No longer are cover letters and resumes shoved into a letter and mailed out, only to arrive in 2 to 3 days. Most job applications are sent online, usually through email. Despite the differences, there are a lot of similarities between emailing your resume/cover letter and sending it in the mail. Below are five separate tips for emailing your cover letter to the employer.
Tips for Cover Letters
- Remain Professional
Email is considered far more casual than standard mail. When it comes to your cover letter, however, you need to make sure that you remain entirely professional, as if you had sent the cover letter in standard mail format. The email is no different than the letter, no matter how much it may seem like it is.
- Check Formatting
It is a good idea to send the cover letter to a few of your own email addresses first before you send it off the employer to see how it shows up. Unlike Word documents, formatting does not always carry over correctly in email.
- Use the Same Formatting Tips
Cover letters should be roughly three paragraphs and follow a similar format to standard cover letters. Again, just because it is in email does not mean you should change the style. Employers have the same expectations, and to play it safe you should always conform to modern cover letter standards.
- Check Your Email Address
Though it may not specifically relate to cover letters, when you email your cover letter over your email address is the first thing the employer will see, the cover letter second. This means that your email address should be as professional as your cover letter.
- Utilize the Subject Line
Subject lines play a role in cover letters in a way they never did before. Look for your best strong points and place them in the subject, like “PHP Trained IT Specialist for Virtual Network Manager Position.” This will generate some interest in your cover letter before it is opened.
Take Every Email Seriously
Even though email is much faster than sending cover letters through the standard mail, that is not an excuse to rush it. Take your time, follow the above tips, and make sure that you are sending the employer your best first impression.
Take Away Tips
- Follow basic cover letter roles.
- Utilize the email and subject line fields.
- Check your cover letter beforehand to see how it sends via email.
