What is a cold email?

According to Wikipedia, cold emailing refers to the practice of sending out unsolicited emails to people whom you are not connected with, oftentimes to introduce yourself or your brand

Why should I care?

Credits (Career Launchpad)

It is no secret that modern job searching is broken. With AI playing a huge role in the hiring process, ATS screening places considerable emphasis on keywords and specific qualifications potentially overlooking candidates with unique skill sets or career changes, who might be an excellent fit despite not having the exact phrasing sought by the ATS algorithm. According to a survey done, about 30 to 50 percent of employee hiring occurs via referral. Sending a well-crafted cold email introducing yourself and how you are a great fit for the position can give YOU a significant edge and set you apart from the competition.

Okay, I'm in! But how do I do it?

Creating a cold email sounds easy in theory but it is hard to implement. A part of why not a lot of people succeed with cold emails is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, here are some tips to help you craft the best email possible

Create a compelling introduction

The power of a captivating introduction in a cold email cannot be overstated. It's the golden ticket to a successful email that grabs the recipient's attention from the start. A well-crafted introduction must include a relevant subject line, a brief self-introduction mentioning your background i.e. who you are, and a compelling reason for reaching out and how you found them. Specificity is the secret sauce that boosts the chances of your email being read and it also sets transparent expectations

Templates and tools can help achieve this, but here’s where I prefer to use AI. Clever prompt engineering using language models such as ChatGPT and BERT can be a godsend. These advanced language models can help you tailor your message precisely, ensuring that your email resonates with the recipient on a deeper level.

The introduction sets the tone for the rest of the email, so investing time and effort in crafting an exceptional one is worth every moment.

Personalization is the 🔑

Personalizing your cold email when applying for a job is key, even when reaching out to current employees for a referral or contacting HR. To do this, start by researching the company's website, Twitter, and LinkedIn to learn more about the projects and initiatives they are working on.

When reaching out to an employee, show your genuine interest in their work by mentioning a specific project they're involved in or a recent accomplishment.

Passionate individuals often make great speakers, so express your curiosity about the work they do and their mission. Share your excitement about contributing to their projects or how your skills align with their goals. Additionally, if you have common interests or connections with the employee, don't hesitate to mention them to build rapport.

When contacting HR, focus on your potential fit within the company culture and values. Showcase your passion for the industry and how your expertise can add value to the organization. Tailor your email to each recipient and highlight the aspects that resonate most with them. By demonstrating your interest in the company and your alignment with their work, you'll increase your chances of getting a positive response and potentially landing that referral or interview.

Slow and steady wins the race

When writing an email, keep in mind that the person hiring you or willing to connect you with people who are hiring is usually doing so out of goodwill and there is not much to gain there for them. You are more likely to get hired if you ask them to hire you after they’ve known you as a person and have developed a genuine trust. It is usually a good idea to not ask for a referral or interview upfront, that request should be a part of your follow-up emails. For the first mail, express your interest in knowing more about the job role and the organization as a whole

Keep it short and 🍯

Let's face it, in our fast-paced lives, time is precious, and no one wants to read an essay from a stranger. When reaching out for a job, keeping your cold email concise is a game-changer. Not only does it respect the reader's time, but it also ensures they grasp the crucial information without cognitive overload. A short and impactful email is more likely to be remembered, leaving a lasting impression. By delivering your message succinctly, you convey professionalism, initiative, and respect for the recipient's busy schedule.

A 🪡 in time saves nine

There's nothing more off-putting than a poorly drafted email filled with punctuation errors and spelling mistakes. Such slip-ups can instantly create a negative impression, leaving the reader with the feeling that the sender didn't invest enough thought or time into the communication. When you're job searching, every little detail matters and a polished email can make all the difference.

Proofreading might seem like a daunting task, but it's a crucial step in ensuring your message is clear, professional, and error-free. Luckily, we have tools like Grammarly to help make the proofreading a little less painful so be sure to make full use of it

The anatomy of a good cold email

1. Make sure you are contacting the right person. For example if you want a job as a software developer, it makes no sense for you to contact someone from the Finance department at the company you are interested in

2. Sending your emails at an appropriate time: Most employers follow a traditional 9-5 schedule and it is best to contact them during their working hours

3. Be as clear as possible: Don't make the recipient wonder about your purpose of contacting them. By the end of your email,they should have an idea about why you’re contacting them and how can they help

4. Don’t rely too much on AI: Emails written with AI can be spotted easily and this leaves a sour taste in people’s mouths. Use AI as a tool to assist you in the process of writing an email.Don't use it to write an email for you

Closing Thoughts

And there you have it! While I can't guarantee a positive reply despite your dedicated efforts, I can certainly hope for this to give you the tools and confidence to put yourself out there. Job searching is a challenging journey filled with ups and downs, and embracing cold emails can make it a little easier.

Job searching is a battle where you win some and you lose some, but each outreach is an opportunity to showcase your skills and passion. The road may be arduous, but with persistence and determination, you increase your chances of landing that dream job. Happy job hunting!