Job searching involves a lot of email. The first step usually involves reaching out to your networks to see if there any job openings that you would like to go after. But it gets to a point where your own connections are not enough and you have to cast a wider net to get your dream job. That’s where cold emailing – and learning how to  write a job email – comes in.

You could do this by emailing your LinkedIn connections to see if there are any open positions. Or, you could cold email a hiring manager your well-crafted cover letter and a link to your online portfolio.

The job hunt could also require you to send some follow up emails to increase your chances of getting a reply. Whatever the case, cold emailing is an often underrated – but very effective – tool to help you find new opportunities.

But between resumes, cover letters, interviews, and networking, creating the perfect cold email for a job can be an overwhelming process. That’s why you should always have a stash of sample emails that you can draw inspiration from when writing your cold emails.

Also, it is important to note that while a great email will open doors for you, a bad one can slam them shut forever.

With that in mind, here are some of the most effective templates to show you how to cold email for a job. Each fits a wide range of scenarios – from asking a hiring manager for an interview to following up with recruiters without becoming a nuisance.

While you’ll still need to adjust them to fit your background and skills, these sample emails will make it much easier to craft every message.

Before starting your search for a new job or internship opportunity, it is important to know where you stand. Having a firm grasp on your skills and qualifications will help you know what to improve on before you start reaching out to hiring managers.

A great way to do this is by using your network. You can ask them to weigh in with advice and what they think your strengths and weaknesses are. This information will show you what you need to improve in order to increase your chances of landing a great new job.

Here are three cold call email templates that can help you get this done:

Dear (Recipient’s name),

I’ve been working on improving myself, both personally and at work, and you’re someone whose opinion I truly value.

That’s why I decided to reach out. I’d love it if you could answer some or all of these questions to help me gain some insight into my strengths and what I do best:

•    What do you think is my greatest strength?
•    When do you feel that I’m at my best?
•    What do you think I should let go of?

I would really appreciate your help with this. I’d also be happy to do the same for you if you’d like!

Best,

(Your name).

As stated earlier, always try to use your own network to search for new job opportunities. Many people have been able to find some hidden gems this way. This approach could even give you access to vacancies that haven’t been advertised yet.

The goal of this kind of email is to give your connections a clear idea of what you’re looking for, as well as your expertise. This template will show you how to write a job email:

Hi (Recipient’s name),

Hope this email finds you well. As you probably know, I’ve recently decided to (briefly explain your new direction, e.g. switching jobs/fields/industries) to work with (explain the types of people/companies you’re hoping to work with).

As I dive into this job search across the country (or mention a specific location), I’d really appreciate it if you could keep your eyes open for people I could connect with and/or vacancies that might be a good fit for me.

You can view my resume on LinkedIn (insert link) to see a bit of my background and skills, or check out my online portfolio here: [insert URL link]

Best,

(Your name).

When looking for a new job or internship opportunity, there are always certain people that come to mind when you start reaching out to your network. That’s because they may work in the industry you’re interested in, or have contacts at the company you want to work for.

When reaching out to this group, keep in mind that people are usually willing to help out. But you have to make their job easier to get the best results. A great way to do this is by giving specific details about what you are asking for.

So, if you have specific people in mind who you think could be very helpful in your search, the key is to send them tailored emails. Here is a great example of such an email:

Hi (Recipient’s name),

Hope all is well. I saw (mention specific recent event, job promotion, award, etc.) – (mention specific takeaway).

I’m reaching out because I’m currently looking for a new position. As you know, I’ve been (mention your current role) at (name of your company) for the past X years. But I’m ready for a new challenge in the (mention specific industry) world.

I know that you used to work for (mention specific company), which is on my short list of dream companies. Do you still have any contacts there? And if so, can you think of anyone who might be willing to do an informational interview with me?

I would really appreciate any introductions you could make.

Best,

(Your name).

But sometimes, you might need to ask for an introduction from someone who you are not connected to yet. If you come across someone who has the right contacts during your research, this cold email template should help you reach out effectively:

Hi (Prospect’s name),

My name is (your name) and I’m currently the (mention your job role) at (mention your company name). I’ve been thinking about taking my career to the next level, and my research led me to (mention prospect’s company name).

Based on your LinkedIn profile, it seems like you’re the right person to connect with. Or, if not, you could maybe point me in the right direction?

I’d love to talk to someone at (mention prospect’s company name) who is in charge of hiring for (mention relevant job title/department).

If that’s you, are you open to a brief 10-minute call on (mention specific date) at (mention specific time) to talk about how (mention relevant skills/qualifications/experience) can help your firm (mention specific benefit)?

