How do you write a cold email for a job?

The most common way of getting a new job is through an advertisement in your local newspaper or via a company's website. But what happens when they don't have any ads up at all? Or, even worse, no one has responded after several weeks? When this situation arises, we turn to other ways of finding work.

Cold-emailing can be intimidating because many people think it's a super creepy thing to do. It isn't though -- as long as you're being professional! The key here is to make sure you are writing a good cold email to get into consideration for the position, not coming across as desperate or pushy. If you've never done it before, then read our guide to cold-emailing. Below, we'll walk you through some examples from real life applications.

If you want to know more tips on cold-emailing, check out these articles below:

How do I cold email someone professionally?

How to Cold Email Someone About Your Skills (And What To Say)

How to Write A Good Subject Line For An Unadvertised Job Posting

Should You Attach Resume To A LinkedIn Message?

How Do You Ask For Interview During Phone Call?

How To Cold Email For Job Application Sample - 1

How To Cold Email For Job Application Sample - 2

How To Cold Email For Job Application Sample - 3

1. How do you professionally email someone about a job?

Let me start with a story...

I had applied for a software developer role with a small business where I knew the owner quite well. He was looking for another person to help him build his marketing automation system. We met once over coffee and he asked if I would consider applying for the open position. After discussing my experience, skillset, etc., he told me to apply online.

2 days later, I received an automated reply saying I didn't qualify due to "not matching requirements." This wasn't exactly true but I figured I'd take advantage of the fact that I already had a relationship with them and try again. So, I emailed back asking why. They replied almost immediately and said they were sorry but I wouldn't fit their needs.

3 hours later, I got a follow-up message stating they liked my interest so much they wanted to meet face-to-face to discuss further.

So, what did I learn from this scenario? Well, first off, I learned that having a personal connection with someone doesn't guarantee success. Secondly, I realized that you shouldn't rely on automated systems too much since sometimes they might miss the mark. And lastly, that you always should try to keep in touch with companies who aren't advertising jobs. Just like we suggested above, it could save you a lot of time and energy down the road.

Now let's look at some actual examples of how to write a professional cold email for a job opening with a potential employer.

How do you politely request to join a team?

It's important to remember that every company wants to fill positions quickly so don't waste anyone's time. In order to avoid doing so, you really need to focus on making each sentence count. The following are two different approaches to requesting to join a team.

First approach:

Hi [name],

Thank you so much for considering me for [position]. Unfortunately, based on my background, I'm unable to match your specific qualifications. However, I am interested in learning more about your organization and its mission. Could I please connect with you regarding opportunities within your company? My contact information is listed below. Thank you very much.

Second approach:

Hello Mr/Ms [Name]

As discussed during our meeting yesterday afternoon, I believe I possess the requisite skill set needed to contribute to your organization. Given my familiarity with the industry and recent successes, I feel confident that I would excel in this environment. Would you mind sharing additional details about the project or tasks I should expect upon joining the team? Additionally, I would love to hear more about your company culture. Please reach out whenever you have a moment.

Both versions show professionalism and demonstrate that you understand the importance of building relationships with current employees. These types of messages will help you stand apart.

How do you tell a recruiter you want to interview?

You may find yourself needing to send a recruitment agency a cold email to see if you can schedule an appointment for an interview. Before you begin, you must prepare.

Here are three things you absolutely must include in the body of your email:

A clear description of why you are contacting the recruiter

Your availability dates

An explanation of why you are qualified for the position

Include relevant links to previous projects you worked on

Don't forget to add a nice signature that shows your personality and enthusiasm for the position.

Below is an example of how to address a recruiter using this format.

Dear Ms. Recruiter,

My name is [your name] and I am currently searching for a new position. I recently completed a project similar to the one described below which demonstrates my ability to create quality solutions for clients using Microsoft technologies.

Regards,

[Your Name]

Example #4: How to call to ask if hiring?

