Job Application Email Templates (Subject Line, Format, Samples)

Copy-paste templates for job application emails, recruiter outreach, interview follow-ups, and thank-you emails—short or detailed.

✓ Subject lines included ✓ Short & full versions ✓ Ready to send

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What you'll get

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3–8 subject lines

Multiple options to choose from

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Short + Full versions

Pick the right length

✏️

Email body with placeholders

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Follow-up timing

When to send next

Email format for job application (simple structure)

1. Subject line

Clear, specific, includes role and your name

2. Greeting

Use name if you have it, otherwise "Hi [Team] Hiring Team"

3. Hook (1–2 lines)

Who you are + what role you're applying for

4. Proof bullets (2)

Your most relevant achievements with metrics

5. CTA

Request next step (call, interview, etc.)

6. Signature + attachments

Your name, contact info, and mention resume/portfolio

Job application email subject line ideas (copy & paste)

Standard

  • • Application for {Role} — {Your Name}
  • • {Role} Application — {Your Name}
  • • {Your Name} — {Role} Candidate
  • • Applying for {Role} at {Company}

With Reference

  • • {Role} Application — Referred by {Referrer}
  • • {Referrer} suggested I reach out — {Role}
  • • Application for {Role} (via {Referrer})

Follow-up

  • • Following up: {Role} Application — {Your Name}
  • • Re: {Role} Application
  • • Checking in — {Role} Candidate

Thank You

  • • Thank you — {Role} Interview
  • • Thanks for your time — {Role}
  • • Grateful for the {Role} Interview

Job application email templates (short + full samples)

1. Job application email template (cold)

Short version

Subject: Application for {Role} — {Your Name}

Body:

Hi {Name},

I'm applying for the {Role} role at {Company}. I have {X}+ years in {field} and recently {achievement 1}. I also {achievement 2}.

I've attached my resume and portfolio here: {link}. I'd love to discuss how I can help {Company} with {relevant goal}.

Best,
{Your Name}

Full version

Subject: Application for {Role} — {Your Name}

Body:

Hi {Name},

I'm reaching out to apply for the {Role} position at {Company}. I'm excited about this role because {1 sentence about team/mission/problem}.

In my recent work, I:

  • {Proof bullet 1 with metric}
  • {Proof bullet 2 with metric}

This aligns with your needs in {JD requirement / skill}.

I've attached my resume and included links to {portfolio / LinkedIn}. If helpful, I'm happy to share a short work sample relevant to {topic}.

Thank you for your time—would you be open to a quick call this week?

Best regards,
{Your Name}

When to use: First-time application to a company where you don't have a referral.

Pro tip: Tailor your resume to the JD before attaching it.

2. Recruiter outreach email template

Short version

Subject: Interest in {Role} at {Company}

Body:

Hi {Recruiter Name},

I saw the {Role} posting and wanted to reach out directly. I have {X} years in {field}, most recently {achievement}.

Resume attached. Happy to chat this week if you're interested.

Thanks,
{Your Name}

When to use: Reaching out to a recruiter on LinkedIn or via email.

3. Referral request email template

Short version

Subject: Quick question about {Company}

Body:

Hi {Name},

I'm applying for the {Role} role at {Company} and noticed you work there. Would you be open to referring me or sharing insights about the team?

I have {brief background}. Happy to send my resume if helpful.

Thanks!
{Your Name}

When to use: Asking a connection (warm or cold) for a referral.

Pro tip: Keep it short and make it easy to say yes.

4. Follow-up email after interview template

Short version

Subject: Following up — {Role} Interview

Body:

Hi {Name},

I wanted to follow up on my {Role} interview from {date}. I'm still very interested and happy to provide any additional information.

Do you have an update on next steps?

Thanks,
{Your Name}

When to use: 5–7 days after an interview if you haven't heard back.

Pro tip: Track all follow-ups in your job application tracker.

