How to Cold Email for Job? A Job-Seeker’s Guide
When it comes to job hunting, cold emails have been a game-changer for many individuals. This communication strategy involves reaching out to potential employers, hiring managers or mutual contacts who don’t know you personally or weren’t expecting your message.
With cold emails, you’re stepping out of your comfort zone to connect with opportunities in your desired industry.
However, the challenge of cold emailing isn’t just in composing the body of the message, it’s in crafting the perfect cold email subject line that attracts the attention of your recipient and compels them to open your email.
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The Impact of Cold Email Subject Lines
You might ask, why are subject lines so important? Well, in the busy, digital age, the average person receives dozens, if not hundreds, of emails daily. The majority of these emails get a quick glance before they end up in the trash folder or get lost in the inbox.
So, the very first impression you make with your cold email lies in the subject line. An effective subject line for cold email job a subject line has the power to generate interest, convey your message succinctly, and prevent your cold email from being disregarded.
A cold email subject line should be a summary of your email’s content, all wrapped up in a few impactful words. It should speak directly to your recipient’s needs or interests and give them a specific benefit or reason to click on your email.
How to Craft Cold Email Subject Lines
Writing subject lines for cold emails requires a blend of creativity and understanding of your recipient’s perspective. As a job seeker, your primary target audience typically comprises hiring managers or recruiters.
These professionals spend a significant portion of their time reviewing numerous job applications, and your cold email should stand out in their crowded inbox.
A few best practices for crafting subject lines include:
- Keeping Subject Lines Short: Remember, many people view their emails on mobile devices, so keeping your subject lines short ensures they can be read in full on a small screen. Aim to keep it under 50 characters.
- Being Clear and Specific: Vagueness doesn’t work in your favor. Be explicit about your intentions or the content of your email. For example, if you’re emailing about a specific job opening, mention it in the subject line.
- Using Job Titles or Specific Roles: If you’re applying for a specific role, mention the job title in your subject line. This immediately informs the hiring manager about the relevance of your email to their needs.
- Highlighting Mutual Connections or Shared Interests: If you share a mutual connection or interest with the recipient, mentioning it in your subject line can pique their interest and improve your email’s open rates.
- Avoiding Clickbait Subject Lines: While it’s crucial to create urgency or intrigue in your subject line, never resort to deceptive clickbait subject lines. This could undermine your credibility.
Remember, the goal of your cold email subject line is to get the right person, the decision maker, to open your email.
From there, the quality of your content can take over to lead you towards a positive response from potential customer.
The Components of a Great Cold Email Subject Line
In this section, we’ll delve deeper into the essential components of a great subject line for a cold email job search.
Understanding these elements will empower you to write compelling subject lines that capture the attention of hiring managers.
The Personal Touch
Your cold email subject line must feel like it’s addressed to a real person and not just a mass outreach effort. Personalization in your cold email or your subject line is key to making your email stand out.
This can be achieved by including the hiring manager’s name, the company name, or any shared connection you might have. For example, “John, introducing a fellow XYZ University alumnus for the Marketing role.” Always double-check for spelling mistakes to avoid undermining your effort.
Mentioning a Mutual Connection
If you share a mutual contact with the recipient, it can be highly beneficial to include this in your subject line.
This can instantly build trust and pique the interest of the hiring manager, increasing your chances of getting your email opened. An example could be, “Referral from [mutual contact’s name] for the Sales Manager role.”
Expressing Shared Interest or Value
If you share a common interest or can offer value that’s relevant to the recipient’s needs or pain points, this could be an effective approach to take with your subject line.
For example, a subject line like, “Resolving your company’s SEO challenges – Web Developer available” can illustrate your awareness of the company’s needs and your ability to provide a solution.
Creating a Sense of Urgency or Excitement
Your cold email subject line can also generate interest by creating a sense of urgency or excitement. However, it’s crucial not to appear desperate or create false urgency.
Instead, focus on offering something of immediate value to the recipient. For instance, a subject line like, “Marketing professional eager to contribute to XYZ’s growth.”
Mentioning a Recent Event or News about the Company
Hiring managers appreciate job seekers who show genuine interest in their company. Mentioning a recent event or news about the company in your subject line can highlight that you’ve done your homework and are serious about your interest.
For instance, a subject line like, “Impressed by your recent product launch – experienced Product Manager available” can showcase your enthusiasm and relevance.
Cold Email Subject Line Examples for Job Search
Now that we understand the essential components let’s consider a few subject line examples for a cold email job inquiry:
- “Software Developer with a passion for green tech – inspired by your latest project”
- “[Mutual Connection] recommended I reach out regarding the HR Manager role”
- “Sales professional experienced in growing software startup revenue”
- “Re: Your LinkedIn article on innovative marketing – would love to contribute”
Remember, these are just a few examples. Your cold email subject lines should be customized based on your situation, the specific job opening, and the hiring manager you’re reaching out to.
Tailoring Subject Lines to Different Scenarios
In this section, we explore how to craft cold email subject lines that are tailored to different job search scenarios.
Understanding the context of sales emails and knowing how to adapt your subject lines can dramatically increase your chances of receiving a response.
Scenario 1: Responding to a Job Posting
When a job opening has been publicly advertised, the hiring manager expects emails related to it. This is your opportunity to craft a subject line that precisely addresses the job role.
