The art of cold emailing holds unwavering relevance even in today’s digitally nuanced era, where email remains the primary mode of business communication. Whether you’re a recent graduate embarking on your career journey or a seasoned professional looking for a change, mastering the art of sending cold emails for a job could be the key that unlocks the door to your dream job.
A well-crafted cold email (and a healthy dose of patience) can set you apart from the competition and open doors you never thought possible.
Let’s explore the art and science behind crafting a captivating cold email that not only grabs the attention of hiring managers but also sets you apart from the sea of candidates vying for the same role.
What a Cold Email For a Job Really is
Cold emails are introductory emails (reachout emails) that you send to someone you do not know in order to connect for business, networking purposes, or other business-related reasons. Needless to say, it is an invaluable tool in a job seeker’s arsenal.
Cold emails can also be used for a number of job-seeking purposes, such as:
- Reaching out to potential clients or businesses to express your availability and expertise for freelance or consulting work.
- Emailing hiring managers or recruiters to convey your availability, suitability, and qualifications for a specific job opportunity.
- Reaching out directly to decision-makers, such as department heads or executives, to express your interest and showcase your qualifications.
- Requesting a recommendation or referral for a job opportunity to enhance your chances of consideration.
- Expressing your interest in a company or position (or even an internship opportunity) and requesting an opportunity for a job interview.
- Demonstrating your enthusiasm and eagerness to be part of the organization in question.
The Benefits of Cold Emailing For a Job
Leveraging the power of a well-crafted cold email brings forth an array of compelling benefits that can set you apart and pave the way to your dream job.
Direct Access to Decision-Makers
Unlike traditional job applications, where your resume might get lost in a sea of submissions, cold emailing grants you direct access to key hiring decision-makers. You can potentially bypass HR gatekeepers and connect with hiring managers, department heads, or even company executives. This direct line of communication puts you on their radar, increases your visibility, and improves your chances of getting noticed or hired.
Personalized Approach to Job Searching
A cold email allows you to tailor your message specifically to the recipient. This helps demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of the company or industry. You get to showcase your dedication and commitment by researching and referencing relevant details.
Uncovering Hidden Job Opportunities
Many job openings are never advertised publicly and reside in what is commonly known as the “hidden job market.” By reaching out to companies or individuals directly, you get to tap into such hidden opportunities. Cold emailing thereby opens doors to opportunities that would otherwise remain unknown. This expands the scope of your job search.
Showcasing Your Value Proposition
Cold emailing allows you to present your skills, experiences, and achievements in a manner that highlights your unique value proposition. Unlike having to convey your value via a general-purpose resume, you have the freedom to craft a persuasive narrative that aligns your qualifications with the needs of the organization you seek to join.
Networking and Relationship Building
Cold emailing is not just about landing a job; it’s also a powerful networking tool. Even if an immediate job opportunity does not arise, your well-crafted email can initiate meaningful conversations and build relationships with industry professionals. These connections may lead to future opportunities, referrals, or valuable insights that can further advance your career.
Steps to Writing a Cold Email For a Job
Here is an outline of the steps typically entailing sending a cold email for a job. As you work your way through these steps, the most important thing is to remember that the content of your email is the most important aspect of cold emailing.
1: Research and Identify the Right Contact
Research the company and identify the relevant person to whom you should address your cold email. This could be the hiring manager, department head, or someone directly involved in the recruitment process. We’ll elaborate later on how to guess and acquire their email addresses.
2: Write a Subject Line That Captivates
Create a concise and attention-grabbing subject line that entices the recipient to open your email. Use keywords relevant to the job or industry to pique their curiosity.
3: Personalize the Introduction
Start your email with a personalized greeting that addresses the recipient by name. Mention a common connection, recent achievement, or an interesting fact about the company to establish a genuine connection.
4: State Your Purpose
Clearly and concisely state the purpose of your email. Express your interest in the company or a specific job opening and mention it as the reason you are reaching out. Highlight your skills, experiences, or relevant accomplishments briefly to show that you’re the perfect fit for it.
5: Showcase Your Value
Highlight the value you can bring to the organization. Focus on how your skills and experiences align with the company’s goals and needs. Use specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities and potential contributions.
