How to land a job through cold emailing
Are you tired of scrolling through endless job postings on various online platforms? Well, there may be a more effective and direct way to land your dream job: cold emailing. Yes, you read that right! Cold emailing can be a powerful tool for making a meaningful connection with potential employers and standing out from the crowd. In this article, we will explore the art of cold emailing and discuss the strategies you can use to increase your chances of securing a job through this unconventional approach. So, grab your keyboard and get ready to take your job search to the next level!
Researching the Company and Position
Before you start reaching out to potential employers through cold emails, it’s essential to conduct thorough research on the companies you want to work for and the specific positions you’re interested in. This step is crucial in ensuring that you’re targeting the right companies and highlighting your qualifications effectively.
Identify the companies you want to work for
Take some time to identify the companies that align with your career goals and values. Research industries that interest you and make a list of organizations that stand out. Consider factors such as company culture, values, reputation, and potential career growth opportunities.
Thoroughly research each company
Once you have a list of target companies, dive deep into researching each one. Explore their websites, social media profiles, and news articles to gain a comprehensive understanding of their mission, values, products/services, and recent achievements. This knowledge will be invaluable when crafting personalized and compelling cold emails.
Understand the job position you are interested in
Carefully review the job descriptions for the positions you’re interested in. Pay attention to the required qualifications, skills, and responsibilities. This will help you tailor your cold emails to emphasize your relevant experiences and abilities.
Research the hiring manager or relevant contact
In addition to researching the company, it’s beneficial to research the hiring manager or relevant contacts within the organization. LinkedIn is a great platform to find this information. Gain insights into their background, professional interests, and any connections or mutual acquaintances you may have. This research will help you personalize your cold emails and establish a genuine connection.
Crafting an Effective Cold Email
Once you have gathered all the necessary information, it’s time to start crafting your cold email. A well-written and personalized cold email can make a strong impression and grab the attention of potential employers.
Write a compelling subject line
The subject line is the first thing that the recipient sees, so it needs to be attention-grabbing and intriguing. A generic subject line like “Job Inquiry” won’t stand out among the countless emails hiring managers receive. Instead, try using the recipient’s name or reference a specific job opening to make it more personalized and engaging.
Personalize the email
Take the time to personalize each email you send. Start by addressing the recipient by name and use a friendly and professional tone throughout the email. Mention something specific about the company that caught your attention during your research. This personal touch shows that you’ve put effort into understanding the company and increases the likelihood of receiving a response.
Keep the email concise and to the point
Hiring managers receive numerous emails daily, so it’s important to keep your email concise, clear, and easy to read. Avoid lengthy paragraphs and stick to the main points. Use bullet points or short paragraphs to highlight your skills, qualifications, and experiences.
Highlight your relevant skills and qualifications
In your cold email, clearly emphasize the skills and qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the position. Link these directly to the job requirements outlined in the job posting. Be specific and provide examples of how your skills have contributed to your previous work or projects.
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the company
Show genuine enthusiasm and interest in the company. Explain why you are genuinely excited about the potential opportunity to work for them. Mention specific aspects of the company’s mission, values, culture, or recent accomplishments that resonate with you. This will demonstrate to the recipient that you have a genuine passion for their organization.
Include a clear call to action
Clearly state and emphasize what you would like the recipient to do next. Whether it’s scheduling a call, setting up an interview, or simply asking for further information, be explicit about your desired next steps. A clear call to action increases the chances of receiving a response and moves the conversation forward.
Finding the Right Contact
To ensure your cold email reaches the right person in the company, it’s crucial to invest time in finding the appropriate contact.
Search for the hiring manager’s contact information
Start by searching for the hiring manager’s contact information directly on the company’s website. Look for the “Contact Us” or “About Us” section, where you may find the email address or a contact form. If the email is not readily available, consider the other methods mentioned below.
Utilize professional networking platforms
LinkedIn is a valuable resource for finding and connecting with professionals in your target companies. Search for the company name, filter by employees, and explore the profiles of individuals who hold relevant positions. You may be able to find the contact information you need or directly message them through the platform.
Reach out to colleagues or acquaintances for referrals
Leverage your professional network and reach out to colleagues, acquaintances, or connections who may have a connection to the companies you’re interested in. They may be able to provide you with insider contacts or referrals, increasing the likelihood of your cold email being received and considered.
Contact the HR department
If you’re unable to find specific contact information, consider reaching out to the company’s human resources (HR) department. Explain your situation and politely inquire about the appropriate contact person for your job inquiry. They may be able to provide you with the relevant information or forward your email to the appropriate person.
Building a Professional Email List
To streamline your cold email process and ensure your emails are reaching the right individuals, it’s essential to build a professional email list.
