How to Email a Resume (Free Templates)
In this article, we’ll show you how to email a resume to employers correctly, ensuring you include all the necessary job application information and come off as a true professional. You’ll also find fill-in-the-blank resume email samples for an easy and quick writing process.
How to email a resume
Sending an email resume is pretty straightforward, but when you sit down to write it, some questions about what to say in a resume email might pop into your head. Do I need to include a subject line when emailing a resume? What should I write in the body mail? What is the best file format to email a resume?
Many details come into play when emailing a resume, so we created this comprehensive guide to answer these questions and more!
Here are the basic steps for emailing a resume:
- Update your resume for the new job.
- Use a professional email address.
- Include your name and desired job in the email’s subject line.
- Draft a brief introduction paragraph providing more information about yourself.
- Attach the resume, preferably in a PDF file format.
- Send yourself a copy of the email first to check for typos.
- Once revised, send your email resume to your potential employer!
Do you need a fresh resume that catches a recruiter’s eye? We’ve got you covered! Use our Resume Builder to get a custom resume tailored to your desired job with the most in-demand skills.
Sample email to send resume for a job
These three fill-in-the-blank sample emails will help you email a resume professionally, ensuring you include all the required information.
Sample email for an inexperienced cold caller
Subject: Application for [Job Title] – [Your Full Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], which I learned about through [Source]. As a recent graduate with a solid academic background in [Relevant Field], I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your team. My resume is attached for your review. I am excited about the opportunity to learn and grow with [Company Name] and am confident in my ability to adapt to new challenges quickly. Please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Sample email for a mid-level professional seeking a promotion
Subject: Application for [Promotion Title] – [Your Full Name]
Dear [Supervisor’s Name / Hiring Committee],
I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Promotion Title] opportunity at [Company Name]. With [X years] of dedicated service and a proven track record of [mention a relevant achievement], I am excited about the prospect of taking on more significant responsibilities. My updated resume is attached. I welcome the opportunity to discuss how I can contribute to the continued success of [Company Name] in greater detail. Please feel free to reach out to me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Sample email for experienced job seeker
Subject: Application for [Job Title] – [Your Full Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name]. With over [X years] of experience in [Your Field/Industry], I bring a wealth of expertise in [mention relevant skills or areas of expertise]. My resume is attached, providing an overview of my career accomplishments. My experience aligns perfectly with the requirements of the [Job Title] role.
I look forward to discussing my candidacy in more detail. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
What to write in an email when sending a resume
Now, let’s get into the details of how to approach each step of writing an email for sending a resume.
1. Write an informative subject line.
The first thing you will do is utilize the subject line to grab a recruiter’s attention. Hiring managers and recruiters can get hundreds of emails daily, and if you don’t want to get your email lost in their inbox, you’ve got to make it easy for them to find you.
By including a subject line with your full name and a reference to the job you’re applying to, you do precisely that. When they filter emails for your desired job, your resume will immediately pop up.
Details you can include in your email’s subject line are:
- Your name
- Desired job title
- Company name
- Job ID number (if there is one)
For example:
2. Write a brief paragraph in the body of the email.
Don’t just attach your resume and press send. Take advantage of the body of the email to introduce yourself to the recruiter and provide essential information that will make them want to open that resume attachment.
Keep this introduction paragraph brief and concise. Some helpful information you can include in this short statement are:
- Your profession or current job title
- Your years of experience
- Relevant education
- An impressive professional achievement
- A personal or professional connection to the employer, i.e., the person who recommended you if you interned with the company before
Check out this example of an email body paragraph:
Dear Hiring Manager,
As an experienced copywriter and social media manager, I’m excited to apply for the role of Lead Digital Copywriter at SuperVox agency. With a record of producing award-winning and traffic-increasing digital content for five years, I can bring excellent results to your clients. I would love to share more about how my qualifications make me an ideal fit for the position. Feel free to contact me at 555-555-5555 or via email at example@example.com.
Best regards,
Alison Metcalf
PRO TIP
Consider this section similar to a objective statement or resume summary, where you condense all the most job-relevant information into a compelling pitch about yourself.
3. Don’t forget to attach the email.
Who hasn’t drafted and sent the perfect email only to notice you didn’t include the attachment? Avoid this common resume mistake by attaching your resume to the email before you do anything else.
Your resume should be attached in a secure format such as PDF or a locked Word document. These file formats are the least likely to cause problems to recruiters when they open them in their respective browsers.
4. Know when to send the email for the best chances of getting a reply.
Besides your email’s content and professional achievements, the time you decide to send an email can also affect your chances of getting called for an interview.
When cold calling, which in the job search environment means contacting an employer who’s not expressly offering a job, the timing of emailing a resume is significant.
Send the email in the morning.
