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Emailing Your Application

A MacBook screen showing a gmail inbox

You’ve tailored your resume and cover letter in response to the job posting and you’re ready to send it in. Are you about to copy your cover letter into the body of the email and hit send? Wait!

Attach the resume and cover letter with your name in file name (for example, Greenwood_resume.pdf). In the body of your email create a short note that: 

  • specifies the position you’re applying for
  • includes a few points relating to why you are a good candidate for the job
  • indicates that your cover letter and resume are attached.

Sending professional emails

  • When sending attachments, send them as pdf files with your name in the file name  (eg. saidler_alex_resume.pdf)
  • Try to find a contact name rather than  To Whom It May Concern
  • Use a formal subject line
  • Check spelling and grammar before you send. Seriously.
  • If in doubt, err on the side of formal in tone
  • If this email is to follow up on  a professional contact, send it the next day to continue the relationship
  • Try to send it during business hours ( 9 am – 6 pm)
  • Include: a salutation
  • Include: what you are thanking them for/the position you are applying for 
  • For networking, include: a reminder of something you talked about / your skills / your interest in the position (whatever is relevant)
  • Your full name as signature
  • NO emoticons