If not, could you put me in touch with the best person for this? I would really appreciate the help!

Best

(Your name).

Once you actively start searching for a new job or internship, your focus will shift slightly. This is because reaching out to people in your network is very different from cold emailing prospective employers and recruiters.

For starters, you will have to do a lot more research on the company as well as the person you’ll be contacting. This will help you personalize your emails, increasing your chances of staying relevant and getting a reply.

You will also have to show why you’d be a great fit not only for the open position but also for the company culture. That’s why you have to make sure that your attachments are well crafted and any portfolios or links to past projects are current and relevant.

Here are some email samples to show you how to ask for a job through email:

When writing such an email, it is important to always follow all directions (if there are any) and submit your application in the right way. Mention the position you’re applying for and specify any materials that you have sent as an attachment. Most importantly, make sure that you have added your current and correct contact information.

This simple template is a great way to show you how to write a job email that ties all these tips together:

Hi (Name of Hiring Manager),

I am (mention your current role) at (mention your current company/school etc.) applying for (mention specific role) with your firm.

I have attached my resume and cover letter to this email as requested in the application instructions.

In case you have any questions or need more information, you may reach me through the contact information below.

Regards,

(Your name).

Of course, your email signature is the best place to add your contact information. Not only is this standard practice, but it ensures that you will never forget to give your email contacts a way to reach you. It also looks way more professional.

But if you want to have a more specific time to cold email for job, this template is the right way to go:

Hi (Name of Hiring Manager),

I recently saw your listing for (mention specific role/job title) on (mention website/job board + URL link), and I wanted to share with you the (mention specific and relevant project/strategy) that I helped develop for (mention specific past company/client).

(Name of client/company) needed to develop a (mention specific product/service/platform). I helped them do this using (mention specific tools/software used). So far, this has helped them (mention specific benefits). You can check out the finished product here: [include URL]

With a solid background in (mention specific skill/qualification), I believe that I can help (name of prospect’s company) do the same. You can check out some more of my work here: [include URL to your online portfolio]

Are you available for a quick 10-minute chat on (mention specific date) at (mention specific time)?

Thanks,

(Your name).

In case you already have an introduction to or mutual contact with the prospect, this cold email template will work even better:

Hi (Name of Hiring Manager),

I’m (your name) from (mention your company/university etc). I recently met with/talked to (name of mutual connection and he/she suggested that I get in touch with you to learn more about advancing a career in (mention specific field, e.g. marketing) at (name of prospect’s company).

Are you free for a quick 10-minute chat on (mention specific date) at (mention specific time)? If that doesn’t work for you, please let me know and I’d be happy to work around your schedule.

Best,

(Your name).

When sending a follow up email, it is important to follow some established rules of the game. First, take care that you don’t come across as entitled, pushy, or annoying. Remember, the recruiter or hiring manager doesn’t owe you a reply!

Then, you should also ensure enough time has passed before sending out your follow up email. Sometimes, prospects can get too busy to reply to your initial email, or simply forget to do so. That’s why regular follow up is an important part of any outreach process.

A good follow up email should be short and straight to the point. There’s no need to rehash everything you said in your first email. Instead, use the follow up to get the prospect’s attention and direct them to your original ask.

Here is a great template that you can use:

Hi (Name of Hiring Manager),

I recently applied for the (mention specific job role/title) at (name of prospect’s company), and I just wanted to restate my strong interest in the position. I think it would be a great match, and I’d love to chat more about it with you when you’re ready to start scheduling interviews.

Best,

(Your name).

Here is another great template that you can use:

Hi (Name of Hiring Manager),

Just thought I’d follow up and see if you’ve been able to read my previous email. I know you’re really busy at (name of prospect’s company) with (mention specific project), so I just wanted to give this message a little push to the top of your inbox.

If you have any questions or need more information, just let me know.

Best,

(Your name).

After an interview, it is always a great idea to reach out to a recruiter or hiring manager and show your appreciation. This is a great way to make yourself more memorable to the interviewer, which may increase your chances of getting the job.

The key here is to refer to something specific that happened during the interview. This template will give you a good idea of how to do this:

Hi (Name of Hiring Manager),

I thought I’d reach out and say thank you for taking the time to meet with me this past (mention specific day).

After chatting with you and learning more about (name of prospect’s company), I am even more excited at the possibility of working at your company. I particularly enjoyed hearing about (mention main takeaway).

Either way, I appreciate all your help.

Best,

(Your name).

In case you haven’t heard back from an interviewer or potential employer after a set time frame, this email template could be the perfect follow up to send:

Hi (Name of Hiring Manager),

You had mentioned that you were hoping to move forward on the (mention specific) position by (mention pre-set time frame), so I just wanted to check in with you.

