essentials that recruiters will need, including start dates, notice periods, and leave.

3. Simple sample email to send resume for job

If you have already had an interview with the company and you were asked to send a resume, keep it brief and simple. Sending a resume before an interview provides some vital background information and context for the company, so it’s worth doing if you can. 

4. Sample follow-up email after sending resume

As we’ve explained, you’ll likely have to send many resumes before securing a response or an interview.

If you’re excited about a position or want to understand the next steps in the process, here’s a sample follow-up email after sending a resume that you can use.

5. Sample email cover letter with attached resume

Some recruiters and some companies will request a cover letter alongside a resume. When this is the case, you can assume the recruiter will read your cover letter, which means your email can be much shorter and more precise.

There’s no need to go into much detail about why you’re passionate about the position. See what we mean in this sample email cover letter with the attached resume.

6. Thank you for considering my resume email sample

Some job seekers stop contact when they receive a no. Others will send a thank you email for considering a resume, which can establish a relationship. Here’s a classic “thank you for considering my resume” email sample.

7. Asking someone to review your resume email sample

Writing a resume isn’t easy, and after spending days poring over the details, it’s often a good idea to get someone else to check it before you send it. So here’s a sample email asking for someone to review your resume.

8. Sample how to respond to a resume received email

If you’re a manager or recruiter, you’ll probably have to send hundreds of emails responding to resumes. Here’s a standard professional sample response that you can cut and paste.

Best email template for sending resume

You’ve read our 8 sample resume samples, but we’ve saved the ultimate email for last. Here’s the best email template for sending a resume by email. 

Final words on sending your resume via email

If you’re searching for a job, you’ll spend lots of time sending out your resume. By breaking things down into chunks, it’s easier to apply them in practice.

When you come to write your resume emails, remember to follow our top tips, be professional and provide some insight into your personality.

You’ll likely experience rejection when sending out your resume, but don’t be disheartened. Your perfect job could be an email away!

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What To Write in an Email When Sending a Resume to an Employer? (+3 Email Templates)

• Klara Cervenanska , 
• Updated January 12, 2024 7 min read

Have you found a job posting that asks you to submit your resume via email? Or maybe you’ve decided to approach your dream company directly. If so, you’re probably asking yourself right now — what to write in an email when sending my resume so I will stand out?

Sometimes employers provide clear instructions on what the email format should include. If that’s the case, follow the employer’s directions closely. 

But if you can’t find any instructions, don’t worry — you can follow the best practices described in this article!

Additionally, there are also 3 email templates for what to write in an email when sending a resume to an employer that you can download and edit to your liking.

Table of Contents

Click on a section to skip

3 sample emails for sending your resume to recruiters:

How to email a resume: a few tips to keep in mind before sending the email.

• Write an effective subject line. It's the first thing they're going to see

Email body for sending a resume: Keep it crisp, yet formal

Attaching files — resume and cover letter, what should you do before sending your email, what to write in your resume email key takeaways.

Feel free to use any of these templates as your first draft.

#1 Template of an email to send with your resume

#2 template of an email to send with your resume, #3 template of an email to send with your resume.

Additionally, these 10 more job application email templates will give you the help you need at any stage of the hiring process.

Finally, if you already have a fantastic LinkedIn profile but no resume, there's no need to write your CV from scratch. You can  convert your LinkedIn profile into resume  in seconds.

Before you start writing, ask yourself this:   Who is the person you're writing to?

Try to find the hiring manager's contact details so you can address them by name. A slightly more personal approach can decrease the chance of your resume being forgotten or disposed of.

Remember that   your email address needs to be professional . Emails like julezizcoolz@yahoo may have been cool in 2005, but not anymore. Instead, create a professional email address that consists of your first and last name.

You should also consider when to email your resume. In general, you want your email to be among the first ones they receive that day. This means you should send it very early — ideally before 8am.

The same applies for days of week. The later in the week you send your email, the lower the probability that someone reviews it. This is why you should send it very early on a Monday morning.

Naturally, do not put off applying if it's a first come first serve kind of job application. 

Key takeaways:

• Look up the hiring manager's contact details;
• Your email address needs to be professional;
• Send it on a Monday, ideally well before 8am;

Write an effective subject line. It's the first thing they're going to see

Sure, the subject line is just a tiny part of the whole email. However, it's also the very first thing the recruiter is going to see. That's why you want the subject line of your resume email to be absolutely spot on.

First of all, check the job posting for instructions regarding the submission. There may be a preferred subject format the company uses. If that's the case, then you need to stick to it.

However, if there are no instructions, you should stick to the standard format for subject lines :

• Subject: ‘Job application’ – Job title, Job ID (if applicable) — Your Name
• Example: Job application – Office Manager, Job ID #1553 — Ian Lumberjack
• Example (with referral): Referral from John Wick: Job application – Graphic Designer, Job ID #1554  — Nina Hughes

If someone recommended you for the job, definitely make this clear in the subject line. You can add your title or qualification if you wish — but remember, keep the subject line succinct.

Start off with a formal greeting and address the hiring manager by name (preferably last name).

In the first short paragraph you should state who you are, why you are sending this email and what the email contains.

Continue the next paragraph with a short but effective introduction of your best and proudest achievements. Of course, only mention those achievements that are relevant for the job. Close this paragraph by saying what value you would bring to the company and which skills you will use to accomplish this.

In the closing paragraph you need to say that you're looking forward to hearing back from them and meeting in person. You may add a captivating call for action   but be careful not to sound rude or overly keen.

Yours faithfully (US English) or Yours sincerely  (British English).

And finally, a professional signature is a must! Remember to include your contact details.

[Your name]

[Your job title]

[Email address]

[Phone number]

[LinkedIn profile] -  optional 

Remember, you want to keep the body of the email short and succinct. Don't go in too much detail otherwise you might loose the hiring manager's attention. 

Keep in mind that you simply cannot elaborate on every accomplishment and every work experience due to limited space. The email needs to be informative and concise.

This should go without saying but, don't forget to attach your resume to the email! 

Consider whether it's relevant to also attach your cover letter . When you apply for a job in bigger companies you may actually benefit from sending your cover letter as well as your resume. Just remember not to repeat yourself too much in your email body and your cover letter.

Avoid naming the attachments generically or randomly. Names like fghjvh.pdf or resume2.pdf can make it hard for the hiring manager to find these documents later. Name your a ttachments in a way that makes them easy to find   — Name_Surname_Resume.pdf and Name_Surname_Cover_Letter.pdf

The best format for sending your resume and cover letter is .pdf or .doc. We suggest saving your documents as  PDFs , since it's a universally accepted file format, it's easy to open and will not distort the formatting of your documents.

If you’re considering sending a video resume, you should know  how to convert video to MP4 , as it’s the most common format supported across different browsers and devices.

Keep in mind that files should not be larger than 10MB. Otherwise  they might be considered suspicious.

Last but not least, before sending it out, get your resume analyzed to make sure it contains everything it should.

• Resume and cover letter need to be sent as attachments;
• Name your attachments in a way that makes them easy to find;
• Save documents in the PDF format;
• Files should not be larger than 10MB.

Before you send the email with your resume and cover letter, you should check it for any spelling or grammatical mistakes.

Having bad grammar is definitely not something you want to be remembered for. Ask a friend to proofread all your documents. It can make a big difference. 

Additionally, it may be a good idea to send yourself a test email to see whether the formatting and layout of the email is up to the expected standard.

Don't forget to test download and open your files. Check whether you've attached the right file(s).

Also, avoid using any colorful fonts, pictures or emoticons. 

We can check your resume for you.

Scan your resume for issues and see how it compares against other resumes in our database.

Sending your resume attached to a well-written email can be a very effective strategy. It can help you find a way around ATS algorithms that filter out unsuitable resumes before they can even get to an HR employee for evaluation.

So how do you write one?

• Before you start writing the email, make sure you know who to address. Knowing the hiring manager's name will make the email feel more personal and decrease the chance of it being forgotten.
• Your resume address should sound professional. Send your resume email early on a Monday morning for maximum effectiveness.
• We have provided you with email templates. No matter which one you choose, remember — keep the email short, informative and professional.
• Attach your resume and cover letter in the PDF format and name them in a way that makes them easy to find, for example  Name_Surname_Resume.pdf and Name_Surname_Cover_Letter.pdf
• After you have written the email and attached the documents, ask someone to proofread it for you to avoid any grammar errors and typos. Lastly, send yourself a test email to check the formatting and test download the files. 

After you send in your resume, cover letter and your job application, wait for a couple of days before sending a follow up email .

Christy's word of advice

For bigger companies, your application will probably be forwarded straight to the ATS, so just a short email referencing the attached cover letter/resume is fine. An exception is if you’ve been referred to them directly, in which case, keep it formal but mention the referee’s name. For smaller companies where your application is more likely to be manually reviewed, showing a bit of personality will help you to stand out.

Christy Morgan, Resident HR Expert

Concluding thought — even if you construct the perfect email to send with your resume, you still need to make sure you have an impressive resume and cover letter.  

We've got you covered. Check out these articles to help you create the perfect resume and cover letter:

• How to Write a Resume: The Only Resume Guide You’ll Need in 2024
• The Only Cover Letter Guide You’ll Need in 2024 (+Examples)

When emailing your resume to a hiring manager, start with a formal greeting using their last name. In the first paragraph, briefly introduce yourself and explain the purpose of your email. Next, highlight your most relevant and proud achievements, linking them to the value you can bring to the company and the skills you'll use to achieve this. Conclude by expressing your eagerness to hear back and the hope of meeting them in person. Sign off with "Yours faithfully" (US English) or "Yours sincerely" (British English), and include a professional signature with your contact details.

When sending your resume to a hiring manager via email, the subject should always include your name and purpose, e.g. Job application – Job title — Your Name .

In your email when sending a resume with a reference, briefly introduce yourself, mention the position you're applying for, and how you came to know about it. Specifically mention your reference's name and your relationship with them . Then continue by highlighting your most relevant and proud achievements, linking them to the value you can bring to the company. Conclude by expressing your eagerness to hear back and meeting them in person. Sign off.

Klara graduated from the University of St Andrews in Scotland. After having written resumes for many of her fellow students, she began writing full-time for Kickresume. Klara is our go-to person for all things related to student or 'no experience resumes'. At the same time, she has written some of the most popular resume advice articles on this blog. Her pieces were featured in multiple CNBC articles. When she's not writing, you'll probably find her chasing dogs or people-watching while sipping on a cup of coffee.

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Best Email Subject Lines When Sending a Resume + EXAMPLES

Little things are sometimes valuable too. Of course, one of the most important things in the job search process is your resume and your interview. However, there are many more details that can affect a recruiter’s decision. Even if your resume or CV is written by the best writers and checked a hundred times, what’s the point of it if no one sees it? When sending a resume to an employer, it is worth remembering the importance of the subject line for a job application email. In this article, we will take a closer look at this part of your letter.

Best Email Subject Lines When Sending a Resume + EXAMPLES  

Professional Email Subject Line Examples

There are several options for the subject when sending a resume. Conventionally, the letters can be divided into the following topics:

• Applying for a vacancy letter
• When someone referred you letter
• When you reach out to a networking contact letter
• Follow up or thank you letter

Applying for a vacancy

This option assumes that you simply send your resume in response to a company post about recruiting. Make sure your resume, cover letter, and other documents have a high quality. If you are having trouble completing this step, you can hire a resume writing service , which will greatly increase your chances.

Read More:  Why Do You Need a Great Resume?

When sending a letter, you can write the following information in the subject line:

• Your full name

But also remember that the template of the subject provided by the company will always take precedence.

Resume email subject line examples:

• Brain Surgeon position – Leonard Black
• Job posting #224: Marketing Manager
• Resume – Financial Manager
• Applicant for assistant vacancy – Nicholas Gray
• Travel Agent – 10 years experience – Frida Johanssen
• Job application, Marigold Gummer, Applying for Project Manager Position, Boston

When you are referred, you can provide the same information as above. However, it is worth adding information about who you are referred by.

• Referred by Alex Jordan
• Recommended by Jessica Winston
• Applying for Regional Manager position (referred by Monica Stone)
• Referred by Nora Roberts for Social Worker position
• Referral by Angelica Thompson: Alexia Johnson, Resume for Database Administrator position

Networking Contact

You can also use the options above, but be sure to remind the person where you met them. Do not forget that people can attend a huge number of events, conduct lectures, and seminars. So they can simply forget about who they gave their contacts to. Therefore, in the email subject, try to include information that would help the person remember you.

• Mrs.Thompson, I really liked your destination management lection on Friday
• Sending resume as promised (Hanna Peters from your Zoom webinar)
• I would like to join your team after your presentation at Louisiana University
• I forgot to mention this at Tuesday’s conference…
• Tiffany Samuels from the HoReCa conference

Follow Up or Thank You Letter

For the recruiter to understand that you are seriously interested in the position, you need to send a thank you letter. It is advisable to do this within 24 hours after the interview.

Post-interview thank you email subject examples:

• Thanks for the interview – Jason White
• Thank you for the interview yesterday! – Do you have any feedback to share?
• I enjoyed our meeting!
• Thank you, [name of interviewer]
• Sophie Jameson. Thank you for the interview! Should I send more details?

If you have not received any feedback for a long time after that, you can ask for it. In this case, you will need to write a follow-up letter.

Follow up email after interview subject line:

• Regarding my job application
• Where should we begin?
• Job Interview, Friday, 09/05/2022, Gabriel Hall
• Following up regarding the social media manager position
• Could you give me your feedback?

Writing these types of letters will show your interest in the company. Even if you don’t get the position, there’s a good chance you’ll get feedback. And also the employer will have you in mind and perhaps in time will be able to offer you another vacancy in the company.

