Cold emailing – it might seem like a shot in the dark, but when done right, it opens up doors to opportunities that you never knew existed. Cut to 2024, cold emailing is now one of the most common strategies in job hunting. However, the line between an effective cold email and one that ends up in the trash is quite thin. So, how do you make sure your cold email stands out and gets you that job interview?
10 Do’s and Don’ts of Cold Emailing for Job
In this blog, we will uncover how to draft a cold email for jobs while discussing the top ten do’s and don’ts that every job seeker should keep in mind.
#1 Don’t Send Generic Messages Over Cold Email
Sending generic messages to catch every job possible is one of the most common tools in the pocket of a job seeker. But, it could also be your worst mistake. As a hiring manager, it is one of the worst messages to see. Here’s an example of what not to do:
Subject: Job Enquiry
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to inquire about potential job openings at your company. Please let me know if there are any suitable roles for my profile.
Regards,
[Your Name]
Do you know this cold email is bad? First, it lacks personalization and fails to engage the recipient. It doesn’t provide any context about why you’re interested in the company or what specific roles you’re seeking.
Moreover, it places the burden on the recipient to find a suitable role for you, which they may not have the time or inclination to do. Consequently, generic emails like this one get ignored, reducing your chances of getting a response.
#1 Do Personalize Your Cold Email for Job Hunt
When you send a cold email for a job inquiry, personalize your message. It shows the recipient that you’ve taken the time to research their company and understand where your skills might fit in.
As per Monster Expert Salemi on CNBC, “Identify your goal: what is the anticipated outcome? Are you seeking an informational interview? An interview based on a job you recently applied to? A foot in the door? Once that’s identified, you should be really clear in your email.”
Here’s a revised version of the above email, which will help you get much better results:
Subject: Enthusiastic about Potential Opportunities at [Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I have been following [Company Name] and am really impressed by [mention something you admire about the company, e.g., your innovative approach to customer service, your commitment to sustainability, etc.]. I bring valuable skills in [mention specific skills, e.g., digital marketing, project management, etc.], and I’m keen to explore how I could contribute to your team.
I’m particularly interested in opportunities within your [specific department or job role, e.g., marketing, sales, etc.] department. Could we arrange a time to discuss potential fits?
Looking forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name].
Best,
[Your Name]
As you saw, this email is personalized and shows your genuine interest in the company. It clearly explains why you’re reaching out, what skills you offer, and what specific roles you’re interested in. As a result, the hiring manager can understand your inquiry and decide how to respond. Personalized emails are more likely to receive a positive response and increase your chance to get
#2 Don’t Forget to Follow up on Cold Emails for Jobs
Cold emails are not a ball to be kicked in someone else’s court. You can’t send one and wait until they respond. Instead, you are more likely to not receive a response at all. 8 out of 10 don’t, which is simple to understand once you think of the clogged inboxes and multiple responsibilities of a hiring manager. That’s why following up matters. Not following up on your initial email leads to missed opportunities.
#2 Do: Always Follow Up on Job Applications Sent Over Cold Mail
We understand that it’s a daunting prospect to await a response after shooting your shot. Follow-ups can help you rise in the list of emails and increase the likelihood of getting your application opened. The key is getting these follow-up emails right. You need to know the right time and queries, as we see in the example below:
Subject: Re: Excited about Potential Opportunities at [Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding potential opportunities at [Company Name]. I understand how busy you must be, and I appreciate your time in considering my inquiry.
I am still very interested in exploring how my skills in [mention specific skills] could contribute to your team. I would be grateful if we could arrange a time to discuss this further.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best,
[Your Name]
This follow-up email is polite and professional. It reminds the recipient of your previous message and reaffirms your interest in the company. It also shows your persistence and dedication, which are qualities that employers appreciate. By cold emailing best practices like this, you increase your chances of getting a response and potentially finding a suitable role.
#3 Don’t Fail to Showcase Your Value
A precise match is one thing that every recruiter will love. So do your best job in making it obvious to catch. A common mistake is to vaguely mention your background without explicitly highlighting your skills or experiences.
For instance, saying, “I have a background in marketing, and I’m looking for new opportunities”, doesn’t provide the recipient with a clear understanding of your value.
#3 Do: Highlight Your Skills and Experiences
Instead of a generic statement like we saw above, spotlight your unique skills and experiences.
You could say, “In my previous role as a Marketing Associate at XYZ Corp, I successfully managed a product launch campaign that resulted in a 20% increase in sales.”
It gives the recipient a snapshot of your capabilities and the value you could bring to their team, thus making the decision on fitment easier.
#4 Don’t Write Long, Dense Paragraphs in Your Cold Emails
You would not have read this blog this far if it was filled with dense, information-packed paragraphs. So why subject our hiring managers to the same travesty? In cold emails, a common mistake is to write long, dense paragraphs. While you may have a lot to say, a massive block of text is off-putting to recipients, making them less likely to read your email.
#4 Do: Keep Cold Emails Concise and Well-Formatted
Instead, aim to keep your email concise and well-formatted. Break your content into short, digestible paragraphs. Use bullet points or numbered lists where appropriate. It makes your email easier to scan, increasing the likelihood that the recipient will read and respond.
