With the advancement of technology and shift to the online world, applying for a job via email instead of using job boards has become quite common.

You get a golden opportunity to get remembered by the hiring manager. All you need to do is write an email cover with your resume.

An attention-grabbing, convincing, and appealing email cover letter can easily land you the targeted job interview.

Here’s the summary of topics covered in this detailed article:

Introduction to Cover Letter

A one-page document complimenting your resume is what a cover letter does. Yes! You submit a cover letter as part of your job application.

A cover letter introduces you and briefly summarizes your professional background. An impressive cover letter can spark the hiring manager’s interest and get them to look forward to your resume.

An email cover letter is a brief message explaining why you're interested in the job position. You detail how your expertise makes you the right candidate. It adds a personal touch to your resume. A cover letter email is usually shorter than a standard letter. It is sent to HR as an email and not as an attachment.

How to Send an Email Cover Letter

A cover letter as an attachment is the norm today. Whether as part of an online job application or in an email, a cover letter is a must. A cover letter email highlights your skills and motivates the hiring manager to read your resume.

Below, in this article, we offer the best advice to prepare an email cover letter. Also, a bunch of the important steps you should take before sending your email cover letter.

Follow the Company’s Instructions

Email cover letters can generally be sent as an email attachment or as the body of your email. Before you attach a cover letter email, check the company’s job application guidelines.

Sometimes companies prefer attachments, while some prefer them as the body of your email message. Keep in mind that if you don’t follow the employer’s instructions, your application may not be considered.

Use a Professional Email Address

When submitting an email cover letter, your email address speaks for you. Use a professional email address, like arthurmorrison@gmail.com.

Avoid using unprofessional email addresses such as sweetycutie@gmail.com.

Add an Informative Subject Line

An informative subject line increases the chances that the recruiter will open your email. Write in less than 60 characters, including your full name and the job position you are applying for. Possible ways to write your email subject line:

  • Cover Letter – [Job Title] – [Your Name]
  • Cover Letter: [Your Name] for [Job Title]
  • [Your Name] Cover Letter: [Job Title]

Save Your File in the Correct Form

Save your file as a .doc or .pdf to preserve the original appearance of your cover letter. Better to change the file name to First Name-Last Name-Cover-Letter. This makes it easier for the hiring manager to view your cover letter once they’ve already downloaded it.

Attach a Cover Letter to the Email

Create a new email message in your email program to attach your cover letter. Choose the paperclip icon, browse through the files and click to attach it to the email.

Write a Brief Email Message

In the body of the email write a simple message letting the hiring manager know you’ve attached a cover letter. Don't make the mistake of leaving the email message blank.

Also Read: How Long Shall a Cover Letter Be?

Include a Proper Email Signature

Add the proper email signature at the end of your email. Also, make it easy for the recruiter to get in touch with you. You can close your email in the format suggested below:

  • First Name Last Name
  • Email address
  • Phone number

Email Cover Letter Format

If this is your first time writing an email cover letter, all this may sound pretty tough.

The fact is, you don't need to be innovative or even a good writer to draught an impressive email cover letter. All you have to do is follow this email cover letter format:

  • Header - Add your contact information
  • Greet the hiring manager
  • Opening paragraph - Grab the attention of HR with 2-3 of your top achievements
  • Middle paragraph - Describe your qualities and tell how you're a perfect fit for the job
  • Final paragraph - Thank the employer for considering you for the position
  • Complimentary closing

Also read: Industry-standard cover letter template to ace your application

What to Include in Each Part of Email Cover Letter

Segregating your email cover letter into distinctive sections will help you maintain a flow to your cover letter and appeal better to recruiters.

Your Contact Information

The header or first section of your email cover letter includes contact information. Your name, address, phone or cell phone number, and email address are what you have mentioned in this section.

Find out more: What is the best way to start a cover letter

Cover Letter Salutation

When sending a cover letter via email, do your research to avoid having to use the generic salutation. The best way is to call the organization’s front office or to review their website.

Also read: To whom should I address my cover letter?

Cover Letter Body

This section of your cover letter has three paragraphs:

  • First: This is "the grab" your reader's attention paragraph. You can offer focused information about the job you're seeking and a few core strengths of yours.
  • Second: Hook the reader, you can highlight the work performed and achieved results. Draw key competencies from your resume, but don't copy it word for word. You can also showcase your knowledge about the company you are applying to.
  • Third: In your closing, summarize what you will bring to the position. Request a meeting or suggest a call.