6: Express Enthusiasm and Confidence
Convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity to work with the company. Express confidence in your ability to excel in the role and contribute to the organization’s success.
7: Request Next Steps
Politely ask for the next steps or an opportunity to discuss the potential fit further. Request a meeting, interview, or phone call to explore the possibility of joining their team.
8: Professional Closing
End the email with a professional closing, including your contact information and resume, if needed. If you’re seeking an interview opportunity, it’s a good practice to include your availability. Thank the recipient for their time and consideration.
9: Proofread and Edit
Review your email for grammatical or spelling errors. Ensure your email is concise, well-structured, and free of unnecessary jargon. You don’t want the first impression to falter because of basic typos or grammatical errors.
10: Follow-Up
If you don’t receive a response within a reasonable timeframe (usually around one week), consider sending a polite follow-up email to reiterate your interest and inquire about the status of your application – more on that later.
Personalization, brevity, and a clear value proposition are key to writing an effective cold email. Remember to KISS (Keep It Short And Simple). With careful crafting and persistence, your cold email could be the catalyst that opens doors to your desired job opportunity.
Getting The Recipients’ Email Address Right
Finding the email address of your intended recipient can be challenging. While having a verified and direct email address is always ideal, sometimes you may need to rely on educated guesses to increase your chances of success. Here’s how you can go about it.
Use Common Email Patterns
Many companies follow specific email patterns for their employees. These patterns typically consist of the person’s first name, last name, initials, or a patterned combination of the same. For example, if the person’s name is John Doe, common patterns could include jdoe@company.com or john.doe@company.com.
Check Company Website
Visit the company’s website and look for the “Contact” or “Team” page.
Sometimes, email addresses of key personnel or specific departments are listed there. Even if you don’t find the exact email you’re looking for, you might come across patterns that can guide your guesswork.
Utilize Email Finder Tools
Various online tools can assist in finding or verifying email addresses. These tools may provide suggestions based on the name and domain of the company. While they’re not flawless, they can provide additional insights and increase the likelihood of guessing the correct email format.
Leverage Social Media
Check the professional profiles of the person you’re trying to reach on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter. Sometimes, individuals include their email addresses in their bios or contact information.
Additionally, connections or acquaintances may be able to provide you with the correct email address or offer guidance.
Subject Line For Cold Email Job
The importance of a persuasive cold email job application subject line cannot be overemphasized. The email subject line is the first impression you make. It determines whether your email gets opened or lost in a sea of unread messages. Crafting an attention-grabbing subject line is crucial to increase the chances of your email being noticed and read. Here are some tips on cold email subject lines for job applications.
Be Clear and Specific
Clearly communicate the purpose of your email in a concise manner. Use keywords related to the job or industry to make it immediately relevant and compelling.
Example: “Marketing Professional With 10 Years of Experience Seeking [Job Title] Opportunity.” This conveys your intent clearly.
Personalize When Possible
If you have a relevant connection or referral, include their name or reference in the subject line. This personal touch can pique the recipient’s curiosity and make them more likely to open your email.
Example: “Referred by [Mutual Contact]: Passionate Software Engineer with Expertise in AI.“
Highlight Your Unique Selling Point
Let the subject line showcase a specific skill, achievement, or value proposition that sets you apart from other candidates. This can capture the recipient’s attention and make them curious to learn more.
Example: “Award-Winning Sales Professional Driving Record-Breaking Revenue Growth.“
Keep it Concise and Engaging
Subject lines that are too long or vague can be easily overlooked. Aim for a length that is easily scannable and compelling. Experiment with action-oriented verbs, impactful adjectives, or intriguing phrases to make your subject line stand out.
Subject-Line Templates/Examples For Job Search Cold Emails
Here are some templates to draw inspiration from when determining the perfect subject line for your cold email to land the ideal job opportunity.
