Email Etiquette Tips for Job Seekers

When you are job searching, you’ll use email for a number of reasons. You might send an email asking about job openings, or an email cover letter with a resume attached. You may send networking emails asking contacts for help with your job search. You will likely also send email thank-you messages after interviews.

When you use email to job search, it's important that all your communications are as professional as they would be if you were writing an old-fashioned paper letter.

Here's information on all you need to know about job search email etiquette, including what to put in your job search emails, how to format your emails, and how to make sure your email messages are read.

Choose a Professional Email Account

When you're looking for a job, it's a good idea to set up an email account just for job searching. That way, your professional email won't get mixed in with your personal mail.

Set up a job search email account. There are a variety of free web-based email services, like Gmail, that you can use. You'll be able to check your email online from any computer or your phone, so using webmail or an app is a good way to stay on top of your job search.

Once you've set up the account, send yourself a few test messages to make sure you can send and receive mail.

Use this email account for all your job search communications. Use this account to apply for jobs, post your resume, and connect with your contacts. Be sure to check your account frequently so that you can respond immediately to employers who are interested in hiring you. Also set up your job search email on your smartphone so you can get notifications instantly.

Don't use your work email account. Many companies monitor email communications, and you don't want to get caught job searching from work. Don't use your work email address for job searching or networking.

How to Address Your Email Message

When possible, send your email to a contact person, rather than a general email box.

Send your email to a specific person. Address your email to Dear Mr./Ms. LastName. If you don't have a name, address your email to Dear Hiring Manager or simply start with the first paragraph of your message.

Write a Clear Subject Line 

Your email message needs a subject line. If you leave the subject blank, the email is probably going to end up in a spam mailbox or be deleted.

Use a clear subject line. When applying for jobs, make sure you list the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email message, so the employer knows what job you are applying for.

You might want to include your name in the subject as well. Below are two examples of appropriate subject lines:

How to Format a Professional Email

When you write the message, keep it concise, and simply and professionally formatted. Include your contact information in your signature, so it's easy for the reader to get in touch.

Keep it brief. People tend to skim, or even ignore, very long emails. Keep your email brief and to the point.

Choose a simple font. Avoid ornate, difficult-to-read fonts. Use a basic font like Times New Roman, Arial, or Cambria. Don’t use color in your text, either. Use size 10 or 12 point, so that the email is easy to read, without being too big.

Write like it's a business letter. In general, your email messages should look a lot like business letters. They should include words, not acronyms, slang, or emoticons. The email letters should be written in full sentences and paragraphs. Begin with a salutation, and end with a send-off and your signature.

Include a signature. Include an email signature with your contact information, so it's easy for the hiring manager to get in touch with you. Including a link to your LinkedIn profile is a good way to give the hiring manager more information on your skills and abilities.

Below is a sample professional email signature:

How to Send the Message

Send a test message. Before you send your email, send the message to yourself to check that the formatting works. Also, make sure that any files you attached are easy to open. If everything looks good, resend the email to the employer or contact person.

When you apply for a job via email, copy and paste your cover letter into the email message or write your cover letter in the body of an email message. If the job posting asks you to send your resume as an attachment, send your resume as a PDF or a Word document.