Compile a list of target companies
Start by creating a comprehensive list of your target companies, including both large organizations and smaller startups. This list will serve as a foundation for your email outreach efforts.
Find the appropriate company email format
Each company may have a specific email format, such as firstname.lastname@company.com or firstinitiallastname@company.com. Research the company’s website, search online, or use tools like Hunter.io or Voila Norbert to find the correct format for email addresses within the organization.
Use email finding tools and plugins
There are various tools and plugins available that can help you find email addresses for professionals within a company. Some popular options include Clearbit Connect, Snov.io, and Find That Email. These tools can save you time and effort by automatically searching for email addresses based on the person’s name or the company’s domain.
Verify email addresses for accuracy
Before reaching out, it’s crucial to verify the email addresses you’ve obtained. Use email verification tools like NeverBounce or ZeroBounce to ensure that the email addresses are accurate and active. This step will help you minimize bounces and increase the deliverability of your cold emails.
Following Email Etiquette
When sending cold emails, following proper email etiquette is essential to maintain a professional image and increase the chances of receiving a response.
Use a professional email address and signature
Make sure to use a professional email address that includes your name or some variation thereof. Avoid using unprofessional or personal email addresses that may be seen as untrustworthy. Additionally, include an email signature at the end of your email, which should include your full name, contact information, and a link to your LinkedIn profile.
Use proper grammar and spelling
Take the time to proofread your email thoroughly before sending it. Check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Poorly written emails with grammatical mistakes may come across as unprofessional and careless, reducing your chances of receiving a positive response.
Address the recipient respectfully
Address the recipient respectfully, using appropriate language and a professional tone. Use Mr., Ms., or Dr. followed by their last name, unless you have been given permission to use their first name. Avoid using casual language or slang in your email, as it may be perceived as unprofessional.
Avoid using excessive capitalization or exclamation marks
Using excessive capitalization or exclamation marks can come across as pushy or unprofessional. Use them sparingly and only when necessary to emphasize a specific point or show enthusiasm. Overusing these elements can make your email appear unprofessional and may be off-putting to potential employers.
Double-check the email for any errors before sending
Before hitting the send button, take a moment to review your email once again. Double-check for any typos, incorrect information, or formatting issues. Ensure that the email looks professional and is error-free. Once you send the email, you cannot undo it, so it’s essential to make sure it is polished and ready to be received.
Structuring Your Email
The structure of your cold email plays a vital role in capturing the recipient’s attention and effectively delivering your message.
Start with a friendly greeting
Begin your email with a friendly and professional greeting. Address the recipient by their proper title and last name, followed by a comma. For example, “Dear Mr. Smith,” or “Hello Dr. Johnson,”. This sets a positive tone and shows respect.
Introduce yourself and state your purpose
In the first paragraph of your email, introduce yourself and briefly explain who you are and why you are reaching out. Mention any mutual connections or any specific aspects of the company that caught your attention during your research. Be concise and get straight to the point to keep the reader engaged.
Briefly explain why you are interested in the company
In the next paragraph, highlight why you are specifically interested in the company. Make a genuine connection between your skills, values, and the company’s mission or culture. Show that you have done your homework and are genuinely excited about the potential opportunity to work with them.
Highlight your relevant skills and experiences
The main body of your email should focus on highlighting your relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Use specific examples to showcase how your skills align with the requirements of the job position. Instead of listing all your qualifications, focus on the most impactful ones that make you a strong candidate.
Express your willingness to contribute and learn
Demonstrate that you not only have the necessary skills but also the eagerness to contribute to the company’s growth and success. Emphasize your willingness to learn and adapt to new challenges. This shows that you are a proactive and motivated individual who can make a positive impact in the company.
End the email with a polite closing
End your email with a polite closing statement, thanking the recipient for their time and consideration. Avoid using generic phrases like “Looking forward to hearing from you” and instead use a more personalized closing line. For example, “I appreciate your valuable time and would be delighted to have the opportunity to discuss this further.”
Include your contact information and LinkedIn profile
At the bottom of your email, include your contact information, including your phone number and a professional-looking link to your LinkedIn profile. This makes it easy for the recipient to contact you for further discussions or to learn more about your background and experiences.
Customizing the Email for Each Company
To maximize your chances of success, it’s crucial to customize your cold emails to match each company’s culture, values, and specific needs.
Tailor the email to match the company’s culture and values
Evaluate each company’s values and culture through your research. Incorporate appropriate language and tone that resonates with the company’s overall image. By customizing your email to align with their culture, you demonstrate your compatibility and increase the likelihood of receiving a positive response.
Reference specific projects or initiatives the company is involved in
Show your knowledge of the company’s current projects, initiatives, or recent achievements. Reference them in your email to demonstrate that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in their work. This highlights your enthusiasm and proactive approach, making you a more attractive candidate.