When you call to ask whether or not you’ve been offered a spot on the team, be prepared to answer questions such as “Why are you leaving your current position?” and “Doesn’t your current manager support you?” Be ready to talk about your accomplishments and experiences. And while you’re at it, mention something positive about the company. Here’s an example:

"I noticed that you mentioned wanting to hire a Java Developer. As a Senior Software Engineer myself, I thought I'd share some insights on how I landed the gig. First, I knew it was going to come down to a technical interview process. I researched the company beforehand and found that they use Atlassian products. That meant that I had to master Jira and Confluence. I also took part in a pair programming session. I used Google Drive to collaborate with others, and I made presentations using Powerpoint. While I was researching those tools, I came across this blog post on StackOverflow, which explained how to install Confluence plugins. That helped me figure out how to navigate Jira better. Finally, I created a presentation using PowerPoint. All of that preparation gave me confidence throughout the interview process."

You’ve got your CV and cover letter together and polished off any other documents you can think of. You've also sent them all to LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit...you're pretty sure they are all up-to-date with your latest updates (and maybe even some old ones). But now what?

Should you start applying for jobs via online applications like Monster or Indeed? Or should you pick up the phone and call someone at the company directly? Perhaps you could try both options - but if you're not too keen on either one, then why not give cold emailing a go instead?

Cold email is exactly as the name suggests – where rather than writing an entire ‘letter’ about yourself, you simply drop into the conversation without being overly formal, asking questions about the position you’re after and making an attempt to connect before moving onto something more personal. It’s a great way to build rapport with potential employers and show you’re interested in their role, which will hopefully result in you getting through to the next stage.

It's important to note though that this isn't always going to be successful. If you’re applying for a sales job, and you don’t have experience working within the industry, then it may seem odd to ask a question such as “what would make me stand out from my competitors?” However, if you want to get noticed, it probably is best to take advantage of every opportunity available to you.  One thing we know for certain is that most companies love to see applicants who have tried to apply themselves while trying to land work elsewhere, so it might be worth giving it a shot!

Here’s everything you need to know about cold emailing and how to use it effectively to get those crucial first steps towards securing a new career.

How do you write a professional cold email?

So, you’ve decided to fire off a couple of cold emails – and you’re wondering whether these should include a short introduction explaining why you’d like to join the company. The answer here is yes. Your opening lines shouldn’t come across as spammy or desperate – just explain briefly why you’d enjoy joining the team and let them know why you feel you would fit into their business.

Don’t assume anything about your target employer – it’s better to keep things simple and clear, as the person reading your message has no idea about your skillset. In fact, it’s likely that they won’t read beyond the opening paragraph anyway, so don’t worry if it feels a bit empty at the moment!

How do I send cold email to HR?

Once you’ve written your introductory paragraph, it’s time to move onto the meatier part of the email itself. This is where you’ll need to address the key points relating to your previous employment history, education and qualifications, and ideally some examples of relevant work experiences you’ve had in the past. For example, “I have worked extensively on projects related to X, Y and Z,” or “My university course focused heavily on topic A, B and C,” etc.

The aim here is to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job and your ability to add value to the company, and to convince the person receiving your message that you are indeed the perfect candidate for the role. Remember to tailor each part of your email accordingly to ensure that it sounds natural and genuine, and doesn’t sound like it was copied straight from a template.

Be careful not to overdo it though – it’s very easy to sound desperate if you don’t leave enough space between paragraphs to allow the reader to breathe. For example, using bullet point lists can help break up long blocks of text. And remember that you don’t necessarily need to mention all of your achievements and accomplishments – depending on the size of the company, it may suffice to list only highlights.

What should I say in an email to HR?

After addressing the main areas of interest mentioned above, it’s time to focus on the specific details of the job itself. Again, keep things brief and concise – the interviewer will read far less than you expect! Instead, spend your efforts focusing on highlighting aspects of the role you find appealing.

If you were previously employed in another department at the company, highlight this. If you have specialist knowledge of technology, talk about it! Any additional information you can provide will be taken positively, especially if it shows you understand the challenges faced by the organisation. Remember to avoid sounding boastful though – it’s fine to discuss your strengths, but don’t exaggerate unless you’re confident in doing so.

