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. Campaign Monitor reports that 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.
Why the Subject Line Is Important
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 that your writing is clear and error-free. 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.
Tips for Writing an Effective Email Subject Line
Keep it professional. This goes for both your subject line and your email address. The subject line shouldn’t include any informal words or phrases like “Hey” or “What’s Up.” Use only professional, polite language. Make sure that your email address is appropriately professional—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 that 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. 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. Campaign Monitor suggests optimizing your subject line length to between 41 characters (portrait view on an iPhone) to 70 characters for Gmail. 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.
Email Subject Line Examples
For inspiration, here are several examples of clear, to-the-point subject lines:
Administrative Assistant Job - Your NameJob Inquiry - Your NameManaging Director PositionJob Posting #321: District Sales ManagerCommunications Director Position - Your NameApplication for Sales AssociatePublic Health Associate Position - Your Name, MPHInquiry - Your NameSocial Media Expert Seeking New OpportunityMarketing Director Looking for Next Role - 10 years experienceResearch Assistant ResumeReferral - Your NameReferred by FirstName LastNameInformational Interview Request - XYZ College StudentThank You - Job Title InterviewMeeting Follow Up - Subject of MeetingMeeting Request - Your Name
Sample Email Message For a Job Application
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) 555-5555jana.brand@brand.com
