Creating the Subject Line for Resume Email

When applying for a job online by email, consider how many others are submitting a resume for the same job. Especially in the case of part-time or full-time remote positions, people making a career change and those willing to relocate may also apply. That increases the email traffic coming into the hiring manager’s inbox.

To ensure the employer opens, reads, and replies to your email in a positive manner, the subject line for a resume email application is a key component. If you are sending an unsolicited email with your resume attached, the subject line needs to intrigue and interest the recipient so you can get to the next step in the application process, an interview.

When submitting a resume via email for an advertised position, the subject line should be professional and informative for the person receiving it. Both types of emails should inspire the reader to click through and review your resume.

With a few tips and examples, your subject line for resume email can be a success. Whether you are researching for job opportunities and then sending your resume in cold via email or the company has requested resumes be sent via email for job openings, consider these tips:

• The subject line should be clear in its intent.
• The subject line must make the reader feel comfortable opening it. Include specific and personalized information to avoid sounding like a bot.
• The subject line should be succinct so all important information fits within the space provided.

Consider the following information to create an impressive and memorable subject line for advertised job listings:

1. If you don’t already have a separate email for professional correspondence, create one with your full name or the initial of your first name and your full last name.
2. Make sure you are following the instructions for information to provide in the subject line, if any, that the employer has requested such as including the name of the position.
3. Write a clear subject line that states the purpose of the email.
4. Include keywords such as the job identification number or job title, if applicable.
5. Add a personal touch by including the person’s name in the subject line information.
6. Keep the subject line short using approximately 40 to 60 characters with key information at the beginning such as your name.
7. Avoid fluff, filler, and informal language.
8. Proofread the text for any spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors.

Consider these steps when emailing your resume to an unsolicited job posting:

1. Use a professional email versus a personal one.
2. Proofread your text.
3. Make the subject line brief but specific.
4. Create a catchy yet professional subject line and include what you have to offer.
5. Research the company and any projects recently completed or one the company is currently working on that you can mention in the subject line.
6. Add a personal touch such as the recipient’s name, if possible.
7. Write in a clear and casual tone.
8. Don’t be afraid to be impactful.

Things to avoid in a subject line for both types of email submissions include:

• Using nicknames or cute phrasing sends a non-professional message.
• Capitalizing every word isn’t necessary.
• Complicated or convoluted language is confusing.
• Long subject lines may be truncated, especially when viewed on a mobile device.

Consider subject line for resume email examples such as these for job posting applications:

• Marketing Manager position – Linda Brown
• Social Media blogger – Job #135 – Jane Smith
• Job #345 – Referred by Sharon Rey
• Merchandising expert – 15 years’ experience – Nick Brown
• Job inquiry – Steven Sloan
• Job posting #876: Communications Manager
• Resume – Medical Records Coordinator
• Jake Simone Data Manager
• Referral from Sally Malone: Sara Sanford, Resume for Speech Therapist Position
• Job Application, Randall Langdon, Applying for Financial Advisor Position, New York

Consider these examples when emailing your resume in general:

• Hi Jan, Ann Cobb suggested I contact you
• Mr. Smith, I enjoyed your online presentation on sales tactics
• HR manager with hospital background would like to join your company
• Hiring me will change your company’s way of thinking
• If you’re planning to hire a software expert, make me your first call
• Hi, I’m looking for a job and you have what I’m looking for.
• How can I help make your company achieve its next goal?
• If you’re looking for a team player, that would be me.
• Hiring me can bring your company sales results
• I’m your next great radio announcer – Let me show you why

However you choose to create the subject line, invest the time to do it right and present yourself in a way that gets a second look, a reply, a phone call, and an interview.