Finally, it’s important to remain polite throughout your correspondence. After all, the whole purpose of cold emailing is to get a response, so don’t forget to end your messages on a positive note. Be friendly and courteous, and remember to thank the person taking the time to respond to your request.

How do you send an email to HR seeking a job?

While cold emailing is often used when applying for positions advertised openly on websites like LinkedIn, it can actually be quite useful when hunting down secretarial roles. Many organisations prefer candidates who have already been preselected by recruiters, so having a good relationship with headhunters can prove invaluable when approaching unknown vacancies.

However, bear in mind that many large businesses tend to run their recruitment processes internally, meaning it’s unlikely they will receive unsolicited applications from external sources. So, if you’re hoping to secure an internal role, it may be necessary to approach your current boss or manager and suggest they pass on your CV to the relevant human resources representative.

In addition, don’t rule out contacting former colleagues or contacts who know your network well. Sometimes, this kind of informal contact can lead to opportunities that wouldn’t otherwise arise.

As soon as you hear back from a prospective employer, follow up with a quick email thanking them for their time and confirming your availability for interviews/interviews. Don’t wait around until you hear back from them again – once you’ve made your pitch, it’s important to move forward swiftly and begin preparations for your interview.

How do you cold email for an unadvertised job?

Unadvertised jobs aren’t typically open to public applications – however, you can still consider sending a cold email to the hiring manager if you’re able to offer something extra. While it’s unlikely you’ll get a reply, it never hurts to ask.

For example, if you’re currently studying computer science and have worked with databases, you could propose adding a section to your CV detailing your involvement with the school’s database club. Alternatively, perhaps you’re looking for a change of scenery following graduation, and would welcome the chance to work remotely for a period of time whilst you look for permanent employment. Whatever the case, it’s possible that you can gain valuable insights into the day-to-day operations of the organization, which could prove beneficial during future meetings with members of staff.

Remember though, the ultimate goal of cold emailing is to secure a face-to-face meeting with the decision maker, so don’t waste your energy chasing a non-existent dream. Focus your attention on the tasks required to prepare for the meeting, and make sure you appear eager to learn more about the company.

What should you attach to your cold email?

When sending cold emails, you don’t need to attach files to accompany your email. As long as you include links to your CV and covering letters when applicable, the recipient will be able to view them easily enough. Of course, if you’re asked to supply further documentation, you can attach it alongside your original submission.

Keep in mind though that attaching a document containing sensitive data such as passwords, bank statements and social security numbers could cause problems later on, so you’ll want to tread carefully. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to stick to plain English language and avoid jargon altogether.

MailChimp, LeMaitlist, Jobster, Recruiterbox, Resumator, RocketJob and TopTal are among the most popular services offering cold email templates. These sites enable users to save drafts and track progress. They also feature built-in tools for tracking responses, and providing reminders and alerts regarding upcoming deadlines.

This material is designed for educational and informative purposes only and is not intended to be health or medical advice. If you have any questions about a medical condition or your health goals, always see a physician or other trained health expert.

If you’re in your 20s and looking for a new job, chances are you have to send some cold emails if you want to get hired. The good news is – with the help of these tips, you can make those emails look professional enough for any employer to read them! 

Cold emails (or “cold calls”) are messages sent via email without any prior relationship or introduction between the sender and receiver. They usually come from someone who has never met the person they are contacting before, so employers often prefer this method because they don't feel like they're being sold to. In fact, many companies will ask recruiters to only use cold emails as part of their strategy.

While most cold emails go unanswered, here's everything you need to know about writing an effective one. We'll also show you which ones to avoid at all costs.

Should I email a company directly about a job?

It depends on what kind of opportunity you’re pursuing. If you already work somewhere but are applying for a different position within the same organization, then direct communication may be acceptable. But keep in mind that this could backfire since the HR department might not approve of you reaching out to the current employee.

However, if you’re going after a completely separate role within another company (e.g., sales assistant vs. marketing director), then you should definitely try to set up a meeting first. This way, both parties understand each other better and it makes it easier to sell yourself once you start pitching ideas.

Is it okay to email about a job?

