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What Does 'Re:' Mean in a Cover Letter?

By Arun L. Chittur ·

In a cover letter, "Re:" is an abbreviation of the word "regarding" and is used in the subject line to indicate the purpose of your letter, typically the specific job title or reference number you are applying for.

This small notation can make a big difference in how your application is perceived. It immediately tells the hiring manager what position you're interested in, which is especially helpful in large companies that receive hundreds of applications for multiple roles. Using "Re:" correctly shows attention to detail and professionalism, while misusing it can create confusion or make your letter look sloppy.

What Does "Re:" Stand For?

"Re:" is an abbreviation of the word "regarding." In formal correspondence, it has long been used to mean "in the matter of" or "regarding." When you write "Re: Application for Marketing Coordinator," you are essentially saying, "This letter is regarding the Marketing Coordinator position."

It's important to note that "Re:" in a cover letter is not the same as "Re:" in an email. In email, "Re:" is automatically added by the email client when you reply to a message, indicating that the email is a response. In a cover letter, however, "Re:" is a deliberate subject line that you add yourself to clarify the topic of your letter.

How to Use "Re:" in a Cover Letter

Using "Re:" in a cover letter is straightforward, but there are a few conventions to follow:

Here is an example of how it might look in a cover letter:

Your Name
Your Address
City, State ZIP
Email
Phone Number

Date

Hiring Manager's Name
Company Name
Company Address
City, State ZIP

Re: Application for Marketing Coordinator Position

Dear Hiring Manager,

[Body of letter]

If you don't know the hiring manager's name, you can use a generic salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager" or "To Whom It May Concern," but still include the "Re:" line to specify the position.

Why Use "Re:" in a Cover Letter?

Including a "Re:" line offers several benefits:

According to career experts, a cover letter should be tailored to each job and clearly state the position you're applying for. The "Re:" line is a concise way to do that right at the top of the letter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While "Re:" is simple, there are some pitfalls to watch out for:

Alternatives to "Re:"

If you prefer not to use "Re:", you can simply write the subject line without the abbreviation. For example:

Subject: Application for Marketing Coordinator Position

This is equally clear and may be more modern. Some companies may have specific instructions on how to format your cover letter, so always follow their guidelines if provided.

Examples of "Re:" in Cover Letters

Here are a few examples of effective "Re:" lines:

Including a referral name can be a great way to catch the reader's attention, but make sure you have permission from the person who referred you.

Conclusion

Using "Re:" in a cover letter is a small but powerful way to make your application stand out. It shows that you are detail-oriented and understand professional communication norms. By clearly stating the purpose of your letter, you help the hiring manager quickly see your intent and move your application forward. So next time you write a cover letter, consider adding a "Re:" line to make a strong first impression. You can also explore Cover Letter vs Letter of Intent: Key Differences for a closer comparison.

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