Did you know that 47% of hiring managers decide whether to open an email based solely on its subject line? It’s your first impression—a small yet powerful detail that can make or break your chances of landing an interview.
Writing a clear, professional subject line not only grabs attention but also conveys your enthusiasm and attention to detail.
In this guide, you’ll uncover six simple steps, expert tips, and practical examples to craft a subject line that gets noticed. Let’s turn your email into the first step toward your dream job—starting with the perfect subject line!
Why Your Email Subject Line Matters for Job Applications
- First Impressions Start with the Subject Line: When applying for a job, your email subject line is your first opportunity to make a great impression. A well-crafted subject grabs attention, conveys professionalism, and sets a positive tone for your application.
- Ensures Your Email Gets Opened: A clear and relevant subject line increases the likelihood of your email being noticed and opened amidst the flood of applications in a recruiter's inbox.
- Shows Attention to Detail and Relevance: Using the job title or reference number demonstrates that you’ve read the job posting carefully, signaling that you are detail-oriented and genuinely interested in the position.
Key Steps to Write a Job Application Subject Line
1. Understand the Purpose of Your Email Subject Line
Your subject line isn’t just a title—it’s your first impression. It tells the hiring manager why you’re reaching out. Make sure it’s professional and matches the job posting.
Here’s why this matters:
- Recruiters scan emails quickly. A clear subject line helps them identify your application instantly.
- It shows attention to detail. Including the job title or reference number indicates that you’ve read the job description carefully.
2. Keep It Clear and Concise
Long subject lines can be confusing or cut off, especially on mobile devices. Stick to 7–10 words when writing subject lines for clarity.
The first few words of your subject line should clearly indicate the purpose of your email to ensure it stands out. A concise subject line also makes your email easier to spot in crowded inboxes.
Examples:
- "Experienced Software Developer – Application for [Company]"
- "Marketing Analyst Role – Referred by [Referrer’s Name]"
Pro Tip: Avoid vague phrases like "Job Inquiry" or "Looking for Work." They don’t tell job search or recruiters anything specific.
3. Include Relevant Details and the Job Title
Including the job title, your name, and any relevant referral that adds context and credibility to cover letter. Recruiters appreciate this because it saves them time.
Structure your subject line like this:
- "Referral by [Name]: Application for [Job Title]"
- "Applying for [Position] – [Your Name]"
4. Highlight Referrals and Special Connections
If someone referred you to the same job post, mention it in your subject line. This grabs the recruiter’s attention to the right person because referrals are often prioritized.
Recruiters trust recommendations from within their network. Referrals show that someone credible supports your application.
How to Do It: Include the referrer’s name, job and position title. Examples:
- "Referral by Jane Smith – Application for Project Manager"
- "John Doe Recommended Me for the Sales Analyst Role"
This small addition can make your email stand out instantly.
5. Use Keywords and Avoid Informal Words
Keywords from the job description show you’ve tailored your job application email well. They also make your email relevant for tracking systems used by some companies.
Keywords like “job title” and “application” help recruiters identify your intent. Avoid informal words like “Hey” or “Wanna.” They sound unprofessional.
How to Do It:
- Add the job title exactly as it appears in the posting.
- Use phrases like “job application” or “subject of email for job application.”
- Avoid emojis, slang, or overly casual terms.
6. Test and Perfect Your Email Subject
Before hitting send on subject lines for job applications, always double-check. Testing ensures it’s free of errors and aligns with the job posting. Mistakes like typos or missing details can hurt your chances.
How to Do It:
- Read it aloud to catch errors.
- Keep it under 50 characters for better visibility, especially on mobile devices.
- Ensure your subject line aligns with the content of your email body.
- Ask a friend to review it for clarity.
Examples of Good Subject Line for Job Applications
Here are some email subject line examples to inspire your job application.
1. Subject Lines for Experienced Professionals
- "John Doe – Application for Senior Marketing Manager Role"
- "15+ Years in Finance – Applying for Accounting Manager Position"
- "Experienced IT Specialist – Application for Network Engineer Role"
- "Seasoned Sales Leader Seeking Regional Manager Position at [Company]"
- "Proven Project Manager – Application for Operations Manager Role"
2. Examples for Entry-Level Job Seekers
- "Recent Graduate Seeking Entry-Level Marketing Assistant Position"
- "Application for Junior Software Developer Role – Jane Smith"
- "Eager to Start My Career: Applying for HR Coordinator Position"
- "Fresh Graduate in Business – Application for Sales Associate Role"
- "Enthusiastic Newcomer: Application for Graphic Design Intern Role"
3. When Sending a Resume
- "Resume Attached for Digital Marketing Specialist Position – John Doe"
- "Application for Data Analyst Role – Resume Included"
- "Jane Smith’s Resume for Administrative Assistant Role"
- "Resume Submission: Applying for Software Engineer Position"
- "Job Application: Resume for Financial Analyst Role"
4. Applying for a Position After a Career Break
- "Re-Entering [Industry/Field] with Renewed Passion: [Your Name] for [Job Title]"
- "Eager to Bring [X] Years of Experience Back to [Industry/Field] - [Your Name]'s Application for [Job Title]"
- "[Your Name]: Returning to [Industry/Field] with Fresh Perspectives for [Job Title]"
- "Leveraging My [X] Years of Experience and Recent [Course/Training] for [Job Title] at [Company Name]"
- "Re-Igniting My Career in [Industry/Field] as a [Job Title] - [Your Name]'s Application"
5. Job Referral Subject Line
- "Referral by [Referrer's Name] for [Job Title] Position"
- "[Referrer's Name] Recommended: [Your Name] for [Job Title]"
- "Potential Team Addition: [Your Name], Referred by [Referrer's Name] for [Job Title]"
- "[Your Name]: [Referrer's Name]'s Top Pick for [Job Title] Role"
- "[Referrer's Name]'s Referral: Exploring [Your Name]'s Fit for [Job Title] at [Company Name]"
6. Subject Line for Job Inquiry Email
- "Inquiring About Future Opportunities in [Department/Field] at [Company Name]"
- "[Your Name]: Exploring Career Opportunities in [Industry/Field]"
- "Passionate [Your Profession/Expertise] Seeking New Challenges at [Company Name]"
- "Are You Growing Your Team in [Department/Field]? [Your Name]'s Inquiry"
- "Open to Discuss Potential [Job Title/Field] Opportunities at [Company Name]?"
