What Not to Say at the Start of a Resume Email Message
The first line of your resume email message can decide whether a hiring manager reads on or moves to the next candidate. Many job seekers make the mistake of using weak, overly casual, or presumptuous openings that immediately hurt their chances. This guide directly answers what you should avoid saying at the start of a resume email, so you can make a strong, professional first impression.
Quick Answer: The Three Worst Openers to Avoid
If you want your resume email to be taken seriously, never start with these three phrases:
- “I am writing to apply for…” – This is robotic and wastes the first sentence on obvious information.
- “To whom it may concern” – This sounds outdated and shows you did not research the recipient.
- “I think I would be perfect for this role” – This is presumptuous and lacks evidence.
Instead, open with a clear subject line and a direct, respectful greeting that shows you have done your homework.
Why Your Opening Line Matters More Than You Think
Recruiters spend an average of six to ten seconds scanning a resume email. The opening line is your only chance to grab their attention. A poor start signals that you are either inexperienced, careless, or not serious about the position. A strong start, on the other hand, shows professionalism and respect for the reader’s time.
In formal email contexts, especially for job applications, the tone should be polite and confident but not arrogant. In more casual industries like startups or creative fields, you can be slightly warmer, but you should never sacrifice clarity or respect.
What Not to Say: A Comparison Table
| Phrase to Avoid | Why It Is Weak | Better Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| “I am writing to apply for the position of…” | Redundant and boring. The subject line already states this. | “With five years of project management experience, I was excited to see your opening for…” |
| “To whom it may concern” | Impersonal and outdated. Shows lack of effort. | “Dear [Hiring Manager Name]” or “Dear [Company Name] Team” |
| “I think I would be perfect for this role” | Presumptuous and unsupported. You need to prove it, not claim it. | “My background in [specific skill] aligns closely with the requirements in your job description.” |
| “I am the best candidate you will find” | Arrogant and off-putting. Let your experience speak. | “I have consistently delivered [specific result] in my previous roles.” |
| “I saw your ad and decided to apply” | Passive and unenthusiastic. It sounds like an afterthought. | “Your company’s recent work on [project] inspired me to submit my application.” |
Natural Examples of Weak vs. Strong Openings
Weak Opening Example
“I am writing to apply for the marketing coordinator position. I think I would be a good fit because I have some experience in social media.”
Why it fails: The first sentence is filler. The second sentence is vague and uses “I think,” which sounds uncertain.
Strong Opening Example
“Dear Ms. Chen, As a marketing professional with three years of experience managing Instagram campaigns that grew engagement by 40%, I was thrilled to see your opening for a Marketing Coordinator.”
Why it works: It is specific, confident, and immediately shows value. It also addresses the recipient by name.
Common Mistakes at the Start of a Resume Email
Mistake 1: Using a Generic Subject Line
A subject line like “Job Application” or “Resume” tells the recruiter nothing. Instead, include the job title and your name, such as “Application for Marketing Coordinator – Jane Doe.”
Mistake 2: Starting with “I” Too Much
Opening with “I am,” “I have,” or “I think” makes the email about you, not about what you can do for the company. Shift the focus to the employer’s needs.
Mistake 3: Being Too Casual
Phrases like “Hey there” or “Just wanted to send my resume” are too informal for most professional settings. Even in relaxed industries, start with a proper greeting.
Mistake 4: Forgetting to Mention the Job Title
If you do not state the position you are applying for early, the recruiter may have to search for it. This wastes their time and looks careless.
Better Alternatives for Common Weak Openers
Here are direct replacements for the phrases you should avoid:
- Instead of: “I am writing to apply…” Use: “I am excited to submit my application for [Job Title] because my experience in [Skill] matches your needs.”
- Instead of: “To whom it may concern” Use: “Dear Hiring Manager” or, even better, find the actual name on LinkedIn or the company website.
- Instead of: “I think I would be perfect” Use: “My track record of [specific achievement] demonstrates my ability to succeed in this role.”
When to Use a More Formal vs. Casual Opening
The tone of your opening should match the company culture and industry. Here is a simple guide:
- Formal (corporate, law, finance, government): Use “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]” and avoid contractions. Example: “Dear Ms. Patel, I am writing to express my strong interest in the Senior Analyst position.”
- Semi-formal (tech, marketing, education): Use “Dear [First Name]” if you know it, and you can use contractions sparingly. Example: “Dear Alex, I was excited to see the Product Manager role at your company.”
- Casual (startups, creative agencies): You can be warmer, but still professional. Example: “Hi Jordan, I have been following [Company]’s work and would love to contribute as your new Graphic Designer.”
Mini Practice: Test Your Resume Email Openings
Rewrite each weak opening below. Then check the answers to see how you did.
Question 1
Weak: “I am writing to apply for the job I saw online.”
Your rewrite: ________________________________________
Answer: “I am applying for the Software Engineer position because my experience in Python and cloud architecture aligns with your requirements.”
Question 2
Weak: “To whom it may concern, I think I would be a good fit.”
Your rewrite: ________________________________________
Answer: “Dear Hiring Manager, My background in customer success and data analysis makes me a strong candidate for the Account Manager role.”
Question 3
Weak: “Hey, I saw your ad and decided to send my resume.”
Your rewrite: ________________________________________
Answer: “Hi Sarah, I was excited to see the Content Writer opening at [Company]. My portfolio includes articles that have driven 50% more organic traffic.”
Question 4
Weak: “I am the best person for this job because I have a lot of experience.”
Your rewrite: ________________________________________
Answer: “With over seven years of experience in supply chain management, I have reduced costs by 20% in my previous role—a result I believe I can replicate at your company.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should I always include a subject line in my resume email?
Yes. A clear subject line is essential. It tells the recruiter what the email is about at a glance. Use a format like “Application for [Job Title] – [Your Full Name].”
2. Is it ever okay to start with “I am writing to apply”?
It is grammatically correct, but it is weak because it is obvious and adds no value. You have only a few seconds to impress, so use that space to highlight a key strength or your enthusiasm.
3. What if I cannot find the hiring manager’s name?
If you cannot find a name after checking LinkedIn and the company website, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or “Dear [Company Name] Team.” Avoid “To whom it may concern” because it sounds outdated.
4. Can I use a casual greeting like “Hi” in a resume email?
It depends on the industry. For startups and creative fields, “Hi [First Name]” is often acceptable. For traditional industries like banking or law, use “Dear [Last Name].” When in doubt, choose the more formal option.
Final Thoughts on Resume Email Openings
The start of your resume email is your handshake with the recruiter. Avoid weak, generic, or presumptuous phrases. Instead, open with a specific, confident, and respectful line that shows you understand the role and the company. By following the advice in this guide, you will make a strong first impression and increase your chances of getting an interview.
For more help with your job application communication, explore our other guides on Resume Email Message Starters and Resume Email Message Polite Requests. If you have questions, visit our FAQ page or contact us for support.