Exploring Freelance Opportunities
- Seeking Freelance Opportunities in [Industry/Field]
- Experienced [Job Title] Available for Freelance Projects
- Freelance [Job Title] Seeking Exciting Projects
- Collaboration Opportunity: Freelance [Job Title] for Hire
- Skilled [Job Title] Open to Freelance Assignments
Making Recommendation Requests
- Request for Recommendation: [Your Name]
- Seeking Recommendation for [Job Title/Position]
- Recommendation Inquiry: [Your Name]
- Assistance Needed: Recommendation for [Job/Position]
- Referral Request: [Your Name] for [Job/Position]
Requesting Informational Interview
- Inquiry: Request for Informational Interview
- Seeking Insights and Guidance: Informational Interview Request
- Exploring Career Paths: Request for Informational Interview
Applying Directly
- Enthusiastic [Job Title] Candidate: Application for [Company/Position]
- Application: Experienced [Job Title] Interested in [Company/Position]
- Passionate About [Industry/Field]: Application for [Company/Position]
- Excited to Join [Company]: Application for [Job Title/Position]
Tips and Best Practices For Sending the Perfect Cold Email For a Job
Timing Your Cold Email For a Job
Timing plays a crucial role in the success of your cold email outreach. While there is no universal “perfect” time that guarantees a response, understanding general patterns and optimizing your email delivery can significantly increase your chances of engagement.
Here are some tips regarding timing your cold email.
- Midweek (Tuesday to Thursday) is often considered optimal for cold email outreach. Why? Mondays can be busy as people catch up with tasks from the weekend, while Fridays are often filled with end-of-week priorities or planning for the upcoming weekend.
- Aim to send your cold emails during the late morning or early afternoon. By then, people would have typically settled into their work routine and finished going through their morning influx of emails. They may therefore have more time to dedicate to new messages. Avoid sending them late at night.
- During holidays, vacations, or festive seasons, professionals may be away or unavailable. As such, it’s best to avoid sending cold emails during these periods when the likelihood of a response may be lower.
- Research and consider industry-specific trends to plan your email timing accordingly. For example, the retail industry may be busy during the holidays, while certain sectors may experience higher activity during specific months or quarters.
When to Send Follow-Ups to Your Job-Related Cold Email
Follow-up emails are an essential part of your cold email strategy, allowing you to maintain contact, express continued interest, and increase the chances of a response. However, finding the right balance between persistence and respect for the recipient’s time is essential.
Adheres to these tips:
- After sending your initial cold email, give the recipient a few days to process and respond. Waiting for 3-5 business days strikes a balance between being proactive and allowing ample time for the recipient to consider your message.
- If you haven’t received a response after the initial follow-up, you can send another follow-up email after 1-2 weeks.
- In sending beyond 2-3 follow-up emails, the risk of appearing spammy or intrusive increases. Space out your follow-ups strategically and don’t send too many. Doing this could ruin your chances for getting a position at that company in the future.
- Throughout your follow-up emails, maintain a respectful and professional tone. Avoid sounding pushy, desperate, or impatient.
- Instead of simply reiterating your previous emails, make each follow-up valuable. Share additional information about you that might pique the recipient’s interest.
- Know when to stop. If you have sent multiple follow-ups without receiving a response, it may indicate that the recipient is uninterested or unable to respond. You could begin emailing another concerned person in the organization.
Organizing and Scaling Your Cold Email Outreach
With the average open rate of cold emails being between 19- 26%, expect the figure to be even lower with regard to cold emailing for a job. You can expect about 5 people to respond for every 100 emails you’d send.
As such, the importance of being organized with regard to your cold email outreach cannot be overemphasized. To this end, spreadsheets are the way to go.
- Create columns in your spreadsheet sheet to track essential details such as the recipient’s name, email address, company, date of contact, email content, and response status.
- Consider including columns for follow-up dates, notes on the status of each application, interview requests, and any other relevant information you want to track.
- Update the sheet with responses as they come in.
- Schedule follow-up dates for each cold email. Keep track of when you should send follow-up messages to ensure timely and well-timed communication.
- Use the data from your spreadsheet to refine your cold email strategy. Identify patterns or trends that yield better results and adjust your messaging, and personalization techniques.
Identifying the Right Person to Reach Out to
Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn can be a valuable resource for finding the right person to contact when sending a cold email for job search purposes.
The platform provides information about a company’s employees, including their roles, titles, and connections. This can help you identify individuals who are relevant to your job search.
If the company has recently posted a job opening that aligns with your interests, review the job posting to see if it mentions the hiring manager or the contact person for applications.
Aside from sending cold emails, you may even message the concerned persons directly via LinkedIn.
