Emailing a Resume: What to Write, Subject Lines, and Examples

When an employer asks for a resume by email, the message itself should make the application easy to identify and review. Follow the job posting first, then keep the email concise, professional, and specific to the role.

What to Include in a Resume Email

• a clear subject line;
• a professional greeting;
• the role you are applying for;
• one or two sentences explaining your fit or interest;
• a note that the resume and any required documents are attached;
• a simple sign-off with contact information.

Resume Email Subject-Line Examples

• Application for [Job Title] - [Your Name]
• [Job Title] Application - [Your Name]
• Resume for [Job Title] - [Your Name]

If the employer specifies a subject-line format or reference number, use it exactly.

Simple Resume Email Template

Subject: Application for Marketing Coordinator - Jordan Lee

Hi [Hiring Manager Name],

I am applying for the Marketing Coordinator position at [Company]. My experience with [relevant skill or area] matches the role, and I would be glad to discuss how I could contribute to the team.

My resume is attached. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,
Jordan Lee
[Phone]
[LinkedIn or portfolio, if relevant]

Follow the Employer's Instructions

The job posting may specify file type, naming format, subject line, cover letter, portfolio, or application deadline. Those instructions are more important than generic resume-email advice.

Choose the Right Attachment Format

PDF is often the safest option for preserving layout unless the employer requests another format. Name the file clearly, for example Jordan-Lee-Resume.pdf, rather than resume-final2.pdf.

Do not assume a large attachment will be accepted. Keep files reasonably sized and send only the documents requested.

Should the Cover Letter Be in the Email or Attached?

Follow the employer's instructions. If no format is specified, a short email plus separate resume is usually sufficient for many applications. If a formal cover letter is requested, attach it in the requested format and keep the email itself brief.

Use a Professional Sender Address and Signature

Your sender name and email address should be recognizable and appropriate for professional use. A short signature with name and one or two contact methods is enough. See email signature best practices.

Proofread Before Sending

Check the recipient, subject line, job title, company name, attachment names, and links. Open the attached resume once before sending to confirm that the correct file is included and readable.

Do Not Wait for a “Perfect” Send Time

There is no reliable universal rule that Monday morning or a particular hour dramatically increases hiring odds. If the role is open and the application is ready, submitting promptly and before the deadline is usually more useful than waiting for a supposed optimal time.

Common Resume Email Mistakes

• ignoring the employer's instructions;
• using a vague subject such as “Resume”;
• sending the wrong attachment;
• writing a long autobiography in the email body;
• using gimmicky claims or excessive formatting;
• forgetting to include the role being applied for;
• sending from an unprofessional or confusing address.

For broader professional-email conventions, see modern email etiquette.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I write in the email body when sending a resume?

State the role, give one short reason you are a fit or interested, mention the attachment, and close professionally.

Should I attach a DOCX or PDF?

Use the format requested in the posting. If none is specified, PDF is usually a reliable choice for preserving formatting.

Should I follow up after emailing a resume?

If the employer provides a timeline, respect it. Otherwise, one polite follow-up after a reasonable interval can be appropriate, but repeated messages rarely help.

Bottom Line

A strong resume email is easy to process: correct subject, clear role, concise message, correctly named attachment, and no unnecessary theatrics.