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Email Subject Lines For Job Applications: Top Tips + Samples

The sender’s email address and subject line are the first thing that most people notice in an email. When you’re applying for a job, the subject is critical for leaving a good impression. A good subject for email for a job application helps catch the attention of the recipients when they scan their inboxes.

Hence, the decision to read or delete an email or rejection of your resume can even be based on the subject line.

How To Send A CV Ey Email Subject?

An apt email subject line for a job application can make a good impact on your readers. The words selected for your job application email subject lines will decide if the reader will be interested in your email or not. You have to attract the reader into opening and reading your mail. It can be done through a catchy, precise, yet interesting subject line for an email for a job application.

A good subject line becomes even more important when you are sending a job application. This is because the hiring manager that you are emailing is probably not familiar with your name, and making him/her read your email is important for you. It is your opportunity to make yourself noticed and lead the hiring manager into reading your mail and finding out about your qualifications and skills.

Following are some points that need to be remembered while writing a subject for email for job application.

Writing A Subject For Email For Job Application: Top Tips

When you create a subject line for a job application email, consider using these steps:

1. Follow the instructions:

Many times, employers provide clear instructions on what to include in the job application's subject lines. In case you have been provided with such directions on what is to be included in the subject line, you must follow them without any deviation. For example, if the job application provides a particular format specifying the way to include your name, job title, ID number, contact details, etc., you must follow the same and not make any additions.

2. Keep it professional:

It's a given that professional and polite language should be used in any communication regarding the job application. Thus, your subject for the job application should be professional. It should not include any informal phrases or words. Do not write anything that does not sound formal or include emojis or informal symbols.

Along with the subject line, the email address should also look professional. You should not have fancy or funny email addresses. It prevents your application from coming across as professional. Thus, try to maintain the utmost level of professionalism while writing a job application. 

3. Note why are you writing the email:

Have a definite direction while writing the job application email subject. It is important to include the words 'Application' and the job title in your subject line so that the hiring manager can immediately identify the purpose of your email. This way, your application will be directed to the right department for assessment.

Email subject lines without a clear purpose might get ignored. In case you are applying for a general position with a company and not a specific one, you can mention your current position or job title, resume, and your name. This will also help HR to carefully file your CV or resume via email for any future job openings that match your experience and skills. Taking help from the commonly written subject line examples on the internet can be quite helpful in this regard.

4. Give preference to keywords:

Keywords help to find relevant information easily in a generic email. Hence, your subject for email for job application should have relevant keywords. They make an email searchable.

Most often, recruiters utilize email filters to find the relevant information in the email and then send the emails to the relevant authority. Therefore, including keywords related to the job title you are interested in can help you to make sure that your email lands where it should be.

Use of keywords should not only be restricted to your subject for email for job application but must also be there in the CV and cover letter. It helps to make your CV visible to HR when he/she uses certain filters about skills, experience, etc. For this, you can use the phrases and words used in the job description or the email for the potential employer's job opening. This way, the moment he/she searches for the standard terms, your CV will be visible. This point is the most important for candidates who are struggling with the question, 'how to send CV by email subject'.

5. Add references:

References in the subject line for job applications can make your CV appear trustworthy to hiring managers. In case e a friend or acquaintance has recommended a certain job to you, you must mention their name in the subject line of your job application. You can add the term 'referred by' and the person's name to the subject line so that the hiring manager may consider it. If possible, you can even ask the person if he/she could give you a letter of recommendation, which you can include in your resume and email cover letter.

6. Personalizing the subject of the email:

This is a good way to catch the attention of the recipient. Your motive is to make sure that he/she keeps your message in mind. There are times when you know the name of the recipient. In this case, it would be good to include the same in the subject line. If not, you can simply mention the name of the company and the job title of the hiring manager.

Another thing to be noted here is that you can mention the desired qualification that you possess in the email body to make it catch HR's attention. Also, it is a good practice to use a subject line where you can thank the interviewer after your job interview as a follow-up mail. A subject line, in this case, could be a 'thanks for a great Marketing Manager interview' or 'it was a pleasure interacting with you in my Sales Associate Interview'. Your aim here is to be noticed through a separate email.

