Your emails can make or break your application. See these suggestions to boost your chances when you apply for jobs.
Follow these Email Tips for Better Results
Your email address can help or hurt you. Choose wisely.
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- Using an email address like CoolDude101@gmail.com is a deal killer.
- If you attend(ed) a prestigious university, a school email will help get you noticed.
No Typos Allowed
A single typo will usually get you rejected. After all, if you do careless work when you apply, employers will assume that you would do careless work there. Proofread everything you write, and use a free extension such as Grammarly to chehck your grammar.
A great subect line can open the door
Many emails never get read. A good subject line greatly increases the chance that yours is. It should indicate that you are applying for a job (and which position). For instance:
Application for Graphic Designer
If you know someone at the company, that helps enormously. Mention it there. For instance:
Recommended by CMO Jane Smith; Application for Graphic Designer
If you have a stunning credential, include it. For instance:
Harvard graduate with 3.9 GPA; Application for Graphic Designer
Apply via Email
Unless the company asks you to apply through a website, send an email with your cover letter and resume. Don’t call, and don’t connect through Linkedin. If you respond to a listing on a job site, such as VolunteerMatch or Handshake, do not rely on applying through that platform. Go to the employer’s website, find the contact info, and send an email, as well
Dear X
If you know who is going to read your email (which is certainly the case when you reply to an email), greet them by name.
Font and formatting
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Use a traditional font, such as Times New Roman, Calibri, Verdana, or Arial. Not a decorative script font.
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MakeAnd Mmake it black so that., and that you carry yourself in a professional manner.
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Formatformatting your emails correctly.
● Greeting: If you know the person’s name, use it, such as “Hello Mr. Smith.” If not, write something like, “Hello Acme Brick HR Department” so they know you are focused on them and are not just blasting out thousands of emails (even if you are).
● Introductions are key :
If you know someone at the company, be sure to mention them by name in the subject line and the first sentence of the body of the email.
Get Their Attention
Many email attachments are never opened, so don’t rely on them to sell yourself. The body of the email needs to be compelling enough to get them to take the next step.
● Signature info. Be sure to include your name, phone number, and email in the signature block of your email. (Yes, your email will be in the FROM field of your email, but if the recipient forwards it to a colleague, they may not see it). For instance:
Sincerely,
Bob Excellent
718-099-9999
● Email address: Use an email address that helps you look professional. One like superdude@gmail.com does not. Use a consistent email addressa consistent email addresses everywhere - just one. Enter your name with gmail address.
● Your FROM field: Be sure that the ‘FROM’ field in your email has your first name and the last name and that it matches the name in your resume and cover letter. That avoids confusion and also makes you look professional.
● Be consistent: Most companies use a CRM (Contact Relationship Manager) software tool to keep track of people, and those programs use your email as the unique identifier. Use one email address consistently in your resume, cover letter, and all communications. Switching between emails will typically bifurcate your application, so it will look incomplete. If you have an email from a prestigious college, use it.
See email tips here: https://www.internqueen.com/blog/how-set-professional-email-signatures-college