Why is the Resume Email Subject Line Important?

It would seem that after all the work on the resume, the difficulties have not ended? In this case, you should put yourself in the place of an employer or recruiter. Most likely, your vacancy or department is not the only one that a person works with. Usually, recruiters work with dozens of different vacancies, for which several hundred people can apply. Now imagine how many emails a recruiter receives daily.

Therefore, to be sure that your letter will not go unnoticed, you need to make an effort. This is where the subject line plays the main role. You have a certain number of characters to have the employer’s attention. So what to put in the subject of email to make a good impression?

How to Write Email Subject for Job Inquiry

• Keep it brief

A lot of people check their mail on smartphones, so this fact should also be taken into account. You have 40 to 60 characters to introduce yourself and your resume.

• Keep it comfortable to read

Avoid familiarity, use friendly attitudes instead. To prevent the mail system from considering you a bot, you can use the name of the recipient in the subject of the letter.

• If there are any instructions, follow them

Employers often say that this is the first “task” they give job seekers. When posting a vacancy, they write about what the subject of the letter should be. If you do not follow their instructions and want to be creative, company representatives will immediately send your letter to the trash folder. Therefore, if you have detailed instructions, you should follow them, this will significantly increase your chances.

• Make sure you proofread it

The last thing you want is for a potential employer to find errors in your letter. Check for grammatical and spelling errors not only the email itself but also in its subject line.

Read Also:  5 Tips for Turning Your Resume into a Job-Winning Interview

What to Write in an Email When Sending a Resume

As a bonus, we’d like to touch on the email itself a bit. After you get a person to click on your letter, you need to make sure that they open your resume and cover letter. It is also important here to keep a friendly attitude, avoid familiarity and be simple. Probably, it could be the structure of your letter:

Use the name of the person you are addressing. It could be “Dear Mr. Gomez” or “Hello, Angelica!”

• Specify again the name of the vacancy or job ID that you want to get. Also, name all the attachments.
• If you were referred, enter the name of the person. Or if you can still be associated with the company in some way, indicate it.
• Wish them all the well and be positive.
• Express hope for cooperation and feedback

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How to Write a Winning Subject Line for Your Resume Email

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You’ve poured some sweat into that resume (hopefully no tears). It’s tailored top to bottom, chock full of action verbs, and bursting with powerful bullet points, and you finally feel like it’s polished and ready to go. Now you just need to get that document into the right hands—maybe someone who can interview you for a job you’re excited about or connect you with their friend who works at the company you’ve been eyeing. (And if you’re looking for more new opportunities to apply for, you can find thousands of job postings right here on The Muse!)

These days, you’re not as likely to be printing off your resume and sending it via snail mail, of course. Most of the time you’ll either be uploading your resume to an applicant tracking system or sending it in an email. And the last thing you want is for your message (and resume) to languish in someone’s inbox, unopened, or worse, be relegated to the spam or trash folders. Which means you need to craft a clear and compelling subject line.

That’s what this article is about: that handful of words that can lead someone to read the resume you worked so hard on—or not.

Why Is the Subject Line So Important? You might be wondering what the big deal is—isn’t the content of your resume ultimately the most important thing here? Well yes, your resume should be in great shape, and that’s what will land you a call back. But it doesn’t matter how spectacular your resume is if no one opens the email to even read it.

The subject line is what will “determine if the email is opened and read or not,” says Muse career coach Steven Davis, founder and CEO of Renaissance Solutions, who has more than 20 years of recruiting experience. “Emails can contain viruses. They can also have information someone doesn’t care about. Busy people rarely open every email they get. The decision to either open or delete an email…is made based on the subject line and who the sender is.” Your job, Davis says, is to “motivate the person to open the email.”

Think about it from the recipient’s perspective: When your inbox is flooded with hundreds of emails a day, you need to know something isn’t spam or an ad or a generic message sent out by a brand before deciding to open and read it. “Everyone’s just really got a ton coming at them,” says Muse career coach Nekpen Osuan Wilson, the cofounder and CEO of WomenWerk. “People are busy and have a limited amount of time to do everything,” including filtering through the noise in their inboxes. You need a subject line that will cut through that noise.

Wait, When Will I Be Emailing My Resume? There’s a long list of scenarios in which you might send your resume via email. Here are a few of the most common:

• You’re applying for a job and the instructions tell you to email your resume, cover letter, and any other materials to a specific email address.
• You’re applying to a job with a referral or recommendation.
• You’re following up with a networking contact you met or had a conversation with (perhaps you mentioned you’re job searching and they said they’d keep an eye out for you and asked you to send over your resume).
• You’re sending your resume to a recruiter to have on hand for any roles that might be a good fit for you.
• You’re going on an informational interview and trying to give your contact some background info in advance.
• You’ve asked someone to review your resume and give you feedback and they’ve already agreed to do it, so now you’re passing on the document (don’t just assume they’ll do it before making sure they have time and are willing, Wilson says).

Read the full article here.

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Emailing Your Resume: The Guide with Sample Emails for a Job

In today’s highly competitive job market, it has become increasingly important to carefully craft and strategically send your resume to prospective employers. One of the most common methods for submitting your resume is via email.

The purpose of this guide is to provide a comprehensive overview of how to effectively email your resume for job applications. From crafting the perfect subject line to attaching your resume correctly, this guide covers all of the necessary steps for submitting a successful job application via email.

Emailing your resume is an important step in the job application process as it is often the first point of contact with a potential employer. A well-crafted email can make all the difference in whether your resume is even considered for the position.

Furthermore, email is a convenient and fast way to submit your job application. It allows you to tailor your message to the specific company and job posting and can be done quickly and easily from anywhere.

This guide will provide you with the knowledge and tools to confidently email your resume for job applications and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Preparing Your Resume for Emailing

Tailoring your resume to match job description.

When searching for a job, it is essential to tailor your resume according to the job description of the position you’re interested in. Before sending out your resume, make sure it matches the requirements listed in the job description.

The hiring manager will receive a lot of resumes, and you want yours to stand out. If your resume is showing that you’re a perfect fit for the job, it will attract the attention of the recruiter.

To match your resume with the job description, carefully read through the requirements and skills in the job description to highlight relevant skills and experiences. For example, if the potential job requires someone with project management skills, describe specific experience when managing a project.

Highlighting your qualifications and achievements relevant to the job will give you a greater chance at getting the job.

Formatting Your Resume for Email Attachment

Before attaching your resume via email, consider the formatting of your document. The aim is to make sure that the person receiving your email can quickly read your resume on their device.

Use a basic style and font to keep your resume clear and easy to read, enusre it is error-free and that it doesn’t have any weird formatting, as it can become distorted when transmitted through email.

keep the design professional and as clean as possible, to ensure that the recruiter can absorb your content quickly and keep their focus on your qualifications.

Saving Your Resume in Different Formats (PDF, Word, etc.)

After formatting your resume, make sure to save it in different formats. This enables you to provide the document in a format that suits the recruiter. Before saving the file, double-check the file name and ensure that it is labelled correctly with your name and job title.

In most cases, PDF and Word formats are the common formats, but it’s important to be aware of the specific format that the company requires to ensure your resume is properly received.

Tailoring your resume to match the job description, formatting it for email attachment, and saving it in different formats are essential techniques to get your resume into the right hands. With these tips, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job.

Preparing Your Email

When it comes to emailing your resume, the preparation of your email can be just as important as the content of your resume. Here are some tips on how to prepare your email effectively:

Subject Line

The subject line of your email can make or break your chances of getting noticed in the recruiter’s inbox. Make sure it’s concise and attention-grabbing. A good subject line should include your name, the position you’re applying for, and any relevant keywords. For example, “John Smith – Marketing Manager Application” would be a great subject line to use.

Recipient Information

Make sure you address your recipient appropriately. If you have the name of the recruiter, use it. If not, address the email to the relevant department, i.e. “To the Hiring Manager”. Also, ensure that the email addresses of both the recipient and yourself are accurate and professional-looking.

Message Format

When it comes to formatting the actual email, it’s important to keep things simple and professional. Use a standard font, such as Times New Roman or Arial, and stick to a 10 or 12 pt. size. Avoid using fancy colors or fonts, as they can distract from the actual message. Also, make sure your email is easy to read by breaking it up into short paragraphs and using bullet points where necessary.

Message Content

The content of your email should be brief, yet engaging. Start with a polite greeting and an opening sentence that sets the tone for the rest of the email. Introduce yourself, state the position you’re applying for, and briefly explain why you’re a good fit for the role. Use your research about the company to highlight any relevant skills or experiences you have that are particularly applicable to the position.

In addition, you should attach a copy of your resume to the email for the recruiter’s convenience. Be sure to mention in the email that you have attached your resume for their reference.

Finally, make sure to thank the recruiter for taking the time to consider your application and provide your contact information in case they need to follow up with you.

The preparation of your email is a crucial part of the job application process. A well-written message that is concise, engaging, and professional-looking, will definitely get you noticed in the recruiter’s inbox.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Emailing Your Resume

After learning how to properly format and tailor your resume for a job, it’s important to understand the do’s and don’ts of emailing your resume to a potential employer. Here are some tips that can help you make a good impression and increase your chances of getting called in for an interview:

Use a clear and professional email address.  Your email address should be straightforward and easy to read. Avoid using any personal or silly email addresses that may not portray you in a professional light.

Write a clear and concise subject line.  Your subject line should be brief and to the point, mentioning the position you’re applying for and your name. This can help your email stand out in the employer’s inbox and make their job easier when sorting through applications.

Personalize your email.  Address the recipient by name and mention in your opening statement the source of the job posting or any previous interactions you’ve had with the recipient or the company.

Attach your resume using an appropriate file name.  Name your resume file with something specific (like “JohnJohnson_Resume.pdf”), rather than something vague (like “Resume.pdf”). This makes it easier for the employer to find your application and also shows attention to detail.

Write a strong and concise email message.  Keep your email message clear and concise, highlighting your qualifications, experience, and enthusiasm for the role. Avoid any irrelevant information that may distract the employer from your main focus.

The Don’ts:

Send a generic or impersonal email.  Don’t rely on a template or send a generic email that doesn’t specifically address the employer or the job posting. This shows a lack of effort and interest in the role.

Send your resume as the body of an email.  Attach your resume as a separate file rather than pasting it into the body of an email. This can make it difficult for the employer to review and can also distort the formatting and layout of your resume.

Use slang or informal language.  Keep your email professional and avoid any slang, abbreviations, or informal language. This can make you come across as unprofessional and unprepared.

Forget to proofread your email.  Always proofread your email for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. A sloppy and careless email can leave a negative impression on the employer.

Send your email without a closing statement or action.  Always end your email with a professional closing statement, such as “Thank you for considering my application” or “I look forward to your reply.” This shows your interest and enthusiasm for the role and leaves a positive impression on the employer.

Writing a Cover Letter for an Email

When it comes to applying for a job via email, writing a cover letter is just as important as crafting a professional resume. A well-written cover letter explains your qualifications, work experience, and accomplishments, giving the hiring manager a good reason to look at your attached resume.

Purpose of a Cover Letter

The purpose of a cover letter is to introduce yourself and highlight why you are the best candidate for the job. It serves as an additional opportunity to sell yourself above and beyond the resume. Your cover letter should be concise and focus on the key points of your job history that match the job requirements.

The Importance of Customizing Your Cover Letter

Customizing your cover letter is critical to your success. Hiring managers don’t want to read a generic cover letter that could be sent to any job listing. The more personalized your cover letter is, the better. Do your research and tailor your letter by addressing key points in the job listing, such as the company’s values, work culture, and specific requirements for the job.

Writing Tips for a Cover Letter

When writing your cover letter for an email, keep the following tips in mind:

• Keep it concise and to the point. Your cover letter should be no longer than one page.
• Address the hiring manager by name. If you can’t find their name, use their job title.
• Explain why you’re interested in the position and what you can bring to the table.
• Highlight your achievements and how they relate to the company’s needs.
• Use keywords from the job listing in your cover letter to show your understanding of the specific job requirements.
• Proofread your cover letter to avoid any typos or grammatical errors.

By following these tips, you can write a compelling cover letter that will help you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of landing your dream job.

Example of a Cover Letter for Your Resume

When submitting your resume to a potential employer, a well-written cover letter can make all the difference. Whether you are an entry-level candidate or an experienced professional, a cover letter is your opportunity to showcase your skills, qualifications, and enthusiasm for the job. Here are two sample cover letters to help you get started:

Sample Cover Letter for Entry-level Position

Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],

I am excited to submit my resume for the [Position Name] opening at [Company Name]. As a recent graduate of [University Name] with a degree in [Field of Study], I am eager to begin my career in [Industry Name] and believe that [Company Name] would be the perfect place to do so.

During my time at [University Name], I gained valuable experience in [Specific Skill or Task], [Specific Skill or Task], and [Specific Skill or Task]. Additionally, I was involved in [Extracurricular Activity or Volunteer Work] which helped me develop my [Soft Skill or Trait].

I am confident that my skills and qualifications, combined with my passion for [Industry Name], make me an excellent candidate for the [Position Name] role. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.

[Your Name]

Sample Cover Letter for Experienced Professionals

I am writing to apply for the [Position Name] opening at [Company Name]. With [Number of Years] years of experience in [Industry Name], I am confident in my ability to excel in this role and contribute to the success of [Company Name].

Throughout my career, I have developed a strong background in [Specific Skill or Task], [Specific Skill or Task], and [Specific Skill or Task]. My experience working at [Previous Company Name] and [Previous Company Name] has helped me develop strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills, which I believe would be valuable assets to your team.

