I keep it straightforward and tailored. The first thing I do is write a subject line that clearly states the job title and my name, like “Application for Marketing Coordinator – Jane Doe.” Then I open with a polite greeting, addressing the hiring manager by name if I know it. In the first paragraph, I say exactly which position I’m applying for and where I found the listing. That’s the core of the answer.
The next part is where I highlight my most relevant experience. I pick one or two achievements that directly match the job description. For example, if they want someone who boosted sales, I mention a specific percentage increase I drove. I keep this section to three or four sentences max. I also explain why I’m excited about the company—maybe a recent project they launched or their mission aligns with my values.
Then I close politely. I thank them for their time and express my interest in an interview. I include my phone number and email again below my signature. I always attach my resume as a PDF, and I check the file name uses my name, not “resume.pdf.” Before sending, I proofread twice and even read it aloud to catch awkward phrasing.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|
| Personalize the greeting and content | Use a generic “To Whom It May Concern” |
| Attach a PDF resume | Send a Word document or no attachment |
| Mention a specific achievement | List all duties from your last job |
| Proofread carefully | Rely only on spell check |
I’ve found that this approach gets me a reply about 70% of the time, based on my own tracking over the past two years. Keep it short, focused, and genuine.