Dos and Don’ts While Sending Cold Emails For Job Search
Do | Don’t |
Tailor each email to the recipient, highlighting relevant skills and demonstrating your knowledge of the company and position. Use LinkedIn and company websites to find the right person to contact and gather information about the company. Keep your email concise, focusing on your value proposition and why you’re a good fit for the job. Craft a subject line that grabs attention and entices the recipient to open your email. Send follow-up emails after a reasonable time to demonstrate your interest and keep yourself on the recipient’s radar. Ensure your email is free from grammatical errors and typos. | Send generic, impersonal emails that don’t address the recipient’s specific needs or requirements. Be pushy or demanding. Maintain a professional and respectful tone throughout your email. Oversell or exaggerate: Be truthful and genuine in your representation of your skills and qualifications. Don’t overlook the importance of tracking: Keep track of your email outreach, responses, and follow-ups. |
Templates: Cold Email For a Job
Here are some cold email template for job searches that you can readily use:
Template 1: Cold Email for Job Inquiry
Subject: Passionate [Job Title] Seeking Opportunities at [Company Name] Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am reaching out to express my strong interest in joining [Company Name] as a [Job Title]. With [X] years of experience in [relevant field], I have developed a deep understanding of [specific skills or expertise]. I am confident that my skills in [mention specific skills, qualifications, or achievements] make me a strong fit for [Company Name]. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name]’s success and collaborate with the talented team. I have attached my resume for your review. It highlights my accomplishments. I would greatly appreciate the chance to discuss potential opportunities further and learn more about [Company Name]’s goals and vision. Please let me know if there is a convenient time for a call or if you prefer to arrange an in-person meeting. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of working together and contributing to [Company Name]’s continued success. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information] |
Template 2: Cold Email for Referral Request
Subject: Seeking Referral for [Job Title] Position at [Company Name] Dear [Referrer’s Name], I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name].I am currently exploring new opportunities in the field of [Job Title], and after conducting thorough research, I am particularly interested in joining [Company Name]. Given your firsthand experience with the company and industry, I would greatly appreciate your insights and potentially a referral. I have [X] years of experience in [relevant field] and a proven track record in [mention specific achievements or skills]. I am confident that my expertise and passion for [industry or field] would make a valuable contribution to [Company Name]’s team. If you would be willing to spare a few moments for a brief call or meeting, I would be grateful for the opportunity to learn more about your experience at [Company Name] and seek your advice on potential openings or the application process. Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. Warm regards, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information] |
Template 3: Cold Email for Follow-Up on Job Application
Subject: Following Up on [Job Title] Application Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name], I hope this email finds you well. I recently applied for the [Job Title] position at [Company Name], and wanted to follow up on my application. I remain enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute my skills and experience to the team at [Company Name]. Since submitting my application, I have continued to deepen my knowledge in [specific area related to the role] and further develop my expertise in [mention relevant skills or qualifications]. I wanted to take this opportunity to express my strong interest once again and inquire about the current status of the hiring process. Please let me know if there are any updates or if there is any additional information I can provide to support my application. I am available for a call or an in-person meeting at your convenience.T hank you for considering my application, and I appreciate your time and attention. Best regards, [Your Name] [Your Contact Information] |
Takeaways
With regard to cold emailing for a job, remember to
- Tailor your cold emails to the recipient. Highlight your relevant skills and demonstrate your knowledge of the company and position.
- Research and identify the right contact. Use LinkedIn and company websites to find the appropriate person to contact, such as hiring managers or decision-makers in the relevant department.
- Craft a compelling subject line. The subject line should be concise, engaging, and relevant to grab the recipient’s attention.
- Clearly communicate your purpose in the email, whether expressing interest in a specific position, requesting a referral, or seeking an interview opportunity.
- Follow up appropriately and professionally to demonstrate your continued interest and enthusiasm. Personalize your follow-up emails and keep track of the responses.
- Use spreadsheets to maintain a record of your cold email outreach, including contact details, response status, and follow-up dates.
- Continuously analyze your cold email strategy, response rates, and interview requests to identify areas for improvement and refine your messaging and targeting.
With the right approach, personalization, and organization, cold email outreach can be valuable in unlocking exciting job opportunities and connecting with the right people.