Email Cover Letter Examples

An email cover letter has to grab the reader's attention quickly in order to be effective. In-boxes are full of emails that need to be read so get across your main points promptly and powerfully.

Graphic of arrow pointing to the word "job" in a search box

Quickly convince the reader of your suitability for the job opportunity by using a powerful subject line in your cover letter email.

This will make the difference between getting your resume read or relegated to the database. Avoid bland subject lines such as Joe Black's Resume.

Get the employer's attention by following these simple steps.

How to write an email cover letter - 7 simple steps

Write a subject line which is factual and persuasive - include the job title and job posting number and a selling point - "Job #4536 Bookkeeper - 8 years with Fortune 500 company"
Clearly state your purpose in the first couple of sentences
Summarize your strengths, skills and expertise as they relate directly to the job opportunity
Persuade the reader to continue on to read your resume
Use an easy-to-read font and keep the formatting simple
Proofread and spell check your message
Keep your email cover letter to one screen view

Job Application Cover Letter Email -
Example 1

Subject Line: Sales Associate Job #1234 - 10 Years Experience

Dear Mr Green

I read with enthusiasm your opening for a Sales Associate on XYZ site. I am confident that my 10 years experience as a sales professional in ABC industry with a successful track record of meeting and exceeding sales objectives makes me an excellent match for this position.

Detailed on my attached resume you will find that over the last X years I generated more than $X in sales and achieved an average of X% sales growth. My experience in new and key account acquisition, new territory development and the planning and implementation of customer loyalty strategies will contribute to the success of DEF Corporation.

My resume demonstrates that I am well qualified to lead the entire sales cycle management process from client consultations and needs assessment through demonstrations, negotiations and final sales closings.

I believe that I will be a valuable asset to your team if given this opportunity and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Joe Candidate

Address

Contact Numbers

Resume Email Cover Letter - Example 2

Subject Line: Legal Secretary Job #S123 - 6 Years at Top Law Firm

Dear Ms Drone

I am responding with enthusiasm to your job posting on XYZ.com for a legal secretary. I believe my extensive experience and skills in this field are an excellent match for the job.

The attached resume demonstrates my competence to interact capably with clients from point of referral, efficiently draft and process legal documents and correspondence, co-ordinate multiple case loads and assist with complex case preparation.

I am a motivated and hard working professional with solid legal practice skills and knowledge and a reputation for accurately and efficiently meeting strict deadlines in a challenging environment.

I would welcome the opportunity to learn more about the position and find out how I can contribute to the success of your firm.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Jane Candidate

Address

Contact Numbers

How to start and close your email cover letter

Write a compelling cover letter intro and ensure that you grab the reader's attention straightaway.

Close you cover letter with a strong call to action and get your resume read with serious consideration.

Cover Letter Introduction Paragraphs

Cover Letter Closing Paragraphs

Should I submit an email cover letter if the posting only asks for a resume?

You can copy and paste your cover letter into the body of the email as your message and include your resume as an attachment.

Keep your cover letter short and simple as the reader will not want to invest a lot of time in going through your email. It is better to include a brief cover letter as an introduction rather than simply stating "I have attached my resume for your consideration".

How should an email cover letter be sent?

If you are responding to an advertisement make sure you follow the employer's instructions on submitting your cover letter and resume.

If you are asked to include your letter as an attachment save and send it as a PDF file or .doc file. Avoid HTML as the email the employer uses may not be able to open this.

Additionally change the file name to include your name to make it easy for the hiring manager to view your cover letter once they have downloaded it from the email.

Include a short email message to inform the hiring manager that you have attached your cover letter.

Best Font for Cover Letters

Should your cover letter be in the body of an email or attached to it?

If the employer asks for the email cover letter and resume to be included in the message and not an attachment, copy and paste them into the body of your email.

Sometimes copying and pasting your cover letter from a Word or PDF file can alter the formatting. A good tip is to send the email to someone you know first to check that your formatting works properly. If it looks fine then you can send it to the employer.

Should I address the cover letter to an individual?

It is always better to address correspondence to a name rather than a title. Job postings often don't list the name of the person to contact and only give an email address.

Find out the name of the person receiving the emails. For example the email address, janereynolds@HRBakers, indicates the name of the contact person is "Jane Reynolds".

This is your contact person and you can begin your email message with Dear Ms Reynolds. Immediately you stand out from the crowd.

What should I write in the email cover letter subject line?

As discussed, an interesting and informative subject line will ensure your email gets noticed. Keep it professional and specific. Good examples of email subject lines for cover letters and resumes include:

Junior Accountant Position - 6 years experience in your industry

Experienced Sales Representative for Job#334 - Janet Driver

Marketing Associate Job - John Smith, BA in Business Administration

When should I follow up on my email?

It is important to find out the status of your job application. If the job posting does not have a close date you can wait about a week after sending your resume before following up.

If there is a close date then wait for about a week after that date before following up. For tips and help on resume follow up, plus a sample follow up email.