Sending a cold email for a job can provide you with countless opportunities and connections. The most important part of a cold email is to have the correct information while finding a way to make yourself stand out from the other applicants. Pressing send on a cold email can bring stress and anxiety, but we have put together a list of ways to make sure you are drafting a strong cold email.
How to Master a Cold Email for a Job
What Are Cold Emails?
Cold emails are introductory emails that you send to a person you do not know to start a relationship, express your interest in a job, or create a networking opportunity. A cold email is used in the sales industry most of the time to introduce yourself or your company to a new potential client. But, sending out a cold email for a job can be used in many different ways. Maybe you are working on landing the position of your dreams, you want to use your network to be introduced to someone, say thank you after an interview, or let a recruiter know you applied for a position. Whatever the case may be, there are a few crucial details you should make sure to include.
What Should I Include in a Cold Email?
Writing a cold email instead of picking up the phone and making a cold call is typically the method of choice. It can be more effective because it respects the recipient’s time, allows you to ensure your message is well thought out and provides a more permanent record. Below is a list of a few things to consider when typing a cold email.
Find the Right Contact: If possible, do not send your cold email to an info@ email address. Search on LinkedIn, the company website, or ask your industry contacts to find an email address to a direct employee. Even if you can’t reach or find a decision maker’s address, you may be able to get in contact with someone who can guide you in the right direction.
Create a Compelling Subject: The subject line is the first thing your contact will read, and it needs to stand out from the hundreds of other unread messages they probably have in their inbox. Include the name of the position you are interested in or a few details about yourself. Adding your name into the subject line can also be another way to make the subject line stand out more.
Craft the Appropriate Greeting: Avoid “To Whom It May Concern” at all costs. A better choice is to stick with “Dear” followed by the person’s full name. If you cannot find the name of the person you are trying to get in contact with, a generic “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” will suffice.
Sell Your Request: The body of your email should be made up mostly of your qualifications. The body will be your space to show the company why you would love to work for them and why you believe you are the right person for the position. Instead of listing off accomplishments that can be found on your resume, give details about unique or exciting milestones you have achieved. Explain your career goals and why this specific company compels you over others.
Sign Off: End the message with a call to action, such as a request for more information, a phone call, or an interview. Don’t forget to thank the person for their time and add your contact information, so they know precisely how to reach you. After your body, end the email with “Sincerely” or “Thank you” and your name.
Should I Follow Up on a Cold Email for a Job?
In most cases, it will be unlikely to hear back immediately from the recipient after sending a cold email. Don’t think that you were rejected if you haven’t heard back. The person you are trying to contact could be extremely busy or accidentally looked past the email. If you have not heard from them in a week, reply to your original email with a short and sweet message. Succinctly ask if they had a chance to read over your email and if they have any additional questions. Take a tone that is helpful instead of demanding.
Sending a cold email for a job can give you a chance to elaborate on your resume and build your connections. It can be a nerve-wracking task, but it can pay off in the long run. There is no shame or harm in politely reaching out to a contact or hiring manager at a business you would love to work for in the future. A cold email could be the first step to landing your dream position or making a connection with an influential person in your industry. It shows that you are proactive, confident, and willing to go the extra mile to reach your goal.