The answer is no! It doesn’t matter whether you are applying for a full-time or contract role, always follow the rule of thumb that no one cares more than you do. That means you shouldn’t waste anyone else’s time. And remember, even though it’s tempting to reach out to everyone you’ve ever worked with, doing so isn’t very productive either.

If you’re still unsure whether something is appropriate, check out our post on etiquette rules for job applications. You can find tons of resources online too, including articles, videos, podcasts, courses, etc. Here are just a couple examples:

There’s nothing wrong with reaching out to past coworkers or managers for advice. Just don’t assume that every single person you’ve ever had a conversation with knows anything about your career goals. Even if you were friends with someone years ago, he/she probably wouldn’t recognize your name now.

Don’t worry - we won't judge you if you decide to contact them anyway! There's a chance they might become helpful down the road.

Also, don’t apply for jobs while working at an existing company unless you are asked to. Doing so puts you in a bad spot legally. Some organizations frown upon employees seeking employment elsewhere during their tenure. Not to mention that it’ll raise red flags with potential future bosses.

Lastly, it’s best to wait until after you’ve been offered a position before approaching your former boss. While you might think that you’d be able to talk him into letting you stay on board, that would be considered unethical behavior. Your previous manager likely wants to stay focused on his own job search. Plus, if you leave early, you won’t be around long enough to learn much of value. So save your energy for when you actually land the gig instead of wasting it trying to convince someone you used to work with to let you stick around longer.

Can you email a company asking for a job?

Yes, absolutely! Asking for a job through LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or anywhere where you share information about yourself is totally fair game. Remember, you aren’t selling yourself. Instead, you’re simply sharing information about your skills and experience so a company can vet you further.

Some companies actively encourage candidates to message them directly, especially if they’re interested in hiring from outside the office. For example, Google encourages applicants to connect with recruiters over social media sites such as Twitter, LinkedIn, and Google+.

So, if you see an open position posted on a site like Glassdoor, a popular review website, or on Indeed, take advantage of this free avenue to network with prospective employers. After all, it’s easy enough to say yes to an interview request without having to spend hours crafting a formal cover letter.

Is it OK to contact hiring manager directly?

As mentioned above, it depends on the situation. Many companies allow candidates to approach hiring managers directly. However, it’s important to note that some positions require permission from higher ups in order to speak with certain individuals.

For instance, if you’re applying for a managerial position (i.e., VP level) at a large corporation, you must submit your resume to human resources along with a written explanation why you believe you deserve to be interviewed. Once the decision makers receive this documentation, they will forward it to the relevant personnel.

Additionally, some companies allow candidates to ask questions related to an opening by filling out a form on their website. These forms typically provide instructions on how to fill it out and include a link to the official posting. Check with your local company representative to confirm whether or not you can contact a hiring manager directly.

What to Avoid When Writing Cold Emails

Before you dive headfirst into writing that perfect cold email, consider these common mistakes that can turn off employers and damage your credibility.

Don’t Be Pushy: No one likes pushiness. Don’t expect a response immediately. People generally respond to emails based on the timing and content, not necessarily the urgency of your inquiry. A simple thanks in advance goes miles compared to a "please call me today" type of message.

Avoid Being Too Promotional: Recruiters love to see originality in resumes, but it’s important to maintain professionalism throughout your correspondence. Keep things short and sweet and focus mainly on your accomplishments rather than your qualifications. Also, don’t forget to tell a story! It shows you care about the role and helps convey that you’re a valuable asset.

Try To Make Yourself Stand Out From Other Applicants: Companies hire specific types of talent for specific roles. Therefore, you shouldn’t bother making yourself stand out from the crowd -- it’s unlikely to happen. Focus on highlighting your unique characteristics and experiences instead.

Be Sure To Follow Up: Always end your initial email with a clear statement of interest followed by a brief summary of your background. Then, add a quick sentence thanking the recipient for taking the time to read your message.

Remember: Emailing a company isn’t a substitute for a proper job application. Still, it can serve as a great supplement to the traditional process. With the right attitude and attention to detail, you’ll soon discover that cold emails are easier than you thought possible!