In addition to my skills and experience, I am also highly motivated and passionate about [Industry Name]. I am excited about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and contribute to the company’s continued success.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to discussing my qualifications further.

A well-written cover letter can be an effective tool in landing your dream job. Use these sample cover letters as a guide to craft your own compelling letter that highlights your skills, experience, and enthusiasm for the position. Good luck!

Sample Emails for Job Application

When it comes to job applications, sending the right email can make all the difference. Here are two sample emails that you can use as a guide when reaching out to prospective employers.

Email Example for Job Application

Subject: Application for [Job Title] Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With my [Number] years of experience in [Industry], I am confident that I would be a valuable addition to your team.

In my previous role at [Previous Company], I was responsible for [Brief Description of Responsibilities]. I also have experience in [Related Skills or Qualifications], which make me a strong candidate for this position.

Please find attached my resume and cover letter for your consideration. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Follow up Email Example

Subject: Following Up on [Job Title] Application

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the [Job Title] position that I applied for at [Company Name].

I am still very interested in the position and wanted to reiterate my qualifications and experience in [Industry or relevant field]. I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to join [Company Name] and believe I could make a significant contribution to your team.

I understand that you are likely receiving many applications, and I appreciate any consideration given to my application. If there is any further information I can provide to assist in the decision-making process, please let me know.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Remember that following up can often be the key to landing a job. If a few days or a week have passed since your initial application, don’t hesitate to reach out and remind the employer of your interest in the position. Always be polite and professional, and avoid crossing the line into pushiness or impatience.

Using these sample emails as a guide, you can craft effective emails that showcase your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Good luck with your job search!

How to Follow Up After Sending Your Resume?

As crucial as it is to submit an impressive resume for a job position, following up on its status is just as important. Many job seekers often overlook this aspect, assuming that the company will get back to them if they are shortlisted. However, following up after sending your resume increases your chances of standing out among other applicants and getting hired.

Importance of Follow-up

Following up after sending your resume shows your enthusiasm for the position and the company. It also demonstrates that you are proactive, have attention to detail, and are genuinely interested in the job. Moreover, it helps you create a positive impression and relationship with your potential employer.

Timing Your Follow-up Emails

The timing of your follow-up emails can make or break your chances for a job. It’s critical to find the right balance between not appearing pushy and not missing out on an opportunity. Generally, it’s a good idea to wait for a week or two before following up on your application. However, if you were given a specific timeline by the company or have a personal connection with someone in the organization, consider customizing your follow-up tactics accordingly.

Moreover, it’s recommended to send follow-up emails during the middle of the week, mostly on Tuesday or Wednesday. Avoid sending them on weekends or Mondays when potential employers are busy catching up on pending work from the previous week.

Sample Follow-up Emails

Here are some sample follow-up emails you can use after sending your resume:

I hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits. I recently submitted my job application for the opening at [Company Name], and I wanted to follow up on its status.

I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to [Company Name] and join the team. Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide or if you need more time to review my application.

Best regards,

I hope you’re doing well. I wanted to follow up on my job application for the [Position] role at [Company Name]. It’s been a week since I applied, and I’m enthusiastic about the chance to join the team at [Company Name].

Please let me know if there’s any additional information I can provide, or if you require further clarification to move forward with the process.

Following up after sending your resume can help you stand out among other applicants and increase your chances of getting hired. By timing your follow-up emails appropriately and using sample emails as a reference, you can impress potential employers and set yourself up for success in your job search.

Email Scams Targeting Job Seekers

As a job seeker, you need to be aware of email scams that could cause damage to your personal and financial well-being. Scammers are constantly coming up with new tactics to lure unsuspecting victims, and you need to be on the lookout for the red flags that indicate an email may be fraudulent.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Unsolicited Emails: If you receive an email from a company or recruiter you’ve never heard of, be cautious. Legitimate companies usually do not send unsolicited emails to job seekers.

Suspicious Email Addresses: Scammers often use email addresses that look like real companies’ email addresses but contain slight variations or misspellings. Always verify that the email address is legitimate by checking the company’s website or contacting them directly.

Poor Grammar and Spelling: Many fraudulent emails contain poor grammar and spelling errors. Legitimate companies usually take the time to proofread their emails to ensure that they are professional and polished.

Request for Personal Information: If an email requests personal information like your social security number or bank account information, be suspicious. Legitimate companies do not request this information via email.

How to Avoid Email Scams

Use a Professional Email Address: Create a professional email address that includes your name. Avoid using email addresses with nicknames or inappropriate words.

Research before Responding: Before responding to an email, research the company and recruiter to verify their legitimacy. Check the company’s website, social media presence, and LinkedIn profiles to ensure that they are legitimate.

Verify Email Addresses: Always verify the email address by checking the sender’s name, domain, and suffix. Fraudulent emails often contain email addresses that look like the real thing but contain small variations or misspellings.

Never Pay for Job Opportunities: Legitimate companies do not require job seekers to pay for job opportunities, training, or certifications. If a recruiter requests payment, it’s likely a scam.

Trust Your Instincts: If an email seems too good to be true or makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts and delete it. Never provide personal information or respond to an email that seems suspicious.

Email scams targeting job seekers are a real threat, but they can be easily avoided by staying vigilant and following these simple guidelines. Always remember that a legitimate employer or recruiter will not ask for personal information, require payment, or send emails from suspicious email addresses. With these tips, you can protect yourself from email scams and focus on finding the job of your dreams.

Email Etiquette

Email communication is an essential tool in today’s workplace, and knowing how to communicate professionally through email is crucial, especially when sending job applications. In this section, we will provide you with tips on professional email etiquette and common email etiquette mistakes to avoid.

Tips for Professional Email Etiquette

When sending a job application or any professional email, keep in mind the following tips to ensure you portray yourself as a professional and increase your chances of success:

1. Use a Professional Email Address

Your email address should sound professional, preferably your name or your name and surname. Do not use email addresses such as partygirl.

2. Use a Clear and Concise Subject Line

Make sure your subject line clearly indicates the purpose of your email. Use keywords that are relevant to the topic or job application, such as “Job Application: [Position Title]” or “Meeting Request: [Date and Time].”

3. Begin with a Polite Greeting

Start your email with a professional greeting, such as “Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name]” or “Hello [Recipient’s Name].” Avoid informal greetings like “Hey” or “Hiya.”

4. Use a Professional Tone and Language

Maintain a professional tone throughout your email. Use proper grammar, punctuation, and complete sentences. Avoid using slang, abbreviations, or excessive exclamation points, as they can come across as unprofessional.

5. Keep the Email Short and to the Point

Be concise in your email’s body and get straight to the point. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and unnecessary details. Use bullet points or numbered lists for clarity if necessary.

6. Use Proper Email Formatting

Ensure your email is well-formatted and easy to read. Use proper spacing between paragraphs, keep the font size legible, and use a professional font type like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. Avoid using fancy fonts or colorful backgrounds that may distract the reader.

7. Double-Check for Errors

Before hitting the send button, proofread your email for any spelling or grammatical errors. Typos can create a negative impression, so take the time to review your email carefully.

8. Use a Professional Email Signature

Include a professional email signature at the end of your email. It should include your full name, contact information, and any relevant links, such as your LinkedIn profile or personal website. This adds a touch of professionalism and makes it easier for the recipient to contact you.

Common Email Etiquette Mistakes to Avoid

While following the above tips, it’s also important to be aware of common email etiquette mistakes to avoid:

1. Sending Emails with Typos or Grammatical Errors

Poorly written emails can give the impression of carelessness or lack of attention to detail. Always proofread your emails before sending them.

2. Using Informal Language or Abbreviations

Using informal language, slang, or abbreviations can make your email appear unprofessional. Stick to proper language and avoid shortcuts or acronyms.

3. Writing Lengthy and Rambling Emails

Keep your emails concise and focused. Long, rambling emails can be overwhelming and may not receive the attention they deserve. Stick to the main points and be respectful of the recipient’s time.

4. Not Responding in a Timely Manner

Promptly respond to emails, especially when it comes to job applications or professional inquiries. Delayed responses can give the impression of disinterest or lack of professionalism.

5. Forgetting to Attach Relevant Documents

If you mention attachments in your email, double-check that you have actually attached them before sending. Forgetting to attach important documents can be seen as careless or unprepared.

Remember, your email communication reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. By following these email etiquette tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can make a positive impression and enhance your chances of success in the professional world.

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Email Subject Lines for Job Applications and Resumes

Why the Subject Line Is Important

Tips for writing an effective email subject line, email subject line examples.

• Sample Email For a Job Application

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How important is an email subject line? When you’re job searching, it might mean the difference between getting the interview and getting stuck in a spam folder.

These days, you will likely conduct much of your job search via email. But employers receive thousands of emails a day, and often, whether or not an email gets opened depends entirely on its subject line.

To make sure your emails are read, you need a clear, professional subject line.

One of the best ways to get your email message opened is to improve your subject line. That's especially important when you're emailing a resume to apply for a job.

Key Takeaways

• A good subject line can help ensure your job application reaches the right person and doesn’t get caught in a spam folder.
• Choose a subject line that’s short and specific, e.g., “Marketing Coordinator – Jane Smith.” 
• Proofread your email subject line, and send yourself a test email to make sure your formatting holds up.

The subject line (along with the name or email address of the sender) is the first thing people see while scanning their inboxes. Because emails can contain viruses, as well as irrelevant information, busy people rarely open all their email.

The decision to open—or delete—an email is based mainly on the subject line and sender. Since the subject line makes your first impression, you want to be sure your writing is clear and error-free.

If you leave the subject line blank, your email may end up marked as spam or deleted.

Since recipients may not be familiar with your name, the subject line is also an opportunity to introduce yourself. This is the first step to making a strong first impression so that your resume is opened and read.

Keep it professional. This goes for both your subject line and email address. The subject line shouldn’t include any informal words or phrases like “Hey” or “What’s Up.” Use only professional, polite language. Make sure your email address is appropriately professional—something like cutiepie123@email.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 your subject line will be of interest in order to get your email read. Make it relevant by including keywords related to your reason for writing.

When you’re networking, use your subject line to state why you are contacting the person. You might be asking for information, or requesting a meeting, advice, or referral. If someone recommended the contact, definitely include their name. 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.

Include the job title. In an email applying for a job, use the job title as the subject line, so the employer knows the position you’re interested in. That helps busy hiring managers who are recruiting for multiple positions 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.

Follow the instructions. The job posting may specify what to include in the subject line of your message. If it does, be sure to follow the directions.

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 because 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 to 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.

Email service provider Campaign Monitor suggests optimizing your subject line length to between 41 characters (portrait view on an iPhone) to 70 characters for Gmail. Email marketing company Mailchimp advises keeping your subject line to no more than nine words and a maximum of 60 characters. Bottom line, it’s best to keep your subject line short. 

Proofread and edit your message. When editing your email before sending it, also be sure to proofread your subject line. Your subject line is the first thing the hiring manager will see. Be sure it makes a good impression. 

For inspiration, here are several examples of clear, to-the-point subject lines:

• Administrative Assistant Job - Your Name
• Job Inquiry - Your Name
• Managing Director Position
• Job Posting #321: District Sales Manager
• Communications Director Position - Your Name
• Application for Sales Associate
• Public Health Associate Position - Your Name, MPH
• Inquiry - Your Name
• Social Media Expert Seeking New Opportunity
• Marketing Director Looking for Next Role - 10 years experience
• Research Assistant Resume
• Referral - Your Name
• Referred by FirstName LastName
• Informational Interview Request - XYZ College Student
• Thank You - Job Title Interview
• Meeting Follow Up - Subject of Meeting
• Meeting Request - Your Name

Sample Email Message For a Job Application

Subject: Referred by Lara Barrett

Dear Mr. Klass, 

I'm writing regarding the open content marketing role at 3L Logistics. My former colleague, and good friend, Lara Barrett, recommended that I contact you directly about this position. Lara and I worked together for three years at ABC Software company, so she can attest to my marketing know-how. I'd welcome an opportunity to discuss how my skills could benefit 3L Logistics and what you have in mind for this role.

Let me tell you a little bit about me: In my position as a marketing specialist at ABC Software, I helped to develop a content strategy for the release of ABC's next-gen software product, which covered both the Americas and EMEA regions. This work on the marketing funnel helped create 25% more opportunities for the sales team.

Prior to ABC Software, I was a communications manager at TechTom, another software maker. In this role, I developed a thought-leadership blog series that got picked up by mainstream publications and helped secure TechTom's role in the community as a reputable source of insight. Lara tells me that you're looking to pursue similar goals at 3L Logistics, and I'd love to share some of the best practices I discovered while working on this project at TechTom.

I think my mix of communications and marketing skills would be an asset to 3L Logistics. I would appreciate an opportunity to meet and discuss the role and how I can help. Thank you very much for your consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Jana Brand (555) 555-5555 jana.brand@brand.com  

How should I apply for a job via email?

When applying for a job via email, be sure to follow the employer’s instructions. They should tell you whether to send your resume and cover letter as attachments or in the body of the email, for example. Also, always include a cover letter even if not specified—it can’t hurt, and it might help you make a good impression. 

What should I include in an email job application?

Include your resume, cover letter, and any other materials requested by the employer. Make sure your email job application contains all the required information, including your name, contact details, and the title of the job for which you’re applying.

What’s the best way to apply for jobs?

A good job search strategy is a multi-pronged effort. Search for jobs online , tap your professional network for referrals and references, and reach out to employers via LinkedIn and other social media. 

Campaign Monitor. " Ultimate Email Marketing Benchmarks for 2022: By Industry and Day ."

Campaign Monitor. " How To Determine the Best Length for Your Email Subject Lines ."

Mailchimp. " Best Practices for Email Subject Lines ." 

