The subject line is one of the most important parts of sending a resume via LinkedIn. It is the first thing the recipient sees and will often determine whether your message gets opened or not. An effective subject line convinces the recruiter that your resume is worth reading. This article will provide tips and examples for writing strong LinkedIn resume subject lines that get you noticed.
Keep it Brief
LinkedIn subject lines have a limited character count, so you need to keep yours short and to the point. Get straight to mentioning the role you are applying for. Here are some examples of brief, focused subject lines:
- John Smith – Senior Accountant Application
- Jane Doe Seeking Social Media Manager Role
- Experienced Project Manager Resume
Aim for around 50 characters or less in your subject line. You want it to be specific but still succinct.
Include Your Name
Make sure to mention your own name in the subject line. This helps give context right away about who the message is coming from. For example:
- John Smith Applying for Accountant Role
- Jane Doe’s Resume for Social Media Manager
- Project Manager Resume – Michael Johnson
You do not need to format it as “Resume of [Your Name]”. Simply stating your first and last name is sufficient.
Mention the Company Name
If you are applying for a specific advertised role at a particular company, include the company name in the subject line. This shows you have tailored your application. For example:
- John Smith – Accountant Application for ABC Company
- Jane Doe’s Resume for Social Media Manager at XYZ Corp
However, only mention the company if you are actually applying for a job posting from that company. Sending a generic resume with a company name may come across as spam.
Reference the Job Title
Be sure to specify the exact job title you are seeking in the subject line. This demonstrates you have carefully read the job description and feel you would be a fit for that specific role. For example:
- Senior Accountant Resume – John Smith
- Jane Doe – Social Media Manager Application
- Project Manager Resume for Acme Co.
Repeating the job title also ensures your message gets picked up by any resume screening software searching for keywords.
Use a Call to Action
Subject lines that include a call to action tend to perform better. This prompts the recipient to open and read your resume right away. Some good examples are:
- Please Review My Resume for [Job Title]
- See Attached Resume for [Job Title] Role
- Resume for [Job Title] Position – Please Consider
The call to action creates a sense of urgency and interest in your application. Just make sure to keep it professional and polite.
Avoid Overused Phrases
It’s best to steer clear of generic subject lines that get overused like:
- Resume Submission
- CV for Your Consideration
- Job Application Attached
These are so common that they will likely get overlooked or perceived as spam. Come up with a more original subject line that grabs attention.
Be Wary of Attachments
Generally it is better not to mention attachments like “Resume Attached” or “See Attached CV”. Some email providers block messages with attachments from unknown senders.
Instead, paste your resume directly in the message body or use LinkedIn’s attach resume feature when applying.
Proofread for Errors
Before hitting send, double check your subject line for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. Subject lines with mistakes come across as sloppy and rushed.
Have a friend or career advisor review it to make sure your subject line is polished and compelling.
Examples of Good LinkedIn Resume Subject Lines
Here are some examples of strong subject lines for sending a resume on LinkedIn:
- Senior Java Developer Resume – Marie Webster
- Please Review My Application for Social Media Manager
- Experienced Accountant Seeking Controller Position
- Resume for Project Manager Role at ABC Company
- Jane Doe – Event Planner Resume Attached
These subject lines are brief, mention the applicant’s name and desired role, and create interest in opening the message.
Subject Lines to Avoid
Here are some types of subject lines that are usually ineffective for LinkedIn resume messages:
- CV Attached
- My Resume for You
- Please Hire Me
- Resume Submission
- John Smith’s Resume
These are very generic, don’t specify a job title, or come across as unprofessional. Craft your subject line to be more engaging and targeted.
Tips for Writing a Strong LinkedIn Resume Subject Line
Here are some top tips to follow when creating your subject line:
- Keep it under 50 characters
- Include your full name
- Mention the specific job title
- Use a compelling call to action like “Please Review”
- Avoid overly generic phrases like “Resume Submission”
- Proofread thoroughly before sending
Taking the time to craft a great subject line will maximize your chances of your LinkedIn resume getting viewed.
Common LinkedIn Resume Subject Line Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about LinkedIn resume subject lines:
Should I address the hiring manager by name?
It’s best not to include the hiring manager’s name since you’ll likely be emailing a general company inbox rather than someone’s personal email address. Stick to a professional subject line focused on your job application.
Is it OK to use emojis or creative formatting?
LinkedIn subject lines don’t allow for emojis or images. Creative formatting like brackets or all-caps text is also best avoided. Keep your subject line simple and professional.
Should I mention referrals in the subject line?
If a contact at the company referred you for the role, it’s fine to mention that briefly:
Referred by Jane Smith – John Lee Resume for Engineering Manager
But don’t overemphasize the referral at the expense of highlighting your job title.
Do I need to change the subject line when following up?
When following up on an application, it’s fine to slightly modify the original subject line:
Follow Up – Marie Webster Resume for Accountant Role
This allows the recipient to easily locate your original message while indicating it is a follow up.
Key Takeaways
Here are the key points to remember about writing an effective LinkedIn resume subject line:
- Keep it brief – under 50 characters
- Include your full name and the job title
- Use a compelling call to action
- Avoid overused phrases like “Resume Submission”
- Proofread carefully before sending
- Customize each subject line for the specific role
Taking extra time to craft a stellar subject line will grab the recruiter’s attention and get your resume reviewed. Follow these best practices to make your applications stand out.
| Subject Line | Analysis |
|---|---|
| Jane Doe Resume for Social Media Manager Role | Clear mention of name, job title, and “resume” keyword |
| Experienced Marketer Seeking Growth Position | Focused on experience and job type but no name specified |
| Resume Attached for Marketing Opportunity | Too generic with overused “resume attached” phrase |
| Social Media Guru Seeking Position | Too informal with “guru” wording |
| Please Review My Application for Social Media Manager at ABC Company | Strong call to action and mentions company name |
Conclusion
A well-crafted subject line is vital for getting your LinkedIn resume viewed and avoiding the spam filter. Include important details like your name and desired job title, but keep it succinct. Use power words to create urgency and emphasize that your resume is attached. With an engaging, professional subject line that demonstrates your communication skills, you’ll be sure to get noticed by recruiters.