Closing

Finish your letter with "Sincerely" or "Yours truly." Professional correspondence is the best way to close your email cover letter.

Find out more: How to write a cover letter enclosure

Your Signature

You're sending a cover letter via email, so type your name and contact information after your salutation.

Tips for Writing Email Cover Letter

Here are some more tips on how to craft a cover letter email, as well as some cover letter examples you can use to start yours.

Be Informative

When writing an email cover letter, be informative, but get to the point. Introduce yourself, and convince the recruiter to consider your application.

Don't add too much content, you may risk losing the hiring manager’s interest. Better you cut your cover letter email down to only the most relevant information.
The standard cover letter length for an email cover letter is approx 400 words.

Easy to Read

For your resume to stand a chance, write a clear and easy-to-read cover letter with a well-formatted body.

Each paragraph should be short, to the point, and no longer than three sentences. If you can’t figure out how to get it right, consider using an email cover letter sample template.

Personalize Your Email Cover Letter

Starting from scratch is more difficult than tweaking. Writing a personalized cover letter won't take long once you have the template in place.

If you just write, "Here is my resume," you may make a far worse impression than if you write a personalized cover letter.

Finish it with Something Remarkable

The final paragraph of your email cover letter decides the recruiter's next step in your application. Encourage the hiring manager to reach out to you with some remarkable words.

You can reiterate your interest in the job profile.

The closing paragraph of your email should come across as confident. Don't be pushy and desperate. Clarify that you’re available and ready to work with the company.

Also read: Common cover letter mistakes that could cost you a job

Email Cover Letter Examples

Template:

Subject Line

Job Position - Your Name
Salutation
Dear Hiring Manager's Name

Opening Paragraph

Your cover letter's first paragraph should contain a self-introduction. Write about who you are, your expertise, where you found the job ad, and why you are applying for the job.

Body Paragraphs

The second paragraph should respond to the job description written by the company. Draw the attention of readers to how your previous job experiences and skills will help you meet the company’s needs. You can also include exact words and phrases from the job descriptions in your cover letter.

  • Provide your accomplishments in a bulleted list
  • Quantify to emphasize your bullet points

Do some research about the company and explain how you can help them with its mission.

Closing Paragraph

Your cover letter's last paragraph is the call-to-action part. Inform the recruiter that you’d love to go in for an interview with them. Provide your email address and other contact information. Thank them for reading your cover letter.

Signing Off

Sincerely,
Your Name
Contact Number
Your Signature

Email Cover Letter Example:

Subject: Store Manager Position - Robert Sierra

Dear Ms. Haddington,

I read your job posting for the Store Manager position with interest, as the qualifications you are seeking match closely with my professional skills and experience.

I can offer ABC Company:

  • Over three years of retail management experience
  • Ability to hire, train, and manage staff
  • Payroll management, reports, and inventory control expertise
  • Work experience with visual standards and merchandising high-ticket items

In addition, I have outstanding communication skills along with significant retail expertise. When communicating with others, including customers and store employees, I always keep a courteous and professional demeanor. Because of my extensive experience and diverse skill set, I am an excellent candidate for this role.

More information about my career and achievements may be found in my resume, which I have attached. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible to discuss my suitability on call or in person.

Thank you for your consideration,

Robert Sierra
(216) 234 2323
robertsierra34@gmail.com

Key Takeaways

Make the saying first impression is a lasting one true for you. Use your best judgment for each position you apply for. For entry-level jobs, keep your cover letter brief, while for upper-level ones, go into greater detail and include more information.

Here are a few takeaway points from the article:

  • A cover letter email should have 250-400 words.
  • Along with your resume, you must include a cover letter with your job application.
  • The first paragraph of your cover letter should catch the attention of the hiring manager and hold it until the end.
  • Address two primary points in your email cover letter: why you're the best candidate and why you're excited to work.
  • The majority of your email cover letter's content should be factual, with no fluff or generalizations.

Reach out to us at support@hiration.com for any professional assistance. With Hiration's career service platform and 24/7 chat service, you will find answers for all your job & career-related queries.

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