How to apply for a job by email
The subject line, the message and the attachments for an email application that gets opened.
Follow the advert's instructions
Many adverts say exactly what to send, where, and what to write in the subject line. Follow those instructions to the letter: some employers filter applications that don't.
The email itself
- Send from a professional address, ideally your name.
- Subject line: the job title and reference number, for example "Application for Accountant, Ref. ACC/2026/01".
- Message: a short greeting, one or two sentences on the job you're applying for, and a list of what you've attached. Don't leave the message empty.
- Sign off with your full name and phone number.
Attachments
- Send PDF files unless the advert asks for something else: they look the same on every device.
- Give each file a clear name, such as "Asha-Juma-CV.pdf".
- Scan certificates clearly, in colour if you can, and check every page can be read.
- Keep the total size small. Many email services refuse emails larger than about 20 MB, so combine scans or reduce their size if needed.
Before you press send
Check the address, the subject line and that every attachment opens. Send it to yourself first if you're unsure. Then note the date you applied.
More guides
- How to write a CV employers read
- How to write an application letter
- How to prepare for a job interview
- How to spot fake job adverts
- Documents to have ready before you apply
- Finding your first job after college
- Applying for government jobs in Tanzania
- What to do after you apply
- Building the skills employers ask for