10 Email subject lines for your job resume

Published on:

• June 2, 2023

Email Subject Lines for Job Applications and Resumes

Myth  –  Email is dead…

Busted… 

Email is not dead and nor will ever be. Our email address is our digital DNA – every process and transaction starts with an email address.

Although people use other digital platforms for communication in the workplace these days, email remains the most commonly used professional communication tool.

Today, most job searches are conducted through email, and employers receive thousands of emails daily.

So, how does your email stand out from their inbox?

For your emails to catch the hiring manager’s attention, they should have a clear, professional, and attention-grabbing subject line.

Using the right subject line could mean landing the interview or getting buried in the spam or promotions tab folder. It determines whether an email will be opened or not.

When you’re applying for a job, it’s crucial to use a subject line that will get your email opened.

Why Subject Line Is Important

The subject line is the first few words people see when scanning their inboxes. People are rarely willing to open all their emails because they contain viruses or irrelevant information.

Most people decide whether to open or delete an email based on the subject line and sender. If you leave the subject line blank, your email may be classified as spam or will be deleted.

Since recruiters and hiring managers may not know your name, the subject line is also your chance to introduce yourself. This is critical to making a great first impression so your resume is opened and read.

Tips for Writing an Effective Job Application Subject Line

It can be tricky to send emails to prospective employers or clients (if you’re a freelancer), as there’s no universal subject line that guarantees a 100% response.

Nevertheless, here are a few ideas on how to come up with good and effective subject lines:

1. Make sure to keep it professional

When applying for a job, use a professional email address. Avoid using email addresses that are informal, offensive, or sexual in nature. The same applies to your subject line.

Example of professional email address:

Don’t : [email protected]

Do : [email protected]

When you receive an email, you usually glance at the subject line and the first sentence. These are the first things you check in an email before opening it.

Your email subject line is your chance to grab the reader’s attention and entice them to open your email. Good subject lines are catchy and convincing – leaving the recipient curious and persuading them to read the email.

Moreover, consider your intention when writing your email. In order for your email to be read, you need to make sure that the subject line is compelling. Include keywords relevant to your purpose for writing.

Write your reason in your subject line, it’s critical to let the person know why you’re contacting them.

“Applying for Marketing Manager, NY, Job ID 11, Cris Parks – Referred by Jane Dennis”

 “Job application – Sales Associate, Baltimore, Job ID 22 – Shane Reynolds”

  2. Include the job title

You should include the job title in the subject line when applying for a job so the employer knows what position you’re interested in. That way, hiring managers can easily see at a glance which job you are applying for among multiple positions.

In case the hiring manager has an automated system that categorizes emails, mentioning the job title also helps. Having the correct subject line will allow your application to be filed in the right folder and be seen at the right time.

Also, you can specify your name, or that you were recommended by someone. You can write “referred by”.

You can use “Thank You” before the job title in follow-up correspondence (especially after an interview, send them a thank you message)

3. Follow the instructions

It may be indicated in the job description what to include in the subject line of your message. If so, follow the instructions carefully to optimize your email.

4. Keep it short and specific

You can make your subject lines more specific, and this will help the recipient to categorize and respond to your email faster. Be sure to use appropriate and clear email subject lines.

Keep them short. This is because long lines may be cut off, and you may lose important information. People usually check their email on mobile phones, which show subject lines of 25-30 characters only. However, it’ll be much easier to read if they are on a computer, and they’ll be able to see the whole subject if they open the email.

An email marketing and automation tool suggest limiting your subject line length to 41 characters for iPhone portrait views and 60 characters for Gmail.

You should limit your subject line to no more than 9 words and a maximum of 60 characters.

• If you want to view your subject lines to ensure they won’t get cut off and see the open rates, use email subject line test apps.

5. Proofread and edit your message

Make sure your subject line is proofread before sending your email. It is crucial to ensure that your subject line gives a great first impression – be sure that it is clear and error-free.

When you finished writing the email body, it does not mean that your email is ready for sending. It is highly recommended you run a spell check for grammar errors. A number of typos and grammar mistakes made in haste will negatively affect your application. Go over the text again, read it out loud and look for possible errors.

• When writing your email and subject lines, remember this rule – “ Write once, read twice, check thrice and send once.”

6. Use your subject line wisely.

Subject lines can make or break an email, so don’t overlook its importance. It’s a great way to preview or give context to the rest of the email. It’s best to make it clear and concise enough to grab the reader’s attention.

Make sure that your subject line is complete with important details like your name and the position you are applying for. People also prioritize which email to read based on who sent them.

When writing your subject line, ask yourself what makes your recipient want to read your message and try to incorporate that into your subject line.

Email Subject Line Examples

Below are some samples of clear, concise, or straightforward subject lines:

• Real Estate Virtual Assistant Job ID # – [Your Name]
• Marketing Director Position
• Job Inquiry – Your Name
• Job Posting #37: Call Center Representative
• Managing Director Position – Your Name
• Application for English Teacher Position
• Executive Assitant Position -Referred by FirstName LastName
• Inquiry – Your Name
• Thank You – [Job Title] Interview
•  Referral – Your Name

What Else to Include in Your Email

1. If the job description does not specify how to apply and you do not have a referral, you should include the following in your email subject line:

• The reason for your email (Example:  Job Inquiry, Application, Thank You- Job Title Interview)
• Position title
• Position location (if provided)
• Position ID (if provided)
• Recommended/Referral by

2. Email cover letters should not only include the subject line but also include other factors that are crucial when writing.

Keep the rest of your email polite and appropriate. To do this, you need to abide by the standards of professional correspondence and follow email etiquette:

• Make sure to use professional salutations. You should avoid casual, colloquial phrases like “Hey First Name,” and “Hi there.”
• Be respectful and spell the person’s name correctly.   Often, people feel insulted when their names are misspelled. If you offend the reader in the salutation, they may not read any further.
• Use Exclamation points sparingly in writing your email and cover letter. Avoid using exclamation points, emoticons, or emojis in your email subject line and the rest of your email message.
• Keep your fonts, colors, and sizes classic . Remember the rule – Your emails should be easy for other people to read – they should be clear, concise especially for business correspondence. Choose a widely accepted standard font that is easy to read, such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, and font size of 10 or 12. It is safest to use classic black as a font color.

Example Job Application Email Message

Subject: Referred by Jane Higgins

Dear Ms. Thomas

I’m writing concerning the open-marketing specialist role at A1 Express Logistics. My ex-manager Jane Higgins recommended I contact you regarding this position immediately. During my 5-year career at NovoFloor Tile, Jane has witnessed my marketing expertise. It would be a pleasure to discuss how my skills may contribute to A1 Express Logistics and what you have in mind for this position.

Let me tell you a little bit about me: In my position as a sales specialist at NovoFloor Tile, I helped to develop a content strategy for the release of NovoFloor’s new line of resin tile product, which covered both the American and Eurasia regions. By implementing this task in the marketing funnel, the sales team generated 27% more opportunities.

Prior to NovoFloor Tile, I was a communications manager at Terramica, another tiles manufacturer. In this role, I introduced an innovative remodeling blog series that got picked up by mainstream magazines and helped secure Terramica’s role in the community as a renowned tiles specialist. Jane tells me that you’re seeking to achieve similar goals at A1 Express Logistics, and I’d love to share some of the best practices I learned while working on Terramica’s projects.

I think having both marketing and communications skills would make me an asset to A1 Express Logistics. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss the position, and how I might be able to contribute, further. Thank you so much for your consideration.

(555) 123-678

[email protected]

Marissa Letendre, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Marissa Letendre is a senior HR leader and resume expert with over 12 years of experience. She has worked for both startups and Fortune 50 corporations and has helped thousands land jobs at top companies. Marissa has written on a wide range of topics, including employee engagement, career development, resumes, job searching, recruiting, and organizational effectiveness and has been featured on sites such as Slack and The Undercover Recruiter.

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Email Subject Lines for Resume & Job Applications (+Examples)

February 05, 2022

The subject of the email is important when you send your CV by email. It could either result in an interview call or no call at all. This is why it is important to understand what to write for a job email subject.

This article will explain all you will ever need to know about the subject for job application in email.

Why the subject line is important?

Every step in the job application process serves a definite purpose. For example, when you send your CV in email, the purpose is to get the attention of the hiring manager so he reads your CV. That’s it.

The contents of your email determine whether your CV will be opened and review or not. And when your CV is opened, the content of your CV will determine whether you will be called for the interview or not.

As you can see the first step is crucial in determining whether your email will be read or not. The first of the first step is the subject for the job application email.

You would want to attract the attention of the hiring managers right from when your CV lands in their inbox.

5 Tips for Best Job Email Subject

1. keep it short and concise.

Recruiters receive hundreds and sometimes thousands of emails for a single job opening. Sometimes they may also be recruiting for multiple positions at a single moment. This means a lot of emails with a lot of different subject lines - and a lot of competition to grab the attention – the more precise and concise you should be with the subject of job application in email.

Keep the characters count to an optimum number of 55; this will do wonders for you.

2. Follow The Instructions

Sometimes job description specifies instructions to be followed when writing the subject of the email for a job application. This should comply religiously.

3. Include Referral Info

Most often it is OK to mention the referral in the subject of the job application email in addition to what has been requested in the job description.

4. Be professional

When you write the subject of the job application email, be professional.

5. Proofread and Edit the Subject for Job Application

As the subject of the job application email is first of the first step, it is always good to proofread it before you hit the send button.

Email Subject Line Examples

If instructions on how to apply are not outlined in the job post and you don't have a referral, then the best email subject lines examples are:

 “Applying for Marketing Manager, Houston, Job ID 25, John Smith”

“Job application — Marketing Manager, Houston, Job ID 15 — John Smith”

If you're not applying for a specific job, and instead, you're inquiring about job possibilities, examples include:

 “Job inquiry — John Smith, 10+ years of experience in IT”

“Inquiry — Jane Doe, PR Specialist Open to New Opportunities”

“HR Operations Manager Looking for Next Position”

“Job Inquiry — Referred by Jane Doe — Joe Smith, HR Specialist”

If you have certifications or qualifications that add value to your job application or are required for the job, include them in the subject line. Here are a few email subject line examples of how to do that.

 “Job application — Marketing Manager, Job ID 25 — John Smith, Google Creative Certification”

 “Job application — IT Analyst — John Smith, Microsoft Certified”

 “Applying for Accountant Director — Jane Doe, CPA”

The subject line of the job application email is the first interaction recruiters get with you. Make it impactful. Work with the tips above to craft email subject lines that help you get one step closer to landing the job. Good luck

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What to put in the subject line of an email for sending a resume?

When it comes to applying for jobs, having a stellar resume is only a part of the equation.

While some recruiters will require you to upload your resume to their database, others will require you to send it through an email. And that’s where another critical component of the equation comes to play - the email subject for sending the resume.

The subject line of an email is a short single line that gives the recipient an idea of what the email entails.

And when you’re sending your resume as an attachment through email, the subject line is the first thing recruiters will read, so it is important to make it stand out. Otherwise, your resume might just end up in the trash. Unopened and uncared for.

Not an ideal situation, is it?

But, by following our tips and tricks, you can avert such scenarios and create an impressive subject for sending your resume to recruiters.

Here’s what’s in store:

• What should be the subject line for sending a resume?
• What are some examples of subject lines for sending a resume?
• What to write in the subject line when emailing resumes for freshers?
• What are some common mistakes to avoid while writing a subject for sending a resume to HR?

How to Write an Email Subject Line for Sending a Resume?

Without any fuss, let’s get right into the good part. Given below are some insightful tips that will help you craft an impressive resume submission subject line:

Keep it Short and Sweet

The very first and important factor to keep in mind while writing a subject line for sending your resume to recruiters is that it needs to be crisp, concise, and to the point.

Recruiters and hiring managers barely spend 6 to 8 seconds reviewing a resume. So it is evident that they won’t spend more than a few seconds reading your subject line.

So, use as few words as possible to describe the contents of your email, i.e., your resume.

For instance, rather than writing “Job Application for Sales Representative Position”, you can write “Sales Representative Application” to make it more concise and to the point.

Mention the Job Title or Job ID Number

One way to make your subject for sending a resume unique, include the job title or job ID number in the subject line.

Doing so will help your email stand out from the pile of emails in the recruiter’s inbox and will also make it easier for them to match your resume to the specific vacancy.

For example, you can write “Job ID #123 Tracy True’s resume” instead of just writing your name and a long job title.

Highlight Referrals

If you were referred for the position by someone from the company, it’s a great idea to include the person’s name in the subject line.

This ensures that your email stands out from other possible applicants who are bombarding the recruiter’s inbox with resume emails. Thus, immediately setting you apart from your competitors.

Here’s a possible referral subject line that you can write:

“Referral from Richard Jones: #Job ID #123 Tracy True’s resume”

Refer to the Job Listing

In case you are sending your resume through email after reading a job listing, you must closely refer to the listing for any instructions on how you need to go about the submission process.

If the listing has asked you to mention the job title and your name in the subject line, or maybe just the job title, include just that. You don’t need to do anything more or add to the line in hopes of making it stand out.

Doing so may backfire and cause your resume email to be trashed without consideration.

Avoid Using Generic or Vague Terms

One of the most common mistakes that candidates make when writing the subject for sending a resume is using generic and vague words or phrases.

A subject line that is too broad and generic will not grab the recruiter's attention and will possibly be overshadowed by other emails with engaging subject lines.

For instance, simply writing “job application” or “resume” is too basic and vague.

Proofread Your Subject Line

To ensure that you have mentioned the right job ID and used the exact terminology for the job profile, you must cross-check the subject line before hitting the send button.

