Often employers provide a specific formula for the subject line because they have programmed email filters to catch emails from people applying for a specific job. If you don’t follow the employer’s formula, your email may be overlooked.

Copy the specific job title, rather than using a generic description such as “entry-level position” or “manager. " Use your full first and last name in the subject line. Nicknames or shortened names are not appropriate at this stage. If you have an interview, you can let the recipient know what you prefer to be called.

For example, you might use “CV – Product Developer – Marco Diaz. " Another subject line format that works is “CV: Marco Diaz for Product Developer. " You can also flip these elements around and write “Marco Diaz CV: Product Developer. "

For example, you might use “Marco Diaz for Product Developer: CV Attached. "

If the recipient has a LinkedIn account, this can be a good place to find information on their professional background. Reading any articles the recipient has written will also help you prepare for the interview or give you information to add in a follow-up email.

For example, you might use “CV Recommended by Star Butterfly: Marco Diaz for Product Developer. " If someone recommended you for the position, put that information at the beginning of the subject line. You want it to be the first thing the recipient reads.

For example, you might write “CV: Marco Diaz for Product Developer, 20 Years Experience. "

Make sure there are no spelling mistakes or typos. Double-check proper names – even your own – to make sure they’re spelled correctly.

Traditional letter-writing salutations can seem stiff and overly formal in emails. Instead of typing “Dear Mr. Marley,” try “Hello Jacob Marley. "

For example, you might write “I am applying for the position of Product Designer, which I saw posted on my university’s job board. "

For example, you might write “I am extremely interested in this position. I have studied product design in college, where I received top marks for my design projects. I believe I could be a tremendous asset to your design team. "

Follow the same guidelines you would if writing a cover letter to print on paper. Try to keep the full letter to under a page, using active, direct language to describe your skills and experience. Keep in mind that the recipient may be reading your email on a computer, or on a mobile phone or other mobile device. Use short paragraphs of 3 to 4 words to make your email easier to skim.

For example, you might write “I’ve attached a PDF copy of my CV to this email, along with a formal cover letter. "

For example, you might write “Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you require any additional information or would like to arrange a meeting. I look forward to hearing from you. " You might also say that you plan to follow up in a week if you don’t hear from them. If you include this in your email, make sure to set yourself a reminder so that you remember to do what you said.

If you have a website, you might include the URL for that as well. Only do this if it’s related in some way to the job you’re applying for or demonstrates background and skills that are related to the position. If you’ve formatted a signature for your emails that is automatically applied, there’s no need to type your name and contact information.

PDF is typically the best format to use for your résumé or CV because the contents of the file can’t be accidentally changed or deleted. If you’re also sending a formal cover letter, attach it as a separate document in the same file format as your résumé or CV. Save the file with a unique name that includes your first and last name. For example, you might use “Hamilton Alexander Resume. pdf. "