How to Write an Email to Go With a Resume

The email that goes with your resume can play a vital part in having your resume seriously considered.

The email to go with a resume can be used as a cover letter to generate interest in the employer to read your resume and grant you an interview. If the employer requires an official cover letter, then this must also be included, but the email communication is not a correspondence to be overlooked. Any misspellings or grammatical mistakes can give the immediate impression that you are careless about correcting your work, or that you are unprofessional. A well-crafted, clear and concise email brands you as a strong communicator who knows what you want and is serious about your career.

Instructions

1. Review the job description to see what you need to include in the email. Be sure to write the job title, any reference number and the contact's name (if available). Don't leave the subject line of the email blank. Try to entice the employer to read your email and resume by putting extra text in the subject line. For example, if you are supposed to put the position title "Sales Manager", write something such as "Client-centered professional for Sales Manager position."

2. Limit your email to less than 150 words (one screen in length). Avoid extra words, fancy language and cut to your accomplishments, experiences and history that make you unique and the optimal candidate. Most emails that go with a resume are two paragraphs or less. They simply state key facts about you and request the reader to view your resume (most commonly attached as a Word document).

3. Phrase your email as a formal business letter. Use a standard salutation (Dear Mr. John Doe:) and end with "Sincerely". Do not use colors, emoticons or abbreviations. Understand the power of keywords for your industry. An HR employer will be expecting terms such as, "hire", "recruit", "team development", "OSHA compliance" and "interview". Employers may put your resume in a database and scan for these important words and phrases. The more times such words are used, the more likely your email will be given attention.

4. Complete the email and take a short break. Come back and read it over, looking for spelling and grammar mistakes. Try sending it to yourself first (use a different email address) to ensure the format is perfect. Once you are sure there are no mistakes and the email looks professional, verify that you've attached the resume and send the email.

References

• Quintcareers: Tips for a Dynamic Email Cover Letter
• Careerdoctor.org: When to Follow Up a Second Time after Interview
• Quintcareers.com: FAQs About Thank You Letters