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Have you been thinking about reaching out to your dream company, but not sure what to say? Well, good news! You’ve come to the right spot to learn how to write a cold email for a job (9 templates are included).
As a Career Coach, I strongly believe in creating opportunities by asking for them.
As a job seeker, your goal is to stand out from your competition. The easiest way to do this is by reaching out, introducing yourself, and asking for an opportunity. The perfect way to achieve this is by using my cold email template for job.
During my career, I experimented with over 50 templates. Over the years, I got better at crafting the right introductions and phrases to get responses. Now as a Career Coach, I teach my clients how to structure their cold email template for jobs.
In this article, I’ve included 9 cold email templates that have worked time and time again.
Whenever I suggest that job seekers adopt cold emailing for a job, they are often hesitant. There are often feelings of nervousness and fear. If you want to find a job quickly or work for your dream company, you have to get comfortable with putting yourself out there.
I also want to emphasize that this is a process that will take time, so make sure to set reasonable goals and expectations. The last thing I want you to do is to suffer from job search anxiety. If this is something that you’ve dealt with in the past, make sure to check out my article on tips to prevent job search anxiety.
Below are 7 common questions I get about cold emailing.
Should I cold email a company for a job?
I hear this question often and my answer is always, “why wouldn’t you?” There is no written rule that prohibits you from reaching out to a company and introducing yourself. Often, job vacancies don’t make it to the public posting stage because hiring managers like to hire people they know or refer. When you make the first move, you have a higher chance of being at the top of the hiring manager’s mind when there is an opening.
Also, if you are in the process of deciding whether or not to find a job in another state, you may want to check out my article filled with tips on how to find a job out of state.
Who should I cold email for a job?
Conducting research before sending a cold email for a job is an important part of the process. Gathering the courage to send a cold email for a job opportunity and then send it to the wrong person is a waste of time and effort.
Take time to think about which department you would be the biggest asset to. Find that department’s manager. You can use the company’s website or LinkedIn Search function for this. If all else fails, you can email the HR Representative and request to be introduced to the department hiring manager. Is this bold? Yes, but boldness creates opportunities.
Should I attach my resume to a cold email?
It depends. I’ve tried both methods (attaching a resume and not attaching the resume). Both have worked for me. Attaching your resume won’t hurt because it gets straight to the point and helps entice the employer to start a conversation with you. Not attaching it opens the door for you to see their interest level and confirm receipt of your original email. The bottom line is, it’s your preference on the method you choose and I’ve included cold email template for job for each scenario.
How should I approach sending an email?
Your goal is to showcase confidence, competence, and knowledge when putting together a cold email for job. Being brief and providing just enough information to intrigue the hiring manager is key to sending a cold email to a company for a job opportunity. Remember, you’re not expecting to get a job right away, you just want to get noticed and remembered!
How do you write a cold letter for a job?
Back in the day (the 90s and early 2000s), many coaches recommend sending a fancy handwritten note by postal mail. Another recommendation was to send a perfectly formatted typed letter and resume on heavy-weight “resume paper.” Those days are gone. With remote work on the rise and the need for convenience, I highly recommend sticking to email.
What’s an example of a good subject line?
When it comes to a cold email subject line, different headlines attract different people. I always recommend doing research to learn the “company language.” You can use some of their common phrases to get their attention in a headline.
I suggest staying away from the following subject lines:
- “Job Opportunity Inquiry”
- “Open position inquiry”
- “Jobseeker looking to join your company”
Trust me, I experimented with these during my career, and they rarely worked. Instead, try using headlines such as.
- “I was referred to you”
- “Setting up meeting time”
- “When is a good time to chat?”
- “Following up”
- “Networking Request”
Your goal is to quickly grab their attention with an uncommon subject line. The more unique your subject line, the higher chance you have of them opening the email.
How do you write a cold email for an interview?
The goal of sending a cold email for job is to increase your chances of landing an interview or meeting with the hiring manager. The cold email templates for a job included below will give you everything you need to land a job interview.
How do you cold email for a job that doesn’t exist?
This is the point of sending a cold email. You have to manage your expectations. You shouldn’t expect to be hired within the next week (if you are that’s fantastic). Your goal is to network and become a top candidate in their mind before even posting the position. You want to have an “in” and have allies who are excited to work with you!
The 9 Best Cold Email Examples
Below are 9 tested cold email templates that I created and used to start conversations with employers over the years. Use the one that suits your personality and comfort level the best.
Good morning Mr./Ms. Last Name,
I’m reaching out to express interest in being considered for employment opportunities with your organization. I’ve followed your organization over the past few years and admire your efforts and impact on the people you serve. If you have any current openings, I would love to pass along my resume.
Thank you for your time!
Good morning Mr./Ms. Last Name,
I’m writing to inquire about employment opportunities with your agency. After spending most of my professional career developing my expertise in (NAME SKILL) as well as (NAME ADDITIONAL SKILL) I’m looking to make a career shift that showcases my natural abilities in the field of (INDUSTRY).