For example, “Applying for the Data Analyst position – experienced in BI tools” or “Job Application: Skilled Content Writer for the advertised Editorial role.”
Scenario 2: Prospecting a Dream Company
When reaching out to a dream company with no advertised roles, it’s crucial to express your admiration for the company and the unique value you could add.
An example could be, “Marketing Expert excited to contribute to XYZ Company’s growth.”
Scenario 3: Leveraging a Mutual Connection
If you’ve been referred by a mutual contact or have a prior relationship with someone at the company, it’s important to mention that in your subject line.
For instance, “Referred by [Mutual Connection] for potential Marketing roles” or “[Mutual Connection]’s colleague interested in Product Development opportunities.”
Scenario 4: Following Up on a Job Application
When you’re following up on a previous application or conversation, your subject line should reflect that.
Make it clear this is a follow up emails back-up email, and reference your previous interaction. An example could be, “Following up on our conversation at the Job Fair” or “Re: Application for the Account Manager role – Following up.”
Scenario 5: Asking for an Informational Interview
If you’re seeking advice or insights about a job or industry, make sure this is clear in your subject line.
Examples could include, “Seeking career advice in the PR industry” or “Request for an informational interview about roles in Machine Learning.”
Scenario 6: Sending a Thank-You Email
If you’re sending a thank-you email after an interview or a meeting, be sure to state that in your subject line.
An example could be, “Thank you for the insightful conversation yesterday” or “Appreciate your time – A thank-you note.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cold Email Subject Lines
As you craft your cold email subject lines, there are a few pitfalls you should avoid:
- Spammy Language: Words like “free,” “buy,” “promo,” and phrases in all caps can make your email look like spam, causing it to land in the trash folder or get flagged by spam filters.
- Being Too Generic: “Looking for a job” or “Job Inquiry” are too broad and unimpressive. Personalize your subject line to showcase your unique selling point.
- Giving the Whole Story Away: While clarity is essential, there’s no need to explain everything in the subject line. Leave a little intrigue to entice the recipient to open the email.
Crafting the Body of Your Cold Email
After hooking the hiring manager with a compelling subject line, your cold email’s body should maintain their interest. Here’s a brief guide on how to craft effective content for your cold emails.
Keep It Short and Concise
Most hiring managers are busy individuals. They don’t have time to read lengthy emails. Therefore, your initial email should be concise, clear, and to the point.
Start by introducing yourself, explaining why you’re reaching out, and expressing your interest in a particular role or the company.
Personalize Your Message
A personalized email indicates that you’ve done your research about the company and the role. Mention a specific project or initiative of the company that impressed you, or how you can solve a main challenge the company is facing.
Show the recipient you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re interested in the best person for their specific company or role.
Demonstrate Value
Your cold email should make it clear what you can bring to the table. Don’t just list your skills or experience, but explain how these can benefit the company.
Make it easy for the hiring manager to see the potential value you could add to their team.
Include a Call-to-Action
Finally, conclude your email with a clear call-to-action (CTA). This could be a request for a phone call, an interview, or feedback on your resume or portfolio.
The CTA gives the recipient a clear next step, making it easier for them to respond.
Cold Email Template for Job Search
To put all this into context, here’s a sample cold email template for job search:
Subject Line: Inspired by Your Latest Product Launch – Experienced Product Manager Available
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a product manager with over five years of experience in developing successful software products. I recently read about your latest product launch in [Source], and I was really impressed by [Specific Detail about the Product/Company]. It aligns perfectly with my passion for [Related Interest/Area], and I am excited about the possibility of contributing to such a team.
In my previous role at [Previous Company], I managed a team that launched a product which increased user engagement by 20%. I believe my expertise could greatly contribute to the continued success of your team, particularly in tackling challenges such as [Challenge Based on Company’s Situation/Project].
I would love the opportunity to learn more about your team and discuss how my experience could benefit your product development efforts. Would you be open to a brief call next week to discuss this?
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best, [Your Name]
Cold Email Follow Up
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get a reply to your initial cold email. The key to effective cold emailing is persistence.
A follow-up email can significantly increase your response rates. However, be respectful and avoid being pushy. Wait for at least a week before sending a follow-up email.
Optimizing Your Cold Emails for Mobile Devices
In today’s digitally-driven world, a significant number of emails are read on mobile devices. Hence, it’s crucial to ensure your cold emails are optimized for mobile viewing.
Keep Subject Lines Short
Long subject lines may get cut off on some mobile device’ screens. Aim for a subject line under 50 characters to ensure it displays correctly across different mobile devices.
Format Your Email Properly
Use short paragraphs and bullet points to enhance readability on smaller screens. Also, avoid large images or attachments that might not load properly or may use excessive data.
Test Your Emails
Before you start your cold emailing campaign, send a test email to yourself or a friend and view it on different mobile devices to ensure it displays correctly.
Cold Emailing: A Few Best Practices
As we approach the end of this blog post, here are a few best practices for cold emailing prospective employers during your job search:
- Do Your Research: Before sending a cold email, research the company, the hiring manager, and the specific job role.
- Double-Check for Errors: Spelling mistakes, incorrect names, or wrong job titles can immediately make your email look unprofessional.
- Create Urgency: Including a timeframe can create urgency and encourage the recipient to respond quicker.
- Be Respectful: Remember that you’