Be sure that there are no typos, spelling, or grammatical mistakes that can risk your application starting off on the wrong foot or leaving a bad first impression on the recruiters.

Also Read: How to write an email to recruiters for sending a resume?

Examples of Subject for Sending Resume to Recruiters

Here are some subject line examples for sending resumes through emails:

Subject for Sending Resume for Seasoned Professionals

• Product Manager - Linda Rose Resume
• Senior Data Analyst - Richard Green's resume
• Jake Simpson Resume- Job ID #123
• 5+ Years Experienced Sales Executive - John Brown Resume
• Job Posting #568 Communication Manager Resume
• Willow Dawn Resume - Senior Business Analyst Resume

Examples of Interesting Subjects When Sending Resumes to Companies for Entry-level Jobs

• Entry-level Data Analyst Resume - Job Posting #421
• Donna River Resume for Sales Associate Internship
• IT Recruiter Intern Resume - Dennis Muller
• Junior Accountant Fresher Resume - Emily Smith
• Job ID #468 - Leon Meyer Resume
• Junior Software Developer - Jonas Crew Resume

Also Read: How to write a thank you email after an interview?

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Writing a Subject for Sending a Resume

Given below are 3 mistakes that you must avoid while writing a subject for sending a resume to recruiters and hiring managers:

Using abbreviations or unprofessional language: Avoid using abbreviations, slang, or any phrases or terms that can be considered unprofessional.

Writing in all caps and/or using exclamation marks: These can make your email appear spammy and desperate, so avoid writing in all caps and using exclamation marks.

Including irrelevant information: Do not include unnecessary personal details or other information that can make your subject line lengthy and vague.

Also Read: How to write a compelling networking email in 2023?

To conclude, the most important factors to consider while writing an effective subject line for sending resumes to recruiters are:

• Keeping it concise and to the point
• Mentioning the job title or job ID number
• Including your name
• Avoiding generic phrases, abbreviations, and irrelevant information
• Highlighting referrals and following the instructions provided in the listing (if any)

By following these tips and tricks, you can frame a simple yet effective subject line for sending resumes for any job profile or industry.

If you want to build a stellar resume within minutes, use Hiration’s ChatGPT-powered resume builder with 24x7 chat support. You can also reach us at [email protected] if you have any queries.

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Is Your Resume ATS Friendly To Get Shortlisted?

Upload your resume for a free expert review.

• Jul 19, 2024
• 11 min read

Best Email Subject Lines for Your Job Application & Résumé

Please, sir, may I have this job?

Electra Michaelidou

Career and Lifestyle Writer

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

You’ve spent hours — possibly even days — perfecting your résumé, and you’ve crafted a unique cover letter that’s bound to grab the hiring manager’s attention. But before you can send off your application, you have one more thing to worry about: your email’s subject line!

Though it can seem like a small, unimportant detail, it’s one that could cost you the job if you don’t get it right. Indeed, according to Business2Community insights , what you include (or don’t include) in a subject line can severely impact whether the recipient opens it or not.

To increase your job search success rates , you want as many hiring managers as possible to click on your email and read your application. So, how do you go about writing a subject line that boosts open rates and increases your chances of getting invited for an interview ? Let’s talk about it!

The importance of a well-written subject line

A well-thought-out subject line can help you make a positive impression from the get-go, allowing you to portray yourself as a professional candidate who pays attention to detail . (That’s a widely sought-after soft skill, by the way!)

It can also convey proactivity on your part, showing an ability to think and plan ahead, as well as a strong capacity for following instructions.

Indeed, some job listings may ask you to include a specific word, code or phrase in your subject line — doing so successfully shows that you’re serious about the role and you have dedicated enough time to understanding the requirements.

A well-written subject line can also allow you to stand out from among other candidates . With hiring managers receiving hundreds of applications for their advertised job openings, an error-free, punchy subject line can grab the reader’s attention, increasing your chances of being selected.

You can see then how devoting a bit of extra time and care to crafting your email subject line lets you communicate additional details about yourself, from your professionalism to your attention detail and creative thinking ability.

How to write a captivating subject line

The following 10 tips can come in handy when you’re brainstorming various ideas for your subject line, as well as when you sit down to finally craft your opener.

1. Read the job listing carefully

The very first step to writing a winning subject line is to read and understand the job listing requirements. While doing so, keep an eye out for relevant keywords and information that can help you make your subject line as relevant and impactful as possible.

More specifically, note down the position title and vacancy number (if there is one), and any hints as to what the hiring manager is looking for. Perhaps their ideal candidate possesses certain credentials or has worked in the industry for a certain number of years.

2. Identify your most relevant strengths

When you have read and understood the requirements for the role, it becomes easier to incorporate those “magic” words that the hiring manager is looking for in your subject line. For example, if you’re an HR specialist who holds the Certified Human Resources Professional designation, your subject line could look like this: “Dan Bresson, CHRP — Human Resources Manager Application”.

Or, if you want to emphasize your work experience instead, it could read: “Dan Bresson — HR Specialist with 8 Years’ Experience”.

3. Reference the job title correctly

Although you may want to get a little creative with your subject line (some ideas coming up shortly!), one thing you don’t want to do is write something vague or unclear.

For example, if the official name of the role you are applying for is Senior Marketing Copywriter, don’t just include the word “copywriter” in your subject line. This can create confusion, and the hiring manager shouldn’t have to spend time figuring out which position you’re interested in. Remember: there may be more than one vacancy to fill, with a very similar name!

To avoid errors, copy and paste the exact name as it appears on the job listing.

4. Look at different ideas online

Although you want your subject line to help you come across as a meticulous professional, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Using a generative AI tool or asking your go-to search engine for ideas and suggestions can help you compile a list of potential (and impactful) subject lines.

Having said that, you could also simply read on: coming up is a list of 10 subject lines you can customize to stand out when applying to jobs.

5. Avoid spam words

Certain words can trigger email spam filters and cause your job application to land in the recipient’s junk folder instead of their inbox. These include terms like “finance”, “claims”, “credit”, “opportunity” and other words spammers like to use to lure unsuspecting victims into their traps.

So, if referring to the vacancy in your subject line, prefer to mention something along the lines of “Graphic Designer Position ” instead of “Graphic Designer Opportunity”.

If your target (or current) job is that of claims consultant, credit controller or finance specialist, you could use the job ID number to refer to the vacancy instead: “Marie Sanders — Application [#447516]”, for example. However, so long as your email address itself also sounds credible , referencing the job title should generally not create any problems.

6. Avoid all caps

Like certain spam words, capital letters are also a common culprit where spam filter triggering is concerned.

Although a subject line written out in capitals could, in theory, grab the recipient’s attention, it increases your chances of ending up in their junk folder or coming across as unprofessional. The same goes for using exclamation points: as a general rule, avoid them at all costs.

7. Address the hiring manager by name

If you know the name of the hiring manager who will be reviewing your job application, you’ll likely be addressing your cover letter to them specifically. So, why not address them by name in your subject line, too?

Though it may seem a little strange to have your subject read “Hi Sandra — Here’s My Résumé for the Graphic Designer Position”, this little psychological trick can work in your favor.

Hearing (or reading) your own name is a powerful sensation. Self-help guru Dale Carnegie said it best in his best-selling book How to Win Friends and Influence People : “A person’s name is, to that person, the sweetest and most important sound in any language.”

Think about whenever someone uses your name in conversation: “Hey Ben!”, “How are the kids, Jane?”, “That’s a great idea, Sophie!”. You feel acknowledged and you’re instantly pulled into the conversation.

And that’s exactly the goal here: to grab the hiring manager’s attention and persuade them into opening your email.

8. Include a referral’s name

One of the great things about networking is that you can tap into your Rolodex of contacts when you’re looking for a new job and ask around for a referral for a suitable position, either at their own company or at another organization.

They’ll gladly oblige, particularly if you’re willing to return the favor somehow, and dropping their name in the subject line is bound to capture the hiring manager’s attention — especially when your referral is a heavyweight in their industry. It’s kind of hard to ignore!

9. Use a character counter tool

Depending on the device and email client the recipient uses, your subject line preview may get cut off at a certain point. That’s why it’s a good idea to use a character counter tool and make sure that the gist of your message is evident from the first 40 characters or so.

In other words, keep your subject line as clear and concise as possible.

10. Proofread your subject line

The final step to crafting an impactful, attention-grabbing subject line is to proofread it a few times over prior to sending off your application.

Of course, a spelling error in your subject line can also capture the reader’s attention, but for the wrong reason — don’t go accidentally calling yourself a “strategic manger”!

Subject line examples

As we have seen, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when crafting your email application subject line. For such a short piece of writing, there are sure plenty of things to look out for; but the more of these guidelines you follow, the better your chances of standing out (for the right reasons).

To put what we discussed into practice and help you generate some ideas, here are 10 subject lines you can edit and use during your job search:

• Hi Derek — Here’s My Résumé for the Graphic Designer Position
• Managing Accountant — ID# MA1968 — Frank Butcher
• Jennifer Andrews — Graphic Designer with 10 Years’ Experience
• Dorothy Smith, NCRW — Résumé Writer Application
• Referral by Elon Musk for Avionics Systems Engineer Position
• John Miller — Content Manager — Social Media and SEO Expert Role
• Annie Richards, MBA — Application for Financial Manager (#1968)
• Senior Copywriter Looking for Next Role — 9 Years’ Experience
• Account Manager Application — Referred by Patti Jones
• Creative Director Role — Elijah Spencer, ACP

Sample email for a job application

Below is a custom example for a job application cover letter (pasted directly into the body of the email), as well as its accompanying subject line:

Subject line: Content Writer Application – Referred by Ben Whites

Email body :

Good afternoon, Martha,

I hope this email finds you well. My name is Stan Garcia, and I currently hold the role of Content Writer at ABC Media. A good friend of mine (who happens to be an old colleague of yours), Ben Whites, has recently informed me of the Content Writer vacancy that has opened at XYZ Creatives.

Having worked in digital marketing for the past eight years, I have witnessed XYZ Creatives’ impressive growth and been wowed by your delightfully witty content and campaigns. After being forwarded the vacancy description by Ben, I was compelled to apply, seeing as my educational and professional background and achievements align with your requirements and expectations. Specifically, I have experience writing for numerous industries including finance and IT, and using generative AI tools, content management and project management systems, while I also speak fluent Spanish — which I see is not a strict requirement but “nice to have”.

I am attaching my résumé and remain at your disposal for any queries or clarifications. You can reach me any time at [email protected] and by phone at (555) 123-1234.

I look forward to hearing from you and hope to meet you in person soon!

Best wishes,

Stan Garcia

Using AI to help with writing subject lines

Generative AI tools like ChatGPT can speed up the brainstorming process as well as produce subject line examples for you to edit and submit at the click of a button. If you decide to use an AI tool, be sure to:

• Use clear prompts. If you want to be shown a bulleted list of 10 subject line suggestions to choose from, ask for precisely that: “I am a copywriter with 5 years’ experience applying for a job. Can you give me 10 possible subject lines I can use for my email application?”
• Provide as much information as possible. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT need context and specificity to come up with appropriate suggestions. Following the example above, you could add “My name is Sam Roberts; the job title is Copywriter and the job ID is #3476.”
• Give specific instructions. To ensure your subject line is readable on most devices and email clients, ask your generative AI tool of choice to keep its subject line suggestions between 40–80 characters, or to include a specific keyword, such as an abbreviated academic credential after your name.
• Always, always double check before sending. Generative AI tools are certainly powerful; however, they aren’t perfect. Before submitting your job application, double (or triple) check everything, especially any content generated by an AI tool.

Key takeaways

Whether you’re applying for a job or inquiring about available opportunities at a company, an attention-grabbing subject line will pique the recipient’s curiosity and inevitably convince them to open your email.

To maximize your chances of achieving this, remember the following:

• Certain words and poor practices (such as using all caps) can trigger spam filters and sabotage your job search success.
• Personal touches, such as including the name of your hiring manager or referee in the subject line, can go a long way.
• From crafting résumés and email subject lines to helping you prepare for interviews , tools like ChatGPT can help you land a job — so long as you give them detailed prompts.
• Always proofread your application materials before hitting that “Send” button, from your subject line through to your résumé and cover letter.

Got any questions about writing an email subject line for a job application? Let us know in the comments section below!

This article is a complete update of an earlier version originally published on February 27, 2021.

Email Etiquette

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How to Write a Subject Line when Sending Your CV by Email

Last Updated: June 13, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Katrina Georgiou and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Katrina Georgiou is a career coach and the founder of Katrina Georgiou Coaching based in Silicon Valley. Katrina helps individuals find new careers as well as career advancement, including resume writing, interview preparation, salary negotiation, and performance reviews. Trained in the co-active method from the Coaches Training Institute (CTI), Katrina uses personalized communication and leadership strategies to support her clients in building successful and fulfilling careers. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 379,002 times.

When applying for a job, it's common practice to send your résumé or CV through email. The subject line is the first thing the recipient will see. A brief subject line that lets the recipient know exactly what the email is about is the best way to make sure your email is read. Generally, your subject line should include the word "résumé" or "CV" along with your name and the job title you're applying for. [1] X Research source

Best Subject Line When Sending a CV or Résumé by Email

Start the subject line with the word "Résumé" or "CV" followed by a colon (:). List your name and the position you're applying for, including any identification numbers. Separate each portion of information with a hyphen (-). Capitalize all nouns and verbs in the subject line, and put everything else in lowercase.

Including Necessary Information

• Often employers provide a specific formula for the subject line because they have programmed email filters to catch emails from people applying for a specific job. If you don't follow the employer's formula, your email may be overlooked.

