Cold emailing for a job

 

How to Stand Out and Get Noticed When Cold Emailing for a Job
Posting your resume on job boards or corporate websites is no longer sufficient in the competitive job market of today. Waiting for a position to open up can put you behind aggressive job seekers, as many positions aren't even publicly listed. This is where cold emailing, a potent but underutilized tactic for getting in touch with recruiting managers, employers, or others who could recommend you, comes in.

Reaching out to someone you've never met with the intention of introducing yourself, showing interest in a job (or potential opportunity), and starting a conversation is known as cold emailing. When executed well, it demonstrates initiative, self-assurance, and clarity.

It ends up in the trash or unread when done incorrectly.

We'll cover all you need to know about cold emailing for a job in this piece, including why it works and how to craft emails that elicit responses.

The Benefits of Cold Emailing
For the following reasons, cold emailing can be quite successful:

It demonstrates initiative: Proactive candidates are valued by employers. Direct communication demonstrates drive and passion in the business.

It avoids the pile: In a sea of applications, resumes sent through official employment portals frequently get lost. Making a personal connection and standing out are two benefits of cold emailing.

It unlocks hidden opportunities: A lot of employment vacancies go unnoticed. Cold emails can result in referrals or reveal unlisted positions.

It expands your network: Cold emailing helps you establish connections that may lead to future opportunities, even in the absence of a job opening.

Who Must You Email?
Choose the appropriate person to contact before you compose your email. This could be, depending on your objectives:

A hiring manager in your desired department

The head of a certain function's team

A CEO or firm founder (particularly for startups)

Someone in recruitment or human resources

A professional for an informational interview in the position you want

To locate contact details, check LinkedIn, business websites, or email-finding services like Hunter.io, Clearbit, or RocketReach.

How to Craft a Job-Seeking Cold Email
Being clear, courteous, and valuable is more important than being aggressive or desperate when writing a cold email that receives a response. This is a tried-and-true format that you can use:

1. Craft an attention-grabbing subject line.
The first thing they notice is this. Make it interesting and pertinent, such as:

"Want to help with [Company Name]'s [Team/Project]?"

"Enthusiastic [role] seeking to add value to [business]"

"A brief inquiry regarding opportunities on your [Team]"

Steer clear of clickbait and ambiguous phrases like "Hello" or "Job Inquiry."

2. Customize the salutation
If at all feasible, always utilize the recipient's name. "Hello Sarah" is preferable to "To whom it may concern."

Give a quick introduction.
In a phrase or two, describe yourself and your work. Give a precise explanation of why you are interested in their business.

For instance: "I've been assisting startups in expanding their online presence for more than three years as a digital marketing consultant. Since your product launch last year, I have been keeping up with [Company Name], and your latest efforts on [particular campaign or initiative] have impressed me.

4. Express your purpose
Give a clear explanation of your motivation. It could be to express interest in a certain team, ask about opportunities, or seek a conversation.

For instance: "I'm reaching out to see if there might be opportunities to contribute to your marketing team — now or in the near future."

Emphasize your worth.
List a few achievements or abilities that are pertinent to the business. Focus on what you can offer them rather than what they can do for you, and be succinct.

For instance: "In my last position, I oversaw a content strategy that produced 2,000+ leads and raised SEO traffic by 45% in just six months. I would want to have the similar effect on [Company].

6. Add a request for action
Request a quick call, a recommendation, or advice. Make it simple to say yes to and low-pressure.

For instance: "If you’re open to a quick 15-minute call, I’d love to learn more about your team and how I might contribute."

7. Close properly and courteously
After expressing gratitude for their time, end with your name and contact details.

For instance: "I sincerely appreciate your time. For your reference, I've included my portfolio and resume.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Link to LinkedIn profile]
[Phone number].

A Cold Email Template Example
Subject: Enthusiastic Designer Seeking to Join Your UX Team

Hello Alex

I've worked in fintech for four years as a UX/UI designer, and I've always appreciated [Company Name]'s app's user-friendly interface, especially the most recent dashboard makeover.

To show my interest in possible roles on your product design team, I'm contacting you. My area of expertise is mobile-first design, and I've overseen initiatives that increased user retention by more than 30%.

Even if we just have 15 minutes to connect, I would appreciate the opportunity to hear more about the work being done by your team and how I could contribute going forward.

I sincerely appreciate your time, and my résumé and portfolio are attached.

Best wishes,
[Your Name]
[Email] [LinkedIn]

Success Advice
Try to keep it between 150 and 200 words. Professionals with hectic schedules value conciseness.

Be precise: Bring up a project or feature of the business that you find admirable.

Steer clear of generic messages: Customization is essential. Don't send 20 individuals the identical message by copying and pasting it.

Follow up: Send a courteous follow-up if you don't hear back within five to seven days. People can benefit from a gentle reminder.

Proofread: Poor spelling and grammar make a bad first impression. Make careful edits.

How to Include or Attach a PDF Resume

Your LinkedIn profile link

If you work in a tech or creative industry, a portfolio

Use links rather than big files as attachments.

Concluding remarks
Although it may seem daunting at first, cold emailing potential employers is one of the most powerful job search strategies you can do. It gives you authority and enables you to generate chances where none appear to be there.

A well-written and purposefully worded cold email can lead to talks, open doors, and possibly your next job offer.

Therefore, instead of waiting for the ideal job to come along, go out and create it. Each email in turn.