I’m very interested in the role, even more so after our last meeting/conversation, and would love to know what your timeline looks like moving forward.

Best,

(Your name).

Networking emails are a great way to reach out to people who may be able to give your career a boost. Whether you’re introducing yourself to some new professionals or looking for an introduction, these cold emails will help show you how to write a job email that gets your foot in the door and expand your job prospects.

When you want to send a cold email to introduce yourself to someone new, it is very important to personalize the message. Not only will this ensure that your email is relevant to the prospect, but it will also increase your chances of getting a positive response.

It is also a good idea to get a mutual connection with the person you want to reach. If that’s not possible, you could simply do more research to find a point of connection with the prospect. Whether it’s a common hobby, interest, or the fact that you work in the same industry, using such facts will give you a great way in with the prospect.

Here is a cold email template that you could use:

Hi (Prospect’s name),

I’ve followed your blog/posts/career over the years and found your journey quite inspiring. I especially loved hearing/reading about your recent (mention specific trigger event) – (mention one takeaway, if it makes sense). Good work!

Since we’re both (mention relevant connection), I was hoping it would be okay to reach out to you. (Name of hiring manager) posted a listing for a (mention specific role/job title) opening at (name of prospect’s company) on (mention specific website/job board), and I’m really interested in learning more.

Are you available for a quick 15-minute chat on this on (mention specific date) at (mention specific time)?

Best,

(Your name).

Hi (Prospect’s name),

We met briefly at (mention specific recent event). To refresh your memory, I’m changing careers from (mention old career) to (mention new career). You were kind enough to give me advice on (mention specific point/s).

Since we last spoke, I’ve found that it would be helpful to get some experience in (mention specific skill). (Name of company) is one of the companies I admire in the (mention specific industry) world. I noticed that you have a first-degree connection to (name of the person you want to be introduced to), a (mention their job title) there.

Would it be possible for you to introduce me to (name of the person you want to be introduced to)? It would really help me out and I’d appreciate any help with this.

Best,

(Your name).

An informational interview is an amazing tactic to use when searching for a new job or internship. It is an interesting mix of networking opportunity, job interview, and information gathering session, all rolled into one.

In an informational interview, you meet with prospective employers with the main aim of getting advice related to your career and industry. It gives you the perfect chance to get familiar with companies that you would like to work for.

Even more importantly, informational interviews give you direct access to industry heavyweights that may be able to help advance your career.

Use this template to ask for an informational interview:

Hi (Prospect’s name),

My name is (your name) and I’m a (mention your current job title) at (mention your current company).

I’m reaching out to you because (mention the reason/s why you want to connect with the prospect). I’d love to learn more about (mention some things you’d like advice on from the prospect).

I’d love the chance to spend 30 minutes with you to chat about this. I’m sure you’re very busy, so any help with this would be appreciated.

Thanks so much,

(Your name).

While saying thank you is just plain good manners, this kind of email also gives you more chances to keep in touch and offer value to the prospect.

Hi (Prospect’s name)

Just wanted to thank you again for (mention specific action). I’m definitely going to get in touch with (name), just like you advised.

I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to repay the favor!

Best,

(Your name).

Apart from the examples above, there are other types of emails that you might have to send during your job hunt. These include:

Hi (Name of LinkedIn contact),

Hope you’re doing great! I loved (mention recent conversation/meeting with prospect) last week!

As we discussed, I’m currently involved in creating new ways for prospective customers to see how I can serve them. Since you were so happy with the consultation we had a while back about your business, I’m hoping that you would write a LinkedIn recommendation about my (mention specific) skills/expertise that I can share with others.

I’d really appreciate your help on this!

Best,

(Your name).

During a job search, many people think about the references last. But it is important to find the right person to vouch for you and your skills. Once you’ve identified someone to provide your reference, here is an email template that you can use:

Hi (Referee’s name),

I’m currently looking for new opportunities to advance my career and decided to reach out in the hopes that you would be a reference for me during this process.

Throughout my time working with you, I was able to grow so much professionally. I really feel like that experience helped me become a better employee. I hope that you’d be able to attest to my skill, experience, dedication, and willingness to learn.

I would really appreciate any help with this.

Best,

(Your name).

For most people who are getting into cold emailing, the main concerns usually revolve around how to write emails and how to send great emails. So it’s okay to take a little time to learn what you need to do to ensure that your messages always get read and receive the right replies.

That said, writing better emails usually takes time and a lot of practice. Using email samples such as these is a great way to show you how to write a job email, cut down the trial-and-error phase, and ensure that your cold emails for jobs always help you get your foot in the door.