Spontaneous job applications give you an edge, since you are already expressing interest in the company, but using that momentum to propel you to the interview can be difficult. Therefore, it is necessary to utilise the space in an email to give the potential employer all the information they need. An often overlooked part of sending spontaneous applications is the email signature, but to get there, you have to write the email first.

It is vital to answer the following three questions in the mail:

1. Why are you interested in our company?
2. How come you think this role is essential for our company?
3. Why are you a good match for this role?

You can read more about these topics here. When you answer these questions don’t forget to be short and concise. Avoid using too many technical terms, but do use those included in the job ad!

Once you’re done with the main part it’s time to end the mail.

The signature

A really important part of the mail is the signature. Luckily you can make it in advance and keep on using it! Here are some tips on what to avoid and what to do.

DON’Ts

• Adding too many lines to your signature is a big waste of time for you and the reader (keep it short and clean like the body of the mail).
• Stating your email address is pointless, since it is delivered with the mail.

Here is a fictional signature, which is definitely overcrowded with information (taken from Gadgetwise, The New York Times Blog):

DOs

• List your name, current position and phone number for a good start.
• Links to social media profiles and/or a personal website.
• Use a photo of yourself or a logo of your business and you are set. Try an email signature generator to make it look even more professional.

Here is an example of a fictional signature made with a free generator:

Social media accounts on your signature can be tricky, so make sure that you have them in order. Don’t link sites that you don’t use regularly as they only tell your potential employer, that you don’t care much for what you put into your mails!

Try making a new signature and see how much it improves your response rates!