#5 Don’t Forget to Add a Clear Call to Action
Cool, you have sent in your CV but what next? What is the hiring manager supposed to do? A busy person is not going to have the time and space to figure it out. Hence, if your email has been opened and read, make the next best move: add a very clear CTA.
If it’s a referral for a particular role you are vying for, ask for it. If it’s a consideration for an open position, put it out clearly. The bottom line is, make your case and don’t leave it open-ended for the other person to handle.
For example, ending with a generic statement like “Looking forward to hearing from you” doesn’t specify what action you want the recipient to take.
#5 Do: Include a Clear Call to Action
Always include a clear CTA in your cold email. Specify what you want the recipient to do next.
You could say, “Could we arrange a time to discuss potential fits?” or “Would it be possible to connect with the relevant team member to discuss potential opportunities?”
This makes it easier for the recipient to respond and move the conversation forward.
#6 Don’t Fail to Proofread
Proofreading might seem like a simple step (at times even unnecessary,) but many job seekers forget to do it before hitting send. Sending an email riddled with typos, grammatical errors, or incorrect information comes across as unprofessional and careless.
#6 Do: Always Proofread
Proofreading is a simple and short exercise with a high reward: it saves you from outright rejection on the grounds of insincerity. Hence, always take a few minutes to read your email thoroughly before sending it.
Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, make sure all the information is correct, and ensure the email flows smoothly. If it’s possible, have someone else review your email to catch any mistakes you might have missed.
#7 Don’t Use a Generic or Misleading Subject Line in Your Cold Email
Generic subject lines like “Job Application” or “Seeking Employment” are often ignored because they don’t provide enough context on what you are seeking. Misleading subject lines like “Re: Job Offer” annoy recipients and get your email marked as spam. So, what’s the way out?
#7 Do: Craft a Compelling Subject Line
A compelling subject line provides a snapshot of your email’s content and entices the recipient to open the email.
Here are a few examples of good subject lines that you should use:
“Passionate Software Developer Interested in Opportunities at [Company Name]”
“[Your Name]: Exploring Potential Roles in [Company’s Industry/Field]”
“Seeking an Exciting New Challenge in [Specific Role] at [Company Name]”
“[Your Name]’s Interest in Contributing to [Company Name]’s Growth”
Each of these subject lines is personalized and specific, and provides a glimpse into the content of the email, making them more likely to catch the recipient’s attention. In sum, stay clear to clickbait and focus on clarity before hitting send.
#8 Don’t Make It All About You
While sharing your skills and experiences is the most important part of a cold email, avoid making your cold emails solely about you. For example, an email that only discusses what you want from a potential job and doesn’t consider the company’s needs can be off-putting to the recipient. So, what should you do instead?
#8 Do: Show How You Will Add Value to the Team
Instead of focusing solely on what you want, show the recipient what you can offer and tell the story of who you are. For instance, you can talk about how your skills and experiences align with the company’s needs and how you could contribute to their goals. Or, you can prepare a small pitch deck to show how you can change or improve certain operations. It makes your email more appealing to the recipient and shows that you’re considerate of the company’s needs.
#9 Don’t Be Too Formal or Too Casual
Your email’s tone heavily impacts how it is perceived.
If you are too formal, it can appear impersonal, but an overtly casual tone often signals a lack of seriousness that can scare managers away. There’s a fine line of communicating, and your task is to balance it.
#9 Do: Maintain a Professional Yet Friendly Tone
Striking a balance between professionalism and friendliness is key. Your email should be professional but approachable, respectful, but not overly formal. Use a conversational tone to make your email feel more personal and engaging. Also, keep the context of the team in mind as well. You can stand out by adapting the company’s brand voice and tone in your job application.
#10 Don’t End Abruptly or Without Courtesy
An email that ends abruptly or without a courteous sign-off leaves a bad impression, thus putting all the effort of getting the mail opened to waste. For instance, simply ending with “Please reply” or no sign-off at all comes off as impolite or impatient.
#10 Do: Use a Polite and Professional Sign-Off
Always end your email on a positive note. Thank the recipient for their time and consideration. Use a professional yet warm sign-off followed by your name.
Here are a few examples that you can try in the next cold email:
“Thank you for considering my inquiry. I look forward to the possibility of further discussion.”
“I appreciate your time and consideration. Looking forward to potentially contributing to [Company Name].”
“Thank you for your time. I’m excited about the potential opportunities at [Company Name].”
Sign-off examples: “Best,” “Kind regards,” “Sincerely,” followed by your name.
Remember, the ending of your email is the last impression you leave with the recipient, so make it a positive one.
Handing You The Key to Great Cold Emailing!
Remember, each cold email that you send is more than just a shot in the dark. It’s a chance to make a strong impression, show your value, and take a proactive step toward your career goals. And with Advanced Baba by your side, you’re not alone in this journey. We’re here to assist you in crafting effective cold emails and standing out in your job search.
Avoid the common pitfalls we’ve discussed and implement the best practices to craft compelling cold emails that grab attention and open doors to new opportunities.
Every great opportunity starts with a single step, or in this case, a single email. So, start crafting your cold emails today, and step into a world of exciting job opportunities.