This is one thing that you probably think you know well enough but no, you don’t. When applying for a job where they are employing or where they are not, there are some basic tactics that are every supreme and can easily get you an interview, even an informational one. We have always told you that in our current world, most of the jobs require us now to apply jobs through email and thus knowing how to do it is not an option. Gone are the days of thumbing through classifieds and snail-mailing resumes. Now, almost everyone finds and applies for jobs online, and with good reason.
Human resource experts argue that email is immediate, less likely to be lost on someone's desk, and a quick way to establish rapport. Therefore, as much as your source of job information is on-line, you should also be very savvy in applying for jobs on-line. If you are at the side of the employer, you will be shocked at the emails that you will see. Actually, the email is the first impression you make on an employer. Before he even sees your CV, he has seen your email and if you are among those who do not write an email but just attach the CV and application letter, stop from today and start writing something.
So what is the winning email format?
Here are a few tips for writing successful application emails:
1. Use appropriate subject lines and filenames: Your main job should be to simplify the recipient's job. A snazzy subject line can be eye-catching, but if a recruiter can't quickly identify what they're receiving, they're likely to hit delete. Instead, summarize content using single words ranked in order of importance. The best way to do this is by structuring your title as this Resume: job title, your name, date. The same goes for filenames; just omit the title as the recipient will probably drop all resumes for that position into one folder. Also, not everyone has the latest version of Word, so save documents in a generally accessible format.
2. Maintain letter-writing conventions such as a formal salutation, easy-to-scan body, and sign off: Emails are quickly read (and just as quickly deleted), so grab attention by addressing a person and immediately identifying your desired position. The body should be neat as well. People often type in one big block, but that's unreadable. Use anchor points like bullets to draw the reader to important information, and make paragraphs short and distinct.
3. Be brief, but not curt: Because you have to quickly engage the reader, try giving two or three of your unique qualifications in under 10 words. For example "effective communicator and strong supporter of Company A's mission." Just make sure your brevity isn't misconstrued as haste. Tone is hard to convey electronically, so having a friend read your message is helpful.
4. Don't use abbreviations: It seems like a no-brainer, but it's worth mentioning: abbreviations (lol, omg, etc.) belong in text messages, not formal emails. Equally imperative are good spelling and grammar. A great way to avoid mistakes is to type in Word, spell-check, and then copy into the email. It's worth taking extra time to perfect your correspondence.
5. Three easy steps before hitting send: First, do a thorough sweep for errors and tone. Second, copy yourself on the email for your records. Last, check (and double check) that you've attached your documents.
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