Nowadays, paper applications are a thing of the past and most communication with recruiters is done by email.
If you have come across an interesting advertisement and are considering sending in your application, you will need to carefully craft your response to ensure that your message does not go unnoticed.
There are several ways to apply for a job online : by email, via LinkedIn, or on recruitment platforms, for example. So, how do you apply for a job effectively? Discover all our tips below.
Write an email to respond to a job offer
When you think about the message that will accompany your attachments ( resume and, possibly, cover letter), you have two main options :
Whatever message you decide to write in response to the job advertisement that caught your eye, the key is to give an image of seriousness and professionalism.
The accompanying email (or introductory email)
The introductory email is a short message that presents your application . It should be concise and get straight to the point.
In a few lines, it serves to briefly explain who you are , to indicate to the recruiter your desire to be considered for a position within their company and to specify that your documents are attached.
This is not a cover letter in the form of an email, but rather an introduction to your application file .
The motivation email
If you do not attach a cover letter to your email responding to a job offer, you can use the content of the email itself to present your motivations and arguments.
The email of motivation follows the main points of a cover letter, but without being as long. Present your key experiences and skills, as well as your reasons for wanting to join the company, in a concise and direct manner.
The advantage of using this technique is that recruiters get an overview of your background at first glance, without even having to open your attached documents .
Tips for sending an application by email
When writing your response to a job offer by email, it is important to pay attention to several essential elements and points to make a good impression.
The subject of the email
Do not send your email without a subject line; it is highly likely that the recruiter will not even open it.
Read the job posting, as it may specify the required information. If not, include the job title and the posting reference number (if applicable). To grab attention from the start, keep your subject line concise and well-chosen.
Your email address
Too often, candidates’ email addresses are somewhat unusual. It is essential to use a simple, professional address containing your first and last name, or your last name only.
For example, if Pierre Durant wants to respond to a job offer by email, which address can he use? The best option for him is to use an address such as “pierre.durant@gmail.com”.
So we forget about “chouchoute1234@gmail.com” and other fanciful things, and we go with something like Pierre Durant’s address.
The recruiter’s email address
Before responding to a job offer, check the advertisement, as it may contain the recruiter’s name .
However, this isn’t always the case. If you don’t have their name, we advise you to call the company to find out and personalize your reply email accordingly .
The name and format of the attachments
Attachments should not be named randomly . For each document, indicate the document type (CV, cover letter, work certificate, etc.), followed by your name. The document could be named “CV_Yann_Gratinot”, for example.
Remember to attach your documents in PDF format , not Word format, to your email when applying for the job. This will ensure the content is protected.
The closing salutation and contact information
The tone used in an email is generally less formal than in a cover letter. Therefore, remember to choose an appropriate closing salutation for your message.
Finally, sign your email with your contact details (name, phone number and email address) to allow the recruiter to contact you easily.
How to respond to a job offer on LinkedIn?
If you find a job that interests you while searching on LinkedIn , you can respond to the ad in two ways depending on the offer author’s choice: by clicking on “Simplified Application” or on “Apply”.
The simplified application allows you to submit your application and enter the required information directly on the platform. The other option will redirect you to the company’s website where you will find instructions on how to apply for the job.
It is recommended to consult the company website , even if a simplified application is available, because sending an email to respond to a job offer generally has more impact on the recruiter.