5. Thank you email after interview template

Standard version

Subject: Thank you — {Role} Interview

Body:

Hi {Name},

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the {Role} position. I enjoyed learning about {specific topic discussed} and I'm excited about the opportunity to contribute to {team/project}.

Please let me know if you need any additional information from me.

Best regards,
{Your Name}

When to use: Within 24 hours after any interview.

Pro tip: Mention something specific from the conversation to show you were engaged.

Job application email body template

Opening

State who you are and what role you're applying for. Add one sentence about why you're interested.

"I'm applying for the {Role} position. I'm excited about {Company}'s work in {area} and believe my experience in {field} would be a strong fit."

Proof bullets

Share 2 achievements that match the job description. Use metrics when possible.

  • Led a team of 5 to ship {feature}, increasing {metric} by 40%
  • Built {system} that reduced {problem} by 30%

Tip: Turn your resume bullets into email proof points.

Closing + attachments

Request next step and mention your attachments.

"I've attached my resume and portfolio. Would you be open to a brief call this week to discuss how I can contribute to {team/project}?"

Job application email examples (realistic samples)

Entry-level / Graduate

Subject: Application for Junior Developer — Alex Chen

Focus on coursework, projects, and internships. Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

Career Switcher

Subject: Product Manager Application — Jordan Lee

Highlight transferable skills and explain why you're making the switch. Show relevant side projects.

Senior Role

Subject: Senior Engineer Application — Sam Taylor

Lead with impact metrics. Show strategic thinking and leadership experience.

Follow up email after interview (timing + templates)

24 hours: Thank you email

Send within 24 hours of any interview. Keep it brief and mention something specific from the conversation.

3–5 days: First follow-up

If they said "we'll get back to you in a week" and it's been 5 days, send a polite check-in.

7–10 days: Second follow-up

Keep it short: "Still interested, happy to provide more info, any updates?" Don't sound desperate.

Common job application email mistakes to avoid

Too long

Keep it under 150 words for cold emails. Recruiters skim.

Unclear what role you want

Always state the exact role title in the first sentence.

No proof

Don't just say "I'm a hard worker." Show metrics and outcomes.

Missing attachments/links

Always attach resume. Mention it in the email body.

Company name typos

Double-check you didn't copy-paste the wrong company name.

Wrong tone

Not too casual, not too formal. Professional but human.

Job application email FAQ

Should I attach a resume and cover letter?

Yes, always attach your resume. A cover letter is optional unless the job posting requires it. If you send both, make sure your resume is ATS-optimized and your cover letter is tailored.

Is a short email better?

Yes, for cold applications. Keep it under 150 words. For referrals or warm intros, you can go slightly longer (200–250 words) to add context.

How long should a job application email be?

100–150 words for cold emails. 200–250 words if you have a referral or specific connection. Recruiters skim, so shorter is better.

Do I need a cover letter if I email my resume?

Not always. If the email body is well-written (2 proof bullets + clear ask), that's often enough. Save the cover letter for roles that explicitly request one.

How soon should I follow up after applying?

Wait 5–7 days after applying. For interviews, send a thank-you within 24 hours, then follow up after 5–7 days if you haven't heard back.

What if I don't know the hiring manager's name?

Use "Hi [Team] Hiring Team" or "Hi [Company] Team". Avoid "To Whom It May Concern"—it sounds outdated.

What subject line gets opened most?

"Application for {Role} — {Your Name}" is clear and professional. Avoid clever or vague subject lines—recruiters want to know what the email is about immediately.

Email vs LinkedIn message—what's better?

Email is more formal and shows you did research to find their contact. LinkedIn is faster but easier to ignore. If you have their email, use that. Otherwise, LinkedIn is fine.

Can I reuse the same email template?

Yes, but customize the company name, role, and 1–2 proof bullets for each application. Generic emails get ignored.

Should I send PDF or Word?

PDF is safer—it preserves formatting. Some ATS systems prefer Word (.docx), but PDF works 95% of the time. Check the job posting for specific instructions.

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