As we’ve established, the job search is filled with sometimes hundreds of applicants, so you want to get ahead of the large applicant pool. You can achieve this by emailing your resume early in the morning.
Emailing your resume first thing in the morning ensures that the recruiters receive it at the top of their inbox as soon as they log in to check their emails, increasing your chances of them opening your resume.
Avoid Mondays and Fridays.
Generally, Mondays and Fridays are either slow or busy for professionals and are days when people are most likely to be out of the office.
Sending your email on Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays is your best bet if you want to be super strategic about it.
Consider time zones.
When emailing your resume, make sure you note the time zone of the recipient. You can find this out by simply checking where the company is based. However, this method can be tricky, with remote work becoming more common.
You can go the extra mile to check the hiring manager’s LinkedIn or social media to verify their working location. If you can’t find it, the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (ET) are when people in all U.S. time zones usually work.
Resume email templates
Use the following resume email templates for various job search and networking scenarios.
Resume email template for remote job
Subject: Application for [Remote Job Title] – [Your Full Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name or “Sir/Madam”],
I hope this email finds you well. I am excited to apply for the [Remote Job Title] position at [Company Name], which I discovered through [Source, e.g., job board or company website]. As an experienced professional in [Your Field/Industry], I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise to your remote team. I have attached my resume for consideration, but please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Resume email template for job referral
Subject: Referral Application for [Job Title] – [Your Full Name]
Dear [Referrer’s Name or “Hiring Manager’s Name”],
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], and I am grateful for your referral. Enclosed is my resume, which outlines my background and accomplishments in [Your Field/Industry]. Your recommendation means a lot to me, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the success of [Company Name]. Please feel free to reach out to me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you have any questions or would like to discuss my candidacy further. Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Resume email template for a career change
Subject: Application for [New Career Path] – [Your Full Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name or “Sir/Madam”],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere interest in transitioning to a new career path and joining [Company Name] as a [New Career Path] professional. I have attached my resume outlining my transferable skills, passion, and determination to excel in this new role. My background in [Previous Field/Industry] has equipped me with valuable qualities such as [mention relevant skills or attributes], which will be an asset in the [New Career Path]. I am excited about the opportunity to bring a fresh perspective and contribute to the success of [Company Name] in this capacity. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you would like to discuss my qualifications further. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
A robust email message is crucial to grabbing a recruiter’s attention, but you’ll need an equally compelling resume to match. Our Resume Builder will generate the content for all your resume sections, incorporating relevant achievements and skills, all written with perfect grammar, tone and voice.
Resume examples for top jobs
- Case Manager
- Sales Representative
- Customer Service Associate
- Registered Nurse
- Software Engineer
- Project Manager
- Accountant
- Administrative Assistant
- Teacher
Seal the deal by emailing a cover letter
When you send your resume via email, you opt for a more personal approach than simply applying through a digital application. Email also allows you to include a cover letter. Doing so can give you an added benefit.
A cover letter allows you to provide more context about why you’re applying, giving you the chance to pitch your strengths and skill set.
Benefits of including a cover letter in your job application
- You can showcase additional professional accomplishments not on your resume.
- You can contextualize where and how you developed your skills.
- You can connect with employers on a personal level.
- You can share other qualities that make you an ideal candidate.
More resume and cover letter tips
Beyond sending your email and correctly attaching your documents, follow these tips for a stellar resume and cover letter.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to your desired job with role-specific keywords. Including these keywords shows recruiters that you have the exact job requirements.
- Include quantifiable accomplishments in both your resume and cover letter. Add numbers substantiating your achievements, such as dollar amounts, percentage increases or number of clients attended.
- Choose the proper resume format for showcasing your strengths and minimizing your shortcomings. There are three recruiter-approved formats: chronological, functional and combination.
- Include a variety of skills. Ensure you include hard and soft skills that demonstrate your abilities in all areas of professional life.
- Use professional resume templates and cover letter templates that ensure an accurate and visually appealing document. A good template can even help you bypass pesky applicant tracking systems.
Find more helpful tips in our article 45 Resume Tips for Getting a Job in 2023.
Key takeaways
- When emailing a resume, you need to include three key elements: a strong subject line, a compelling body paragraph, and an attachment of your resume in the appropriate file format.
- Your email’s subject line should include your name, the desired job title, the company name and the job ID number, if available.
- Your email body paragraph should be short and concise and include key information like your professional title, relevant skills and experience and any connection you have with the role.
- Attach your resume securely, such as a PDF or a locked Word document.
- Be strategic about the time you send the email resume. Preferably send it early in the morning, avoiding Mondays and Fridays, and consider the recipient’s time zone.
- Consider including a cover letter in your email so you can provide more context about your achievements and qualifications for the position.
- If you need extra help with your application documents, try our Resume Builder and Cover Letter Builder for the easiest and fastest way to complete these documents.