I would appreciate strong consideration for any openings that you may have now or in the future. The majority of my previous positions have allowed me to explore many aspects (list 3 skills that you know the company needs).
If you’re interested, I would love to forward my resume to you for consideration.
Thank you for your time,
Good morning Mr./Ms. Last Name,
I’m reaching out to inquire about any current or future career opportunities that I may be a good fit for with your company. I’m a long time admirer of your organization’s mission, efforts and impact and would absolutely love to contribute my skills and talents to your team.
I specialize in (NAME SKILLS) and (NAME ADDITIONAL SKILL). (Share an incredible goal or milestone you’ve reached at work). I’ve also (share another incredible accomplishment).
I would love the opportunity to discuss my skills and passion for your organization’s mission and see how we could work together to make magic.
I can be reached at (Your phone number and email).
Have a fantastic day!
Good morning Mr./Ms. Last Name,
Bravo on your recent (name an initiative or accomplishment that the company just completed). I’m reaching out to inquire about any current or future career opportunities that I may be a good fit for.
I specialize in (name your area of expertise). In the last 90 days, I (follow up with major accomplishment). I’d love to do the same for your company.
I have attached my resume to this e-mail for your review. I would love the opportunity to discuss my skills and passion for your organization’s mission and see how we could work together.
Thank you for taking time to learn more about me.
Have a fantastic day!
Good morning Mr./Ms. Last Name,
Bravo on your recent (name an initiative or accomplishment that the company just completed). I’m reaching out to inquire about any current or future career opportunities that I may be a good fit for.
I specialize in (name your area of expertise). In the last 90 days, I (follow up with major accomplishment). I’d love to do the same for your company.
I have attached my resume to this e-mail for your review. I would love the opportunity to discuss my skills and passion for your organization’s mission and see how we could work together.
Thank you for taking time to learn more about me.
Have a fantastic day!
Good morning Mr./Ms. Last Name,
I’m reaching out to inquire about any remote employment opportunities that may be available. I’m very excited to have finally found an association that I can picture myself building a rewarding and fulfilling career while contributing to the success of the organization’s goals! Professionally, I have a combined (#) years of experience in the areas of (list areas of expertise). My educational background is diverse, majoring in (list your majors if applicable).
I thrive and excel in positions that allow me to use my (name skills) in (type of work). I love working with (name an initiative related to the company’s goal).
Time and time again, I’ve been able to (name an impressive accomplishment). I’d love to contribute the same successes to your team.
I am hopeful for the opportunity to meet with you and discuss any opportunities available in greater detail.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Good morning Mr./Ms. Last Name,
I missed the deadline for your open role as a (name the role), but I’d love to be considered for additional opportunities that may arise.
With over (#) years of combined experience of (name areas of expertise), I believe I could be a strong asset to your team. I’m a (list 2 character traits from job posting),and passionate about your cause!
I’ve worked remotely (or place emphasis on type of environment) in the past and have been able to successfully build relationships and bring teams together no matter how far the distance (or list other positive characteristic)!
I do hope to have the opportunity to discuss this opportunity and my skill set with you in greater detail.
Have a wonderful day,
Good morning Mr./Ms. Last Name,
Nice to meet you, I’m (first name) and I’m writing to inquire about any job openings that you may have available at your company. I’m interested in changing career fields and have studied the (industry/job type) in my spare time for the last (# of years). I wanted to take a moment to inquire and introduce myself. I’m a recent graduate specializing in (major).
I have over # of years of experience in (list skill). If you have any openings now or in the future, I would love an opportunity to submit my resume for review.
Thank you for your time,
Good morning Mr./Ms. Last Name,
Nice to meet you! My name is (Your Name) and I’m writing to inquire about any job openings that you may have available at your company. I’ve followed your organization for the past few years and wanted to take a moment to inquire and introduce myself. I’m a recent graduate specializing in (industry/field).
I have over # of years of experiences in (list areas of expertise). If you have any openings now or in the future, I would love an opportunity to submit my resume for review.
Thank you for your time,
Good morning Mr./Ms. Last Name,
My name is (Your Name) and I recently saw an opening for a (name of role) at your company. While reviewing the posting I noticed that there was no e-mail address to send an inquiry to. I would love to apply for this opportunity and wanted to know who I should send my resume to.
Thank you for your time,
Next Steps
As you can see, there are a variety of cold email templates for jobs that I’ve used over the years.
Remember to pick the one that works best for you.
Also, do not forget to track your progress as you go! To make tracking easier, I’ve created a 5-in-1 Career Milestone Tracker. In this tracker, you’ll be able to track your:
- Accomplishments
- Recognition from supervisors and colleagues
- Companies of Interest
- Job Applications
- Cold Outreach Emails
You can download the tracker here for only $9.99 by clicking here.
As you move forward with your outreach, remember confidence is key, and finally don’t forget the importance of creating your own opportunities. Leave fear at the door and ask for what you want. There’s a company out there waiting for YOU!
Cheers to your success!
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career advicecareer blogcareer coachcold email for a jobjob search advicejob search tipsreaching out to hiring managers