• Copy the specific job title, rather than using a generic description such as "entry-level position" or "manager."
• Use your full first and last name in the subject line. Nicknames or shortened names are not appropriate at this stage. If you have an interview , you can let the recipient know what you prefer to be called.

• For example, you might use "CV – Product Developer – Marco Diaz."
• Another subject line format that works is "CV: Marco Diaz for Product Developer." You can also flip these elements around and write "Marco Diaz CV: Product Developer."

Tip: Try to keep your subject line brief. If the recipient views the email on a smartphone or other mobile device, they'll typically only see the first 25 or 30 characters.

• For example, you might use "Marco Diaz for Product Developer: CV Attached."

Polishing Your Subject Line

• If the recipient has a LinkedIn account , this can be a good place to find information on their professional background.
• Reading any articles the recipient has written will also help you prepare for the interview or give you information to add in a follow-up email.

• For example, you might use "CV Recommended by Star Butterfly: Marco Diaz for Product Developer."
• If someone recommended you for the position, put that information at the beginning of the subject line. You want it to be the first thing the recipient reads.

Variation: Common connections aren't always people; they can be places too. If you went to the same school as the recipient or interned with the same company, you might include that as well.

• For example, you might write "CV: Marco Diaz for Product Developer, 20 Years Experience."

• Make sure there are no spelling mistakes or typos. Double-check proper names – even your own – to make sure they're spelled correctly.

Putting Together Your Email

• Traditional letter-writing salutations can seem stiff and overly formal in emails. Instead of typing "Dear Mr. Marley," try "Hello Jacob Marley."

• For example, you might write "I am applying for the position of Product Designer, which I saw posted on my university's job board."

• For example, you might write "I am extremely interested in this position. I have studied product design in college, where I received top marks for my design projects. I believe I could be a tremendous asset to your design team."

• Follow the same guidelines you would if writing a cover letter to print on paper. Try to keep the full letter to under a page, using active, direct language to describe your skills and experience.
• Keep in mind that the recipient may be reading your email on a computer, or on a mobile phone or other mobile device. Use short paragraphs of 3 to 4 words to make your email easier to skim.

• For example, you might write "I've attached a PDF copy of my CV to this email, along with a formal cover letter."

• For example, you might write "Please don't hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information or would like to arrange a meeting. I look forward to hearing from you."
• You might also say that you plan to follow up in a week if you don't hear from them. If you include this in your email, make sure to set yourself a reminder so that you remember to do what you said.

Variation: If you're feeling confident, try changing the "if" to "when." This removes some of the uncertainty. For example, you might write "Please don't hesitate to contact me when you're ready to schedule an interview."

• If you have a website, you might include the URL for that as well. Only do this if it's related in some way to the job you're applying for or demonstrates background and skills that are related to the position.
• If you've formatted a signature for your emails that is automatically applied, there's no need to type your name and contact information.

• PDF is typically the best format to use for your résumé or CV because the contents of the file can't be accidentally changed or deleted.
• If you're also sending a formal cover letter, attach it as a separate document in the same file format as your résumé or CV.
• Save the file with a unique name that includes your first and last name. For example, you might use "Hamilton Alexander Resume.pdf."

Tip: Avoid using spaces or special characters in your file name. They aren't accepted by all operating systems, and may impede the recipient's ability to open the file.

Example Subject Lines to Send CV

Expert Q&A

• Send your email to yourself first to see how it looks and verify that your attachments are easy to open. You might also want to send it to a friend who has a different operating system than you do. [20] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Use a conservative, professional email address to send your résumé or CV, such as one that includes only your first initial and last name. [21] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Unless the employer specifically tells you not to do this in the job listing, it's standard practice to follow up with your email by mailing the employer a hard copy of your résumé or CV and cover letter. [22] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Proofread your résumé or CV carefully before attaching it. Typos and grammatical errors could destroy your chances of being interviewed. Update dates and figures as necessary. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/resumes-cover-letters/how-to-email-a-resume
• ↑ https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/5-go-email-subject-lines-job-seekers/
• ↑ https://www.robertwalters.com.au/insights/career-advice/blog/the-perfect-subject-line-when-job-seeking.html
• ↑ https://www.careercontessa.com/advice/cold-email-subject-lines/
• ↑ https://www.gordon.edu/styleguide/checklist
• ↑ https://www.hampshire.edu/corc/emailing-your-cover-letter-and-resume
• ↑ Katrina Georgiou. Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 June 2020.
• ↑ https://jobs.theguardian.com/article/writing-the-perfect-email-covering-letter

About This Article

To write a subject line when you’re sending your CV by email, make sure to let the reader know exactly what the email is about to ensure it will be read. Before writing your subject line, check for any instructions from the employer, who may have requested specific information or a particular formula. In this case, make sure to follow the instructions precisely to show that you’ve looked at the materials carefully and have an eye for detail. Otherwise, start your subject line with the word “resume” or “CV.” Then, add the exact position and any identification numbers listed in the job posting. You’ll also want to use your full first and last name. Separate each of these elements with hyphens or colons. For example, “CV - Product Developer - Marco Diaz.” To learn how to add your top qualification for the position in your subject line, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Banish Boring Subject Lines With These Key Email Tips

Email subject lines that will maximize the open rates on your job search and networking emails.

3 years ago   •   7 min read

Have you ever gotten an email and immediately dreaded opening it? Maybe the email header was overly vague and you don’t like surprises, maybe it came across too pushy, or maybe it bombarded you with custom emojis to the point where you could barely even read it. The point being: Don’t let that unopened email be yours!

The right subject line can make or break an email. A good subject line can be the deciding factor in whether someone replies to your email, how long it takes them to respond, and even whether they open it in the first place. To maximize the open rates on your emails — and make everyone’s lives a little easier — here are some of our top subject lines to use in your job search.

What makes a good subject line?

First and foremost, a good email header needs to catch people’s attention. That means avoiding very generic or nondescript titles, like “Hello,” or “Job application.” Ideally, your subject line should give the recipient enough of an idea of what’s inside to know that they want to open it without making the email itself unnecessary. The tricky part is straddling the line between piquing the person’s interest (good) and turning them off (bad) — in other words, stay away from gimmicks like emojis, random fonts or colors, and being overly pushy or informal.

To help you strike that perfect balance, here's are our top tips for crafting the perfect email subject line.

How to write an attention-grabbing email subject line

• Be informative. People should know what your email is about before they open it.
• Be concise. Don't try to fit everything into the subject line — keep it under 10 words.
• Keep it professional. Recruiters pay attention to how job candidates communicate and use that to inform their hiring decisions.
• Include essential information, like your name and the job title or ID.
• Use key words and phrases, like "job application" if you're applying for a job or "thank you" if you're writing a thank you note.
• Establish a shared connection. Dropping the name of a mutual connection can drastically improve your chances of a response.
• Don't give too much away. If you want to pique the recipient's interest, it's okay to leave a little to the imagination.

Be informative

Most people will avoid opening a new email if they don't know what's in it. Being upfront about why you're contacting someone — whether you're inquiring about a job, asking for an informational interview, or just hoping to catch up — makes it more likely that they'll read and respond to your message. Informative subject lines also let people read and respond to your email more quickly, showing that you respect them and their time.

Email subject lines don’t always have to be complicated! A clear, concise subject line tells the recipient exactly what your email is about and makes it easy to respond. There's no single ideal email subject line length for every situation, but the best advice is to keep it to around 7 words or between 40-70 characters, which is the display limit for most mobile and web-based email clients.

Keep it professional

Your subject line should be appropriate for the kind of email you're sending, which means that something like a job inquiry or cold email is going to be a lot more formal than reaching out to a friend or ex-colleague. You can also add a more personal touch by including your recipient’s name in the subject line, which adds warmth without sacrificing professionalism.

Include essential information

Putting your name in the header reminds the recipient who you are and means they don’t have to scroll down to the bottom of the email for important context. Seeing your name every time they glance at their inbox also means they’ll be more likely to remember you in the future.

If the job you applied for had a reference ID, including that information makes it even easier for the recruiter to know exactly what job you’re talking about. This foes double if you’ve applied to a large company or one with multiple open positions.

Use keywords

Including key words and phrases is a good "shortcut" for creating a concise but informative subject line. In particular, starting an email off with something like “thanks” or "catching up" lets the recipient know exactly what kind of email to expect (the good kind!) and makes them more likely to want to open it.

If you're applying for a job and think you’re a good fit for the type of work the company is doing, you can also use your email header to sell yourself a little. Putting information about your background and experience upfront makes it more likely that a recruiter will respond to you if they have a specific opening that fits.

Establish a shared connection

If you were referred to a position that you’re still waiting to hear back from, emphasizing that in your subject line can make it more likely that you’ll get a response. The same thing applies to reaching out to someone in your alumni network or to a second degree connection — letting the recipient know about the shared connection upfront can make them more likely to respond to you.

If you don't have any mutual contacts, establishing a common interest — even if it’s just the industry the two of you share or the university you both attended — can make a big difference, especially if you’re cold emailing.

Don't give too much away

I know what you’re thinking — aren’t vague email headers a bad thing? Sometimes — but other times being a little imprecise can actually work in your favor. Always give enough information for the recipient to know broadly what your email is about, but it's okay if they need to actually read your message to find out the specific details.

Ready? Here are some email subject line templates you can use in just about any situation.

Examples of strong email subject lines

Following up on a job application.

If you’ve sent in a job application and haven’t heard anything back, it can sometimes be okay to send a follow up email to check up on it. You don’t need to do this for every application, but if you’re well into the process (especially if you’ve already had an interview) and it’s past the stated time frame, a gentle nudge could prevent your application from slipping through the cracks.

• Following up on my application for [Position] at [Company Name]
• [Position] — [Your Name]
• [Job posting #ID] — [Position]
• Referred by [Reference] for [Position]

For more tips and email templates, check out our guide on how to follow up after a job application .

Networking and informational interviews

If you don’t have a lot of experience in the industry you’re applying to — like if you’re a recent grad or career changer — informational interviews are a great way to gain some insight into the field and make connections at the same time. Always remember that you’re asking for a favor, so be flexible and respect potential constraints on their time.

• Hi from a fellow alumni
• [University] grad seeking career advice
• Career changer interested in [industry]
• Would love to connect

For full email templates, see our guide on how to ask for an informational interview via email .

Sending a thank you note

The thank you note hasn’t disappeared — it’s just gone digital. Sending a thank you note after meeting someone — whether it’s during an interview, at a networking event, or after meeting someone for advice — isn’t essential, but it’s still highly recommended. Not only does it encourage people to think more fondly of you and take a step toward building a lasting relationship, it’s also just plain good manners!

• Thanks for your time earlier!
• [Your Name] — Thank you and follow up
• Thanks for earlier, [Name]
• Interview with [Company Name]

For more detailed thank you notes tailored to your situation, read more about how to write a thank you email to a recruiter, the thank you email you need to send after an informational interview , and sending a thank you after a career fair .

Asking for an introduction

Asking a mutual connection for an introduction doesn’t have to be fraught. The trick is to ask directly, explain a little bit about why you want the introduction, and make things easier by including your resume or a pre-formatted message for them to pass along.

• Could you make an introduction?
• Could you intro me?
• Possible intro

Looking for more tips on how to ask someone for an introduction ? We’ve got you covered!

Sending an inquiry letter or asking for job openings

You haven’t applied for a job yet — but only because you don’t know if any are available! If you’re not having much success waiting around for jobs to be listed publicly, why not be proactive and reach out to companies you’re interested in?

• Openings at [Company Name]
• Curious about openings at [Company]
• Quick question about current openings
• [Job title] with X years’ experience

Here are some more tips on how to ask for job openings , including job inquiry letter templates and how to attach your resume.

Reconnecting with an old contact

Lost touch with an old friend or colleague? It happens to the best of us! Fortunately, falling out of contact with someone doesn’t mean that relationship is gone forever. Rekindle old relationships with a warm but gentle subject line.

• Hope you’re doing well!
• Checking in
• How are things going?
• Catch up on [enter topic]
• It’s been a while!

Read more about how (and why) to reach out to someone you haven’t talked to in a while .

Following up after receiving no response

This situation can be a little delicate — on one hand, you don’t want your inquiry to be forgotten, but on the other hand, you don’t want to keep pestering someone who doesn’t have time to respond. It’s okay to send one follow up if you haven’t received a response to a previous inquiry, but don’t push for a response if one isn’t forthcoming.

• Re: [Original email]
• Touching base about [Position]
• Following up on [topic]

For some email templates you can use, check out our guide on how to write a follow up email after not getting a response .

Email subject lines to avoid

If you're tempted to start your email with any of the following — don't. Here are some things to avoid when sending your next email:

• Vague subject lines like "Job application" or "Following up."
• Overly informal greetings like "Hey" or "What's up?"
• Gimmicky or misleading subject lines like "Click here" or "You've won!"
• Not addressing the recipient by name
• Emojis or emoticons
• Mixed or downloaded fonts
• Images or other strange formatting
• Hard to read colors — black or the email default is fine
• Using all capital letters or too many punctuation marks
• Leaving the subject line blank
• Career Advice

Spread the word

What size should your resume margins be, how to update your resume for a career change in 2024, keep reading, how to name drop in a cover letter (without sounding pretentious), how to show bilingualism on your resume (with examples), why the job you interviewed for was reposted: the complete 2024 guide, subscribe to our newsletter.

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100+ Best Cold Email Subject Lines That Get Results

What is an email subject line, how to create cold email subject lines that convert, 100+ best cold email subject lines, using emojis and numbers in cold email subject lines, using power words in cold email subject lines, trigger words that can land your email in spam, common mistakes to avoid.

Did you know that 2 out of 3 email recipients decide whether to open an email based on subject lines?

