How to Email a Resume with Subject Line Examples

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As a lot of organizations have moved the hiring process entirely to the internet, job applications and resumes are often requested via email. A potential employer may also request that you submit your cover letter and any additional documents by email. The subject line is an important part of the online application process as it is the first thing that the potential employer will view. This article discusses the necessary parts of the subject line and provides a few examples that you can use when drafting your own.

What is a subject line?

The subject line is the identifier portion of your email. The subject line should be short and concise so employers can read it while scanning through their inbox. The purpose of the subject line is to notify the reader what they can expect if they open the email. The contents of the subject line can either encourage the reader to open or delete the email. You might find that some employers request a specific subject line when submitting a resume via email. However, if they don’t, then it is up to you to create one that accurately describes the contents of your application while also encouraging the hiring manager to review your cover letter and resume.

How to email a resume

During your career search, it is possible that you will come across employers who request that you email them your resume. 

You can email a resume with the following steps:

1. First, read the requirements of the application process

Some employers will list specific instructions. They might request that you submit your resume to a specific email address. They might also have other requests depending on the position, like including writing samples, stating your expected pay or addressing the email to a certain hiring manager. Evaluating these requirements before drafting your email will ensure that you meet all requests while also demonstrating your ability to follow directions.

2. Next, attach your resume

Most employers will request that you attach your resume to the email rather than include it in the body of the email. It is a good idea to save your resume on your computer in a way that is easy to identify. Include your last name and the name of the position. This will also help the hiring manager keep track of your resume. Make sure you save it in a recognizable format that can be opened on most computer programs, such as a PDF.

3. Then, write a cover letter

A cover letter is an important part of the application process, even when applying via email. The body portion of the email is the perfect place to draft your cover letter. Draft a new cover letter with each position and include the experience and skills that best relate to the position for which you’re applying.

4. Last, write your subject line

Before sending the email, you will want to draft your subject line. This is your chance to stand out from other applicants. Consider highlighting your intent in a concise and professional manner. Use words and titles that were also in the job description and call attention to any skills or achievements that will make you stand out.

Email resume with subject line template

You can draft your own subject line using the following template as a guide:

Subject: (Descriptive verb) (career) (actions) (position) (company)

  • Descriptive verb. In this template, you are using a powerful verb to call out a specific skill or achievement. You might use descriptive words like award-winning, certified, experienced or dedicated.
  • Career. Following the description, include information about the industry in which you want to work. You might include titles like nurse, teaching professional, receptionist or sales representative. Paired with the descriptive verb, you can highlight this position.
  • Action. An actionable verb will connect your career title with your intended position. Here, you might use words like seeks, pursues, looking for, or inquiring about.
  • Position. This is the formal name of the position that you are applying for. You can refer to the position in the same way that the job description does. This is also where you might include the job listing number, if there is one. This assists the hiring manager in keeping multiple job listings organized.
  • Company. It can be useful to include the name of the company.

Email resume with subject line examples

Here are a few examples of email subject lines using the above template:

  • Award-winning author seeks editor position with Delta Publishing
  • Registered nurse looking for emergency room employment with Jackson Hospital – ID #1234
  • Certified physical therapist seeking rehabilitation position with Beckton Therapy
  • Multilingual teacher pursuing language position with Dallas Institute

Tips for creating a resume subject line

Keep these tips in mind as you draft your own email resume subject line:

  • Always include a subject line. Employers can easily ignore emails without subject lines. The hiring manager may not notice the email in their inbox or they might assume that it is spam and delete it.
  • Keep it professional. Similar to the cover letter, the subject line should always be professional. Use professional and formal language when drafting your subject line.
  • Be concise. You only get so many characters until the subject line will appear cut off. Additionally, subject lines that are too long may be considered spam. It is best to keep it at 60 characters or less. It is important to be as descriptive as possible, while keeping the subject line concise. Include relevant details like the job title, as well as a few details that highlight your purpose.
  • Proofread. The hiring manager’s first impression of you will be the subject line. Always proofread and edit your subject line until it is free of errors.
  • Use a professional email address. You will also want to make sure that you are sending your resume from your professional email address. Hiring managers may not open emails from email addresses that do not appear professional.