Highlight how your skills align with the company’s needs
Take the time to understand the specific needs and requirements of the job position and emphasize how your skills directly align with them. Clearly demonstrate how your qualifications make you an ideal fit for the company. By doing so, you illustrate that you have taken the time to understand their expectations.
Show your knowledge of the company’s industry and competitors
To further impress the recipient, showcase your knowledge of the company’s industry and competitors. Briefly mention trends, challenges, or advancements that pertain to the field. This demonstrates your commitment to staying informed and your ability to contribute to industry-related discussions within the company.
Implementing a Follow-Up Strategy
Sending a well-crafted cold email is just the first step. Implementing a follow-up strategy is crucial to increase your chances of receiving a response and keeping the conversation going.
Send a follow-up email after a week of initial contact
If you don’t receive a response after about a week, it’s appropriate to send a polite follow-up email. This can serve as a gentle reminder and gives the recipient another opportunity to respond. Express your continued interest in the position and reiterate why you are excited about the opportunity to work with the company.
Express your continued interest in the position
In your follow-up email, make it clear that you are still interested in the position. Mention any additional information you may have gathered or any recent developments or accomplishments that you would like to share. Show that your enthusiasm and interest have not waned since the initial contact.
Use the follow-up as an opportunity to provide additional information
Consider using the follow-up email as an opportunity to provide any additional information or documents that may support your candidacy. This could include relevant samples of your work, a recommendation letter, or any certifications or training you have completed since your initial contact. This gives the recipient more insight into your qualifications and dedication.
Be respectful and avoid being pushy
While following up is essential, it’s crucial to strike the right balance between persistence and being respectful. Avoid sounding pushy or demanding in your follow-up emails. Remember that the recipient may be busy or have a high volume of emails to manage. Maintain a polite and patient tone, giving them the necessary time to respond.
Tracking and Organizing Your Cold Emails
To stay organized and keep track of your cold email outreach efforts and the responses you receive, it’s helpful to set up a system for tracking and organizing your emails.
Create a spreadsheet to track sent emails
Create a spreadsheet where you can record essential details about the cold emails you send. Include columns for the company name, contact person, email address, date of contact, and any additional information you may find relevant. This spreadsheet will serve as your centralized database for tracking your progress.
Include information such as company name, contact person, and date of contact
Make sure to include accurate and up-to-date information in your spreadsheet. Double-check the contact person’s name, job title, and email address. Additionally, record the date when you made contact, as this will help you determine when to follow up if needed.
Note any responses, interviews, or follow-up actions
As you receive responses to your cold emails, update your spreadsheet accordingly. Record any follow-up actions you need to take, such as scheduling an interview or providing additional information. This will help you stay on top of your interactions and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Use folders or tags to organize email conversations
In your email inbox, create folders or labels to organize your email conversations. Assign each email to the appropriate folder or tag based on the company or stage of the hiring process. This keeps your inbox organized and allows for easy reference when you need to review previous email exchanges or locate specific information.
Remaining Persistent and Positive
During your job search, it’s important to remain persistent and positive, even if not all of your cold emails receive a response.
Understand that not all cold emails will receive a response
Remember that not everyone will respond to your cold emails, and that’s normal. Hiring managers receive numerous emails daily, and they may not have the time or capacity to respond to every inquiry. Don’t take it personally and understand that it’s part of the job search process.
Don’t get discouraged and continue sending personalized emails
If you don’t receive a significant number of responses, don’t get discouraged. Persistence is key when it comes to job searching. Continue crafting personalized and well-researched cold emails, making adjustments and improvements along the way. With each email, you increase your chances of finding the right opportunity.
Maintain a positive attitude throughout the job searching process
A positive attitude goes a long way in the job searching process. Keep a mindset focused on growth and learning. Use any feedback you receive, both positive and constructive, as an opportunity to improve your approach. A positive outlook will shine through in your interactions and help you stay motivated.
Seek constructive feedback and make necessary improvements
If you do receive feedback on your cold email or lack of response, take it as an opportunity to improve. Seek constructive criticism from trusted mentors, career counselors, or professionals in the field. Use their insights to refine your approach, craft better emails, and increase your chances of success.
Remember that cold emailing for jobs is a valuable strategy that can open doors to exciting opportunities. By researching the company and position, crafting effective cold emails, finding the right contacts, building a professional email list, and following proper email etiquette, you can maximize your chances of success. Implementing a follow-up strategy, tracking and organizing your cold emails, remaining persistent and positive, and seeking feedback will help you refine your approach over time. Embrace the process, stay motivated, and keep working towards your career goals. Good luck!
