Job Application Email: 8 Templates + Subject Lines

A well-written job application email can make a strong first impression. These templates help you craft professional applications for different situations.

What to Include in a Job Application Email

A complete job application email should include:

Essential elements:

• Clear subject line: Job title and your name
• Professional greeting: Address the hiring manager by name if possible
• Expression of interest: Why you're interested in the position
• Relevant experience: Brief summary of your qualifications
• Attached documents: Mention your resume and cover letter
• Professional closing: Thank you and contact information

Optional but helpful:

• Specific achievements or accomplishments
• Connection to the company or role
• Availability for interview
• Portfolio or work samples (for creative roles)

Subject Lines for Job Applications

Standard format:

• "Application for [Job Title] Position - [Your Name]"
• "Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]"
• "[Job Title] Application - [Your Name]"

With referral:

• "Application for [Job Title] - Referred by [Name]"
• "Re: [Job Title] - Referred by [Name]"

Follow-up:

• "Following Up - Application for [Job Title]"
• "Re: Application for [Job Title] Position"

Creative (for creative industries):

• "[Creative line related to job/company] - [Your Name]"
• "[Relevant quote or reference] - [Job Title] Application"

Best practices:

• Always include the job title
• Include your name
• Keep it professional
• Make it easy to find in their inbox

When to Use Each Template

Standard Application: Use for most job applications - professional and complete.

Referral Application: Use when you have a referral or connection at the company.

Cold Application: Use when applying to a company without a specific job posting.

Entry-Level Application: Use for recent graduates or first-time job seekers.

Career Change Application: Use when transitioning to a new field or industry.

Follow-Up Application: Use to follow up after submitting an application.

Short Application: Use when you want to be brief or the job posting requests brevity.

Creative Industry Application: Use for creative roles (design, writing, marketing) where personality matters.

Attachment Tips

Resume:

• Always attach as PDF
• Name file: "[YourName]_Resume.pdf"
• Keep file size reasonable (< 2MB)
• Ensure formatting is preserved

Cover Letter:

• Attach as separate PDF
• Name file: "[YourName]_CoverLetter.pdf"
• Match the tone of your email
• Customize for each application

Portfolio (if applicable):

• Link to online portfolio in email
• Or attach as PDF if small
• Ensure it's up to date
• Highlight relevant work

Other documents:

• Transcripts (if requested)
• Certifications (if relevant)
• Writing samples (if requested)
• Reference letters (if requested)

Best Practices

Customization:

• Customize each email for the specific job
• Research the company before applying
• Mention specific things about the company
• Show genuine interest

Professionalism:

• Use professional email address
• Proofread carefully
• Use proper formatting
• Include all requested information

Timing:

• Apply as soon as possible
• Follow up after 1-2 weeks if no response
• Don't apply multiple times for the same position
• Respect their hiring timeline

Follow-up:

• Send one follow-up after 1-2 weeks
• Be polite and brief
• Don't be pushy
• Accept if they say no

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't:

• Use generic templates without customization
• Send to wrong person or company
• Include typos or grammatical errors
• Attach wrong documents
• Be too casual or informal

Do:

• Customize for each application
• Proofread carefully
• Attach correct documents
• Be professional and respectful
• Show genuine interest

Best Practices

• Customize each email: Show you've researched the company and role
• Proofread carefully: Typos can hurt your chances
• Attach documents properly: PDF format, clear file names
• Follow up appropriately: One follow-up after 1-2 weeks is sufficient
• Be professional: Maintain professional tone throughout

Related Resources

For more guidance on job application emails:

• Follow-up Job Application Email - Templates for following up
• Thank You Email After Interview - Templates for interview thank yous
• Professional Email Templates - Browse all professional templates
• Inbox Zero Guide - Learn email management strategies