This means your subject line isn't just the first impression—it's the deciding factor between your email being seen or being ignored .

But what type of subject lines work and what won’t work?

That’s what we’re going to learn. In this article, I’ve brought 100+ best cold email subject lines that actually convert.

We’ll learn:

• 5 key principles to create perfect cold email subject lines
• 4 proven formulas to craft killer subject lines
• 100+ best cold email subject lines

But before that, let’s first understand what exactly is a subject line and why is it important?

An email subject line (aka email headline) is the text you see before opening an email . It tells you what the email is about and helps you decide whether to open it or not.

But why is it so important?

Why do subject lines matter in cold emails?

A good subject line grabs attention and makes the reader interested in reading more.

It is your first impression and determines if your cold email will be opened or ignored.

If it's interesting, recipients open the email. If it’s boring or unclear, they might skip it or delete it without reading.

As I said in the beginning, 64% of recipients ) decide to open or delete emails based on subject lines.

A subject line alone is enough to attract 47% of email recipients ) to open the email.

The subject line also gives a hint about what’s inside the email. In fact, 69% of email recipients ) will report spam based on the email subject line.

It sets the mood and makes people curious to read more.

A good subject line makes the reader feel interested and eager to see what you have to say.

OK! I get it. It’s important for a successful cold email campaign.

But how do I write a perfect subject line that increases my email open rate?

There’s no rocket science or secret sauce. You can create subject lines that drive engagement using these 5 key principles.

5 key principles to write great subject lines

• Personalization
• Value Proposition

1. Personalization

Personalized subject lines make your emails more appealing .

When you include the recipient's name or something specific to them in the subject line, they feel the email is meant for them.

This makes them more likely to open it. In fact emails with personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened ).

But how to personalize?

• Use the recipient’s first name in the subject line
• Reference their company name or industry
• Mention a recent accomplishment or milestone
• Tailor the subject line to their specific pain point or need
• Highlight a mutual connection or shared interest

Keep your subject lines clear and to the point . People are busy and won’t spend time figuring out what your email is about.

A clear subject line quickly tells them what to expect, making them more likely to open it.

Shorter subject lines are easier to read and understand at a glance. The simpler and more direct your subject line, the better your chances of getting noticed.

In fact emails with 6 to 10 words in their subject lines have the highest open rate i.e. 21% ..

But how to keep it clear and concise?

• Focus on the core message of your email
• Keep the subject line under 40 characters
• Use simple, everyday language
• Avoid unnecessary adjectives or filler words
• Be specific and direct about what the email contains

3. Curiosity

When you create a sense of intrigue, people naturally want to know more.

A subject line that hints at something interesting or valuable inside the email can tempt recipients to click just to satisfy their curiosity.

In fact, subject lines that convey a sense of curiosity have a 22.7% higher open rate .

But how can I spark curiosity?

• Pose an intriguing question
• Use a teaser that hints at valuable content
• Include a surprising or unexpected statement
• Use phrases like What you didn’t know about… or Have you considered…?
• Don’t give away full details

4. Value Proposition

Your subject line should clearly communicate the benefit of opening the email . When recipients see a direct value, they’re more likely to click.

Whether it’s a solution to a problem, a special offer, or useful information, make sure the value is obvious.

While researching evidence, I found out how MECLABS increased their open rate by 17% using a clear value proposition in their subject lines.

This shows just how effective it can be to highlight the value you’re offering right from the start.

But how do highlight value through the subject line?

• Clearly state the benefit or value offered
• Use action verbs like Get , Save or Learn
• Be specific about the result or outcome
• Highlight any special offers or discounts
• Include numbers or percentages to quantify the value

When people feel they might miss out on something valuable, they’re more likely to open the email right away.

So creating a sense of urgency in your subject line can prompt immediate action from the recipient .

Statistics show that email subject lines that convey a sense of urgency have a 24% higher open rate .

How can I create urgency?

• Use phrases like Limited time , Today only or Ends soon
• Emphasize scarcity with words like Only a few left or While supplies last
• Set a deadline in the subject line e.g., Offer expires at midnight
• Create a sense of immediacy with Don’t miss out or Act now
• Mention a countdown or a ticking clock e.g., 24 hours left

But it’s still confusing. ☹️

How will I learn to blend these tips to create a perfect subject line?

Valid argument! 💯

Let’s look at some copywriting formulas you can use while creating the best cold subject lines.

4 copywriting formulas to write winning subject lines

Copywriting formulas are tried-and-true frameworks that help you craft persuasive and engaging content.

They simplify the process of writing by providing a clear structure to follow.

You can use these 4 copywriting formulas to write effective cold email subject lines.

• AIDA formula
• PAS formula
• BAB formula

Let's see how and when to use them.

1. AIDA formula

AIDA stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action . It’s my favorite copywriting framework especially when I have to write cold emails.

This framework basically guides the reader through a sequence that leads him from noticing your message to taking action .

You can use AIDA in subject lines when you need to make a strong impact quickly—especially in cold emails.

In a subject line, AIDA works by condensing the entire process of attention, interest, desire, and action into a single and concise phrase.

It’s particularly effective when you want to lead the reader directly from curiosity to a specific action .

• Attention : Start with a bold or urgent phrase
• Interest : Add a benefit or intriguing detail
• Desire : Highlight how they can achieve something valuable
• Action : Prompt them to open the email

2. PAS formula

PAS stands for Problem/Pain, Agitate, Solution . It’s my go-to framework when my copy is focused on value proposition.

I normally use this framework in SEO copywriting but it’s equally effective in cold email outreach and crafting sales pitches.

Usually in this technique, the copy starts by identifying a problem, then intensifies the pain caused by that problem, and finally offers a solution.

In the context of subject lines, PAS helps you directly address the pain points of your target audience and present your email as the answer.

If your key focus is value proposition , this is the ideal framework for writing the best cold email subject lines and even the entire email copy.

How to implement PAS in subject lines?

• Problem : Start by mentioning a common problem the recipient faces
• Agitate : Make the problem feel more urgent or uncomfortable
• Solution : Present your email as the solution to that problem

3. 4U formula

4U stands for Urgency, Usefulness, Uniqueness, Ultra-Specificity . It's an ideal framework if you want your subject line to compel the recipient to take immediate action.

It’s useful when you want to create a sense of urgency in your cold email subject line and make your offer irresistible.

How to implement 4U in subject lines?

• Urgency : Create a sense of urgency to prompt immediate action
• Usefulness : Highlight how the email will benefit the recipient
• Uniqueness : Ensure your subject line stands out from the competition
• Ultra-Specificity : Be very specific about what the recipient will gain

4. BAB formula

BAB stands for Before, After, Bridge. It's a commonly used storytelling technique in success stories and testimonial-style copies.

BAB basically presents the reader’s current situation (before), shows the improved situation (after), and then positions your solution as the bridge that connects the two.

In subject lines, this formula helps you convey transformation and the value your solution provides.

It's an ideal framework if you want to emphasize the transformation your product or service can bring.

You can use this format in your personalized cold emails , not only highlighting your prospect’s problem but also telling him a related success story.

How to implement BAB in subject lines?

• Before : Highlight the current problem or challenge
• After : Show the outcome or improvement
• Bridge : Introduce your solution as the way to achieve that outcome

But what if I’m not a good copywriter?

It’s still a little difficult to write subject lines even with principles and formulas. How about a few examples?

I felt “few examples” is not enough. One should always have a handful of choices. So we’re going to see 100+ cold email subject line examples.

But it’s everywhere right? Every other article online has this huge list of best subject lines.

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What’s different in my list?

Well nobody explains what type of subject lines work in what type of email campaigns. That’s why this list is divided into 10 categories .

• Personalized subject lines
• Question based subject lines
• Direct benefit subject lines
• Curiosity driven subject lines
• Urgent or time sensitive subject lines
• Humorous or playful subject lines
• Social proof or case study subject lines
• Creative and unique subject lines
• Industry specific subject lines
• FOMO subject lines

We’ll learn when to use these 10 types of best subject lines and see some examples of how to write each type of subject line.

Let’s jump straight into it.

1. Personalized subject lines

Did you know that personalized email subject lines generate 50% higher open rates .

Personalized subject lines are incredibly effective because they make the recipient feel recognized and valued .

You create a sense of connection and relevance with the recipients by including their name, company, or specific details relevant to them.

But how effective are they?

According to statistics , subject lines that include the recipient's first name have a 26% higher open rate .

Also subject lines that include the recipient's company name have a 22.2% higher open rate . Mentioning a recipient’s recent activity can boost open rates by 37% .

But when to use this type of subject line?

You can use them when you have specific information about the recipient , such as their name, company, or a recent interaction (obviously 😀).

For example, in my previous article , I collected leads from LinkedIn Sales Navigator using Lobstr.io.

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Since Lobstr.io collects first name, last name, and company name along with work emails from Sales Navigator, it’s easy to personalize subject lines using this data.

Now let’s look at some examples of personalized subject lines.

• “[First Name], Here’s a Solution for [Pain Point]”
• “Can We Help [Company Name] Achieve [Specific Goal]?”
• “[First Name], Are You Ready to Take Your [Product/Service] to the Next Level?”
• “Special Offer Just for You, [First Name]”
• “How [Company Name] Can Save Time and Money with Our Solution”
• “[First Name], Let’s Discuss Your [Specific Need]”
• “A Quick Idea for [Company Name]”
• “Exclusive Opportunity for [First Name] at [Company Name]”
• “[First Name], Let’s Get Started on [Project/Goal]”
• “How [Company Name] Can Benefit from [Your Product/Service]”

2. Question based subject lines

Questions naturally invite answers, making the recipient more likely to open the email to see if their curiosity is satisfied.

By posing a question in the subject line, you tap into the recipient’s natural curiosity and encourage them to open the email to find the answer .

That's why subject lines with a question have a 44% higher open rate .

You can use question-based subject lines to prompt the recipient to think about their needs or challenges, or when you want to encourage them to explore a solution.

Here are some sample subject lines to try:

• “Can We Help You Solve [Specific Problem]?”
• “What’s Your Plan for Boosting [Metric] at [Company Name]?”
• “Struggling with [Common Pain Point]? Here’s a Quick Fix”
• “Have You Considered This Strategy for [Goal]?”
• “What’s Holding You Back from Achieving [Specific Outcome]?”
• “Curious About How to Improve [Aspect of Business]?”
• “Are You Making These Mistakes in [Industry/Field]?”
• “Looking for a Better Way to [Achieve Specific Goal]?”
• “What If You Could Solve [Problem] in Just One Step?”
• “Is Your [Product/Service] Delivering the Results You Want?”

3. Direct benefit subject lines

Direct benefit subject lines are straightforward and clearly communicate the value the recipient will gain by opening the email.

These subject lines work well because they immediately answer the recipient's unspoken question – "what’s in it for me?"

This approach works particularly well in busy inboxes where recipients are scanning for emails that offer immediate value.

Let’s see some examples of direct benefit subject lines.

• “Boost [Company Name]’s Sales by 30% with Our Proven Strategy”
• “Cut Costs by 20%—Here’s How We Helped [Similar Company]”
• “Increase Your Team’s Productivity with This Simple Tool”
• “Unlock Exclusive Savings for [Company Name]”
• “Reduce [Company Name]’s Overhead by 25% with Our Service”
• “Achieve Your Growth Targets Faster with Our Solution”
• “Improve Your [Metric] by 50%—See How We Did It for [Another Company]”
• “Get a Free Consultation to Optimize [Company Name]’s Operations”
• “Maximize Your ROI on [Specific Initiative] with Expert Guidance”
• “Discover How to Streamline [Company Name]’s Workflow Today”

4. Curiosity driven subject lines

These subject lines work by giving just enough information to spark interest without revealing too much.

When you make people curious, they’re more likely to open your email to find out what it’s all about.

That’s the reason why subject lines that convey a sense of curiosity have a 22.7% higher open rate .

You can use curiosity-driven subject lines to attract readers to explore what’s inside your email.

They work well in newsletters, promotional emails, and any situation where you want to draw the reader in with a hint of what’s to come.

Here are some sample curiosity-driven subject lines:

• “What’s the Secret to [Achieving Specific Goal]?”
• “The Strategy [Successful Company] Uses That You Haven’t Tried Yet”
• “What If [Company Name] Could Double Its Productivity?”
• “You’ll Be Surprised by This [Industry Insight]”
• “Ever Wondered How [Competitor’s Name] Is Outpacing the Market?”
• “The One Tactic [Company Name] Might Be Missing Out On”
• “Discover What [Similar Company] Did to Increase Efficiency”
• “The Hidden Opportunity in [Industry Trend] You Should Know About”
• “This Simple Change Could Transform [Company Name]’s Results”
• “Curious About How [Successful Company] Achieved [Specific Result]?”

5. Urgent or time sensitive subject lines

These subject lines prompt recipients to act quickly by highlighting limited-time offers, upcoming deadlines, or fast-approaching events.

Urgency is a powerful motivator that can significantly boost open rates. In fact, subject lines that convey a sense of urgency have a 24% higher open rate .

Use urgent or time-sensitive subject lines when you want to drive immediate action .

They are particularly effective in sales emails, event reminders, and any situation requiring a quick response.

Using time-sensitive words like today or urgent can result in a 22% higher open rate and using the word quick can boost your open rate up to 12% .