7. Following Up After Submitting Application
- "Following Up on My Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]"
- "Eager to Discuss My Candidacy for [Job Title] Further"
- "Checking In: [Your Name]'s Application for [Job Title] at [Company Name]"
- "Update Request: Status of [Job Title] Application"
- "Continuing Interest in [Job Title] Role - [Your Name]'s Follow-Up"
Tips to Align Your Subject with the Job Posting
1. Mention the Job Reference Number (If Applicable)
Including the job reference number shows you’ve paid attention to the details in the job posting. It helps the hiring team identify your application quickly.
Many companies receive hundreds of applications. A reference number makes sorting job applicants easier. It shows potential employer that you followed instructions in the job description.
How to Do It:
- Add the reference number after the job title.
- Example: "Application for Marketing Specialist – Ref# 12345"
2. Incorporate Keywords from the Job Description
Using keywords from the job posting makes your email subject lines more line relevant. It also helps if the company uses software to filter emails. Keywords like the job title or "application" show your email’s purpose clearly. It ensures your email doesn’t get overlooked or sent to spam.
How to Do It:
- Use the exact job title mentioned in the posting.
- Include words like “job application” or “resume” to make your email specific.
3. Always Use a Professional Email Address
Your email address matters just as much as the subject line. An unprofessional address can distract from your application. Email addresses like "coolguy123@gmail.com" can leave a bad impression. A clean, professional address shows maturity and seriousness.
How to Do It:
- Use a simple email format: "firstname.lastname@gmail.com"
- Avoid nicknames, numbers, or emojis.
4. Use a Professional Yet Enthusiastic Tone
Your subject line should sound professional but also show your interest in the role. A balance of both can make a great or good impression too. Hiring managers often look at subject lines for job and candidates who are excited about the job. It sets a positive tone before they even open your email.
How to Do It:
- Use clear, polite language.
- Add a touch of excitement without going overboard.
5. Personalize for the Company or Role
Tailoring your subject line to the specific company or specific position also shows that you’ve done your homework. Personalization demonstrates genuine interest in the company. It helps your email stand out among generic applications.
How to Do It:
- Mention the company name or specific role.
- Avoid using a generic subject line.
6. Add Value Through Your Subject Line
Highlighting your unique skills or qualifications in the subject line can grab attention. It also gives recruiters a quick idea of what you bring to the table. It immediately shows the hiring manager why you’re a strong job candidate. Adding value upfront increases the chances of your email being opened.
How to Do It:
- Include a key strength or accomplishment.
- Keep it concise and relevant.
- If needed, your subject line can guide the recruiter to find more detail in your email.
7. Avoid Overuse of Capital Letters or Symbols
Writing your subject line with too many capital letters or symbols can make it look unprofessional. It might even get your email sent to the spam folder.
What to Avoid:
- Using all caps, like: "APPLYING FOR JOB!"
- Adding excessive punctuation, like: "Application for Role!!!"
How to Do It:
- Use title case for a clean look: "Application for Software Engineer Role"
- Keep punctuation simple. Just one period or dash is enough.
Conclusion
Your email subject line can make or break your job application. It’s the right subject line and the first thing the hiring manager sees. By keeping it professional, clear, and relevant to the job title, you increase your chances of getting noticed. Always review your subject line for accuracy and avoid informal words or excessive symbols. Take the time to craft the perfect subject—it’s worth the effort!
Further Reading
Improve your job application process and communication strategies with these insightful articles from Aloré's blog. Each piece is designed to provide you with valuable tips, best practices, and innovative ideas to make your job application stand out and enhance your overall approach to professional communication:
- Maximizing Email Re-Engagement for Job Seekers: Learn the secrets to increasing the re-engagement rate of your job application emails. This guide offers practical advice on making your emails more compelling to potential employers. Read more
- Crafting the Perfect Follow-Up Email: Master the art of the follow-up with this comprehensive guide. Learn when and how to send follow-up emails that make a positive impression without being intrusive. Read more
- Email Etiquette for Job Seekers: Navigate the nuances of professional email communication with our etiquette tips for job seekers. Ensure your emails reflect your professionalism and attention to detail. Read more
- Optimizing Your Professional Email Signature: Your email signature is a powerful tool for making a lasting impression. Learn how to create an effective professional email signature that includes essential contact information and social links. Read more