While many companies utilize ATS to acquire applications, it’s also popular to email them directly to the hiring manager or recruiter. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to submit your application materials via email, it’s essential that you get it right! Here are the things you need to keep in mind to email your application materials successfully.
Nail The Subject Line
Hiring Managers get a LOT of emails. That’s why it’s imperative that you include your name and the title of the job you’re applying for in the subject line. This will catch their attention and allow them to categorize your application correctly.
Kick It Off With A Proper Introduction
In the past, it was considered proper to address emails with “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” However, the job process has modernized quite a bit lately. Hiring teams prefer to have a little more of the human element in their hiring process. Jump on LinkedIn to do a quick search for the hiring manager’s name. If you can’t dig up a name, go with something personable yet professional like “Dear Hiring Team” or “Hi JSG Accounting Team.”
Reference How You Heard About The Position
Candidate source is a very valuable metric for recruiters. It will earn you instant brownie points if you mention how you heard about the position! Additionally, if you were referred by someone who works there, it will establish that connection right off the bat.
Show Your Excitement
Enthusiasm is extremely underrated. Don’t be afraid to share your excitement when you submit your application materials! For example, state, “When I came across this position, it immediately caught my attention because I’ve admired your company for a long time!”
Close Strong
In your closing paragraph, explicitly state your interest in the next steps. Keep it simple and confident. For example, “Thank you for taking the time to review my application. I look forward to hearing from you and learning more about this opportunity.”
Don’t Forget Your Contact Information!
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how often people forget it! Just because your contact info is on your resume or cover letter doesn’t mean it’s enough. If a hiring manager wants to contact you, their first stop will be your submittal email! Be sure to include your full name, email address, and phone number.
Your application materials speak for themselves, so keep your submittal email simple. Stick to these guidelines when you submit your application materials via email, and you’ll exponentially increase your chances of hearing back from the hiring manager.
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