Cold emails and messages can be an effective way to reach out to potential employers, clients, or networking contacts. However, most cold outreach attempts end up getting ignored or going straight to the trash. The key is to make your message as relevant and valuable as possible to the recipient. Follow these tips to write cold emails that people will actually read and respond to.
Research the Recipient
Before sending any cold message, make sure you thoroughly research who you are contacting. Look at their background, current role, interests, and anything you may have in common that you can mention to establish rapport. The more personalized and targeted your message, the better.
Have a Compelling Subject Line
The subject line is the first opportunity to grab the recipient’s attention. Make it clear, concise and highlight how you can provide value. Avoid anything vague or gimmicky.
Example: “Growth Strategies for [Their Company]”
Get Right to the Point
Don’t bury the purpose of your email. State it up front in the opening line or two so the recipient instantly understands why you are reaching out. Are you looking for a job? Hoping to network? Proposing a partnership? Say so right away.
Customize Your Message
Unless you are sending a bulk email blast, avoid using templates that sound overly generic or robotic. Tailor each message to the specific person you are contacting based on your research into their background and role.
Example Cold Email Template
Subject: Senior Software Engineer Role at [Company]
Hi [Name],
I came across the senior software engineer opening at [Company] for [Role] and feel that my skills and experience could make me an excellent fit. Particularly, my expertise includes:
[2-3 bullet points highlighting relevant skills/experience that matches the role]
I’m excited about the prospect of joining [Company] to help [contributions you could make tied to role]. Before applying, I was hoping to get your perspective as a [their role] at the company.
Would you be open to a brief call to discuss the role and team in more detail? I’d greatly appreciate any advice you can provide as an insider.
Thank you for your time,
[Your Name]
Other Customizable Templates
For Job Inquiry:
Hi [Name],
I was impressed by [something specific about their work/company] and am reaching out to express my interest in any potential [job title] opportunities at [Company]. With [X] years of experience in [relevant skills], I feel I could provide immense value by [contributions you could make].
Would you be open to a call to discuss potential fits? I’ve attached my resume and look forward to your thoughts.
Best regards,
[Your name]
For Networking:
Subject: [Their Industry] Perspective from [Your Company]
Hi [Name],
I came across your work at [Company] and am impressed by your expertise in [relevant topic/skill]. At [Your Company], we [brief line about your product/service and its relevance to their field].
I thought it could be mutually beneficial to connect and trade insights. Would you be open to a brief call to discuss [potential areas to discuss]? I’d be happy to explain more about what we do as well.
Let me know if you have any availability over the next two weeks.
Best regards,
[Your name]
The key things to remember are: do your research, get to the point quickly, show your value proposition, and make it as personalized as possible. Following these tips will help your cold emails cut through the noise and get better results.
Template I used on LinkedIn/Emails:
Here’s a customized template for requesting a job referral with the relevant details filled in:
Subject Line: Referral Request for Software Engineer Role (R0077490) at XYZ Company
Hello Sir,
I hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out to request a referral from you for the Software Engineer (R0077490) role at XYZ Company. With my strong technical background, I believe I could be an excellent fit for this opportunity.
My expertise includes:
Languages: Scala, Python, Golang, SQL
Frameworks/Tools: Airflow, Kafka, Hadoop, Spark, Sqoop, Hive, HBase, AWS, Snowflake, Linux, GIT
Specifically, in my current role, I have hands-on experience in real-time data streaming using Apache Kafka, SQL, and Golang. I have also worked on developing a real-time Credit Card Fraud Detection System leveraging Scala, Kafka, HBase, Spark Streaming, Hadoop, Hive, Airflow, and Amazon RDS.
I’m very interested in the Software Engineer (R0077490) position (https://refinitiv.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Careers/job/IND-BLR-Divyasree-Technopolis/Software-Engineer_R0077490-2) and believe my skills align well with the requirements.
Would you be willing and able to refer me for this role? I’ve attached my updated resume for your review. I’d also appreciate any insight you could provide into the role, team fit, and XYZ’s work culture.
Thank you in advance for your consideration. I’m happy to discuss further or provide any additional information needed.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