7. Keep it short and specific:

A specific, short and easy subject line for sending a resume is always considered the most effective one. You must remember that most of the time, your job email is viewed on the cell phone, and not more than 30 characters of an email subject line can be seen. Hence, in this case, a short and crisp subject line solves your purpose.

You must remember to place the most important words in the subject of the email for the job application first and be as direct and precise as possible. Words such as your name, job title, etc. should be given utmost importance. A lengthy and irrelevant subject line would not catch any attention and is most likely to be ignored. Hence, focus on making your subject line as effective as possible.

8. Proofreading of your email and subject line:

As easy as it may seem, it is one of the most important steps in writing an email. Firstly, before sending the email, you must read it carefully and ensure that the subject line doesn't contain any errors. Since the subject of the email is your first impression, you wouldn’t like it to be spoilt in the first go, right?

Secondly, proofread the body of your job application email as well. Avoid very long sentences and grammatical errors at all costs. The ground rule here is to avoid the use of emojis or extra punctuations such as '!!!!' or '????'.

Thirdly, avoid making your message look like spam because it will then certainly land in someone's trash or spam folder. Capital letters must also be avoided. However, you can capitalize your name or the name of the company if possible.

Your aim must be to write a precise and clear subject line with a well-structured email that highlights your abilities, qualifications, and purpose effectively.

Key Takeaways

  • A good subject for email for job application is crucial for the CV to reach the hiring manager. 
  • The email subject line for a job application should be professional. You should know the purpose of writing the email. Hence, the job application subject line should reflect that. 
  • You should use keywords in the subject for email for job application. 
  • If possible, use references. 
  • You should proofread the email thoroughly to avoid any grammatical errors. 

Email Subject Lines for Job Application: Top Samples

  • Job Application: [post name], [job id] - [your name]
  • Application for [job title] - [your name]
  • Job Application - [job title] with XX years of experience
  • Greetings [name of the hiring manager] - I've attached my resume for the post of [job title]
  • Referred by [name of the referent]: [your name], candidate for [job title]

Conclusion

Writing an effective email that clicks with the reader is not a big deal, and you don't have to be a career expert to do it. Also, there is nothing like a perfect email. Hence, while applying to a future employer, all you have to do is remember the above points, keep your purpose clear, try to include additional details, and use all the words to your advantage. Avoid complicated language and stick to basic and simple words. Writing a rough draft and assessing it before writing the actual job application email can help you nail the final version. All the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How important is the subject line in a job application email?

The subject line in a job application email is extremely important. It is the first thing that the hiring manager sees, and it can determine whether or not your email gets opened. A strong subject line that grabs attention and clearly states your purpose can greatly increase your chances of getting noticed.

2. What should I include in the subject line of a job application email?

In the subject line of a job application email, you should include your name, the position you are applying for, and any relevant qualifications or experience. This helps the hiring manager quickly understand the purpose of your email and makes it easier for them to prioritize reading it.

3. How long should the subject line be?

Ideally, the subject line of a job application email should be concise and to the point. Aim for around 6-8 words that capture the essence of your application. Avoid using long, vague subject lines that may get overlooked or dismissed as spam.

4. Should I use emojis or special characters in the subject line?

While emojis and special characters may add visual interest to your subject line, it's generally best to avoid using them in a job application email. Stick to professional language and formatting to maintain a polished and serious tone.

5. Can I customize the subject line for different job applications?

Absolutely! Customizing the subject line for each job application can demonstrate your attention to detail and genuine interest in the position. Tailor the subject line to highlight specific skills or qualifications that are relevant to the job you are applying for. This can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting a response.

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Gurpreet Saini
Sr. Associate Content Writer

An avid reader and an ambitious traveller, I like to curate stories. The instinctive desire to explore the unchartered territories of the unknown and unseen inspires me to find wonder in the cosmos. I find solace in the embrace of nature, and hope to create an environment of peace wherever I go.

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Updated On: 6 Dec'23, 09:45 AM IST