Example subject lines:

• “Last Chance: Boost [Company Name]’s Revenue by 20% This Quarter”
• “Only a Few Spots Left for Our Exclusive [Industry] Webinar”
• “Urgent: Limited-Time Offer to Reduce [Company Name]’s Costs”
• “Act Now: [Company Name] Could Miss Out on This Opportunity”
• “Hurry—Discount on [Service/Product] Ends Tomorrow”
• “Final Call: Secure Your Spot for [Event Name] Today”
• “Time’s Running Out: Improve [Metric] Before Month-End”
• “Only 24 Hours Left to Take Advantage of This Offer”
• “Don’t Miss Out: Last Day to Optimize [Specific Process]”
• “Limited Availability: Schedule Your Free Consultation Now”

6. Humorous or playful subject lines

These subject lines use wit and lightheartedness to grab attention and stand out in a crowded inbox.

Playful subject lines make your email feel more approachable and fun, which can help build a positive connection with the recipient.

When done right, humor can make your email memorable and increase the likelihood of it being opened.

But what’s bad humor?

Simple. Don’t offend your recipient and stay away from cringe.

For example; "Did you just fart? Because you blew me away with your business acumen!"

It’s extremely cringey and inappropriate, likely to leave the recipient bewildered or offended.

So if you want to use humor, make sure it’s good humor and not cringe. A smart, playful and positive subject line can do wonders for you.

In fact, subject lines with good humor can increase open rates by up to 20% .

A clever joke or playful wordplay can make your email stand out, encouraging recipients to open it to see what you have to say.

Humor works because it breaks the monotony of serious or overly formal emails. You can use humor to create a casual, friendly tone and make your email feel less formal.

Here are some example subject lines:

• “Is It Too Soon to Call This a Match Made in Heaven?”
• “If You Open This, We Might Just Be BFFs”
• “Are You a Robot? Prove You’re Human by Opening This”
• “This is Another Boring Sales Email”
• “How Many Marketers Does It Take to Open an Email? Just One—You!”
• “This Email Isn’t Life-Changing, But It’s Pretty Close”
• “Spoiler Alert: We Have a Great Offer Inside”
• “Not a Human—Just a Robot with a Great Idea for You”
• “Guess What? You’re About to Discover Something Awesome”
• “Don’t Open This Email…Unless You Love Good Ideas”

Also here are some funny subject lines shared by reddit users :

• “Free elephant with every purchase!!”
• “This is NOT spam”

7. Social proof or case study subject lines

Social proof means highlighting testimonials, case studies, and success stories. They build trust by showing that your solution works .

When people see how others have benefited from your product or service, they’re more likely to open your email.

That's why subject lines that use social proof have a 39% higher open rate .

These subject lines work well in cold emails where you need to build credibility quickly, such as in B2B sales, consulting, or technology.

• “See How [Company] Boosted ROI by 40%”
• “Why [Company] Chose Us for [Service]”
• “How [Client] Increased Sales by 30%”
• “Join 500+ Companies Using Our [Product]”
• “Learn How [Company] Cut Costs by 25%”
• “How We Helped [Company] Achieve Success”
• “Why [Competitor] Switched to Us”
• “The Secret Behind [Company]’s Success”
• “Hear What [Client] Says About Us”
• “How We Transformed [Company] in 3 Months”

8. Creative and unique subject lines

Did you know that 33% of users open emails because of creative and catchy subject lines?

Creative subject lines stand out in a crowded inbox by being different from the usual . They’re unexpected and catchy.

They work well in cold emails where you need to grab attention quickly and stand out from the typical sales or marketing emails.

But how to make your subject lines creative?

One of the best ways is to mix in some nostalgia . Studies show that subject lines that create a sense of nostalgia have a 20% higher open rate .

Here are some examples:

• “Old-School Tactics, New Wins for [Company Name]”
• “Think Back to Your First Win—Here’s How to Do It Again”
• “The Secret to Winning? Sometimes It’s Going Retro”
• “Curious About a Timeless Strategy? Let’s Talk”
• “Bringing Back the Basics—And Winning Big”
• “A Fresh Idea Rooted in What’s Always Worked”
• “A Classic Strategy That Still Delivers Results Today”
• “This Throwback Idea Could Give [Company Name] a Big Win”
• “Winning Strategies from the Past, Tailored for Today”
• “A Fresh Win for [Company Name]—Inspired by the Past”

9. Industry specific subject lines

Industry-specific subject lines address the unique challenges and opportunities within a particular field .

By tailoring your subject lines to the recipient’s industry, you show them that you understand their needs and offer relevant solutions.

You can also tailor your subject lines to specific job roles , targeting marketers, salespeople, HR professionals, and more.

In fact, including the recipient's job title in the subject line can result in a 26% higher open rate .

Industry-specific subject lines work because they resonate with the recipient’s specific challenges and interests.

This approach works well in cold emails, especially in sectors like technology, finance, or healthcare.

• “How Top Marketers in [Industry] Are Boosting ROI in 2024”
• “Strategies for HR Leaders in [Industry]—Improve Retention Now”
• “What [Job Title]s in [Industry] Need to Know About [Trend/Challenge]”
• “Cut Costs and Increase Efficiency—A Must for [Industry] Operations Managers”
• “Why [Industry] CFOs Are Turning to [Your Solution]”
• “The Latest in [Industry] Compliance—For Legal Experts Like You”
• “How [Industry] Sales Teams Are Closing More Deals with [Your Product]”
• “Tech Innovators in Ahead with These Tools”
• “What Every [Job Title] in [Industry] Should Know About [New Regulation/Trend]”
• “How [Industry] Leaders in [Job Title] Are Preparing for 2024”

10. FOMO subject lines

FOMO, or the Fear of Missing Out, is a powerful psychological trigger that can drive people to take action quickly.

FOMO-based subject lines create a sense of urgency and exclusivity , making people feel like they might miss out on something valuable if they don’t open the email right away.

Studies show that subject lines that evoke fear have a 63% higher open rate , and the ones that create a sense of exclusivity have a 14% higher open rate .

FOMO subject lines are actually a mixture of urgency and exclusivity.

And I've already discussed how urgency impacts the open rate.

Here are some examples of FOMO subject lines:

• “Don’t Miss Out on a Game-Changing Opportunity for [Company Name]”
• “Only a Few Seats Left—Grab Yours Now!”
• “Last Call: Exclusive Offer Ending Soon”
• “Limited Availability—Act Now Before It’s Gone”
• “This Chance Won’t Come Again—Secure Your Spot Today”
• “You’re About to Miss Out—Open This Before It’s Too Late”
• “Final Hours: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Benefit from [Offer]”
• “Last Opportunity to Get Ahead—Don’t Let It Slip Away”
• “This Offer Is Almost Gone—Claim It While You Can”
• “Exclusive Deal Ending Soon—Act Before It’s Too Late”

So these were 100+ cold email subject lines you can use in your cold outreach campaigns.

But what about follow-ups?

EXTRA: Best cold email follow-up subject lines

Follow-up email subject lines are crucial for keeping the conversation going.

By sending follow-ups, you remind recipients of your previous message and prompt them to engage.

That's why an attractive and catchy follow-up subject line can significantly increase your chances of getting a response.

Studies say sending the first follow-up boosts your chance of getting a reply by 21%, and a second one by 25% .

In fact, 50% of sales occur after the 5th follow-up.

Follow-up emails are vital in cold outreach, where the initial email might not get a reply.

Example follow-up subject lines:

• “Just Checking In—Did You See My Last Email?”
• “Quick Reminder: Can We Connect About [Topic]?”
• “Any Thoughts on My Previous Email?”
• “Following Up—Are You Interested in [Offer]?”
• “Can We Chat About [Topic]?”
• “Still Interested in [Benefit]? Let’s Talk”
• “Did My Last Email Get Lost?”
• “Quick Follow-Up on My Last Message”
• “Any Questions About [Product/Service]?”
• “Final Follow-Up—Is Now a Good Time to Connect?”

OK so these were 100+ subject lines that you can use or get inspiration from.

Now let’s explore some interesting elements you can use to create attention-grabbing subject lines.

Using emojis and numbers in your cold email subject lines can make your emails stand out and catch the recipient’s eye in a crowded inbox.

Emojis add a visual touch to your subject lines, making them more engaging and relatable.

They can convey emotion or tone, helping to set the mood for your message.

That's why including emojis in email subject lines can increase open rates by 56% .

The same goes for numbers too.

Numbers provide clarity and specificity . They quickly communicate the value or urgency of your message.

Subject lines with numbers can more than double open rates by increasing them to 113% .

But how do I use them in my subject lines?

Here are a few tips to use numbers and emojis effectively in subject lines.

• Stick to one or two emojis to grab attention without cluttering the subject line
• Choose an emoji that matches your email’s content , like a calendar 📅 for events
• Use numbers to emphasize key points , like “Save 20% Today” or “3 Quick Tips”
• Specific numbers , like “Increase Sales by 25%,” work better than vague ones
• A/B test different emojis and numbers to see what gets the best results

Great. Now we know using emojis and numbers can increase open rate.

But are there any words that can boost open rate?

Yes, they are called power words.

Power words are persuasive, emotional, and action-oriented words that make your subject lines more effective.

These words trigger strong psychological responses like urgency, curiosity, excitement, or a sense of value.

I've already covered a few power words and phrases earlier like "new" and "win" along with statistics. Here are a few more stats about power words.

According to studies :

• Subject lines with the word "exclusive" have a 14% higher open rate
• Email subject lines with the word "free" have a 10% higher open rate
• Emails with the word "Alert" in the subject line have a 61.8% higher open rate
• Subject lines with time-sensitive words like "today" or "urgent" have a 22% higher open rate
• Subject lines with the word "quick" have a 12% higher open rate

Another study reveals that:

• Including the word “video” in an email’s subject line raises open rates by 7 to 13%.
• Words like “wonderful,” “content,” “go,” “just,” and “upgrade” are top performers in subject lines.

However, some words might actually reduce response rates .-,Best%20words%20Email%20Subject%20Line%20Statistics,-Email%20marketing%20has):

• Subject lines with the word “newsletter” see an 18.7% lower open rate.
• Subject lines with the word “Fw:” are opened 17% less often than those without it.

Let me give you a list of power words categorized by the type of response they trigger.

You can find hundreds of power words and their use cases in this amazing listicle .

But the question is – how do I use them effectively in my subject lines?

Tips for using power words in email subject lines

• A/B test different power words to see what works best
• Don’t overload your subject line with too many power words
• Only use power words that match the content of your email
• Choose power words that fit your email's tone
• Make sure your subject line is clear and easy to understand

But sometimes some of these power words actually turn into trigger words and might land your email in the spam folder.

Let’s understand how.

Did you know that 69% of recipients tag emails as spam .%C2%A0) soon after seeing the subject line?

Even before recipients see your email, spam filters might flag it due to certain trigger words in the subject line.

Spam filters are actually software tools used by email providers to protect users from unwanted emails, including spam and phishing attempts.

These filters look for specific "trigger words" in the subject line or body of your email that are commonly associated with spam.

Here are some common trigger words that might lead to SPAM.

• Free : While enticing, it’s a word often used in spammy contexts
• Win : This word can sound too good to be true, raising red flags
• Limited-Time Offer : Phrases like this can seem overly promotional
• Act Now : Urgent phrases can be seen as pushy or aggressive
• Click Here : Direct commands might be viewed as suspicious
• Congratulations : Often associated with scam emails
• Risk-Free : This phrase can trigger skepticism in spam filters
• Save Big : Phrases promising huge savings are frequently flagged
• 100% Free : Overly promotional phrases like this can be problematic
• Cash Bonus : References to money can be a big red flag for filters
• Guarantee : While reassuring, this word is commonly used in spam
• No Obligation : This phrase might sound too good to be true

But most of them are power words right? 🤔

Let me clarify it.

Why might some power words trigger spam filters?

Some power words, like "Free" or "Win," are effective in marketing but can also trigger spam filters if used too frequently or in an overly aggressive way.

These words have been overused in spammy emails, which makes spam filters more likely to flag them.

This is especially true if the email’s content doesn’t match the promise made by the subject line.

How to use power words safely?

• Don't over-use power words in your subject line or email copy
• Make sure the power words accurately reflect the email’s content
• Use email testing tools to check for spam triggers in your subject lines

You can use free tools like IPQS or Folderly to do email spam testing.

Here are a few other mistakes you should avoid while crafting your B2B cold email subject lines.

• Strictly avoid false and spammy clickbait
• Don’t make promises you can’t keep
• Limit punctuation—too many symbols look spammy
• Make sure it looks good on mobile devices
• Always test different subject lines
• Avoid using all caps—it looks like shouting
• Use preview text to add more context

That’s it. Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions before concluding this super long article.

How can I improve the deliverability of my cold emails?

To improve deliverability, create high-quality content, keep a clean email list, and avoid using spammy cold email templates .

Using email outreach automation and regularly testing your emails also helps landing in the recipient’s inbox.

What are some tips to write best sales email subject lines?

You can use the same principles , formulas, and tips I covered in this article to write any type of sales email subject lines.

In simple words, follow these tips:

• Keep it short and clear
• Personalize when possible
• Highlight the value or benefit
• Create urgency or curiosity
• Avoid spammy language
• Match the subject line to the content
• Test and optimize

What is a good cold call email subject line?

A good cold call email subject line is short, personalized, and clear . It should grab attention by highlighting a benefit, sparking curiosity, or posing a quick question.

Keep it relevant and direct to encourage the recipient to open the email.

Why are referrals important in email marketing?

Referrals can help grow your email list quickly . Encourage your subscribers to refer friends or colleagues to your service.

Offering incentives like discounts or exclusive content, can also increase engagement and drive more conversions.

With that, we end our journey of writing the best cold email subject lines. This article is actually a part of my lead generation series .

Do check out my previous articles on cold outreach and B2B lead generation .

Self-proclaimed Head of Content @ lobstr.io. I write all those awesome how-tos, listicles, and (they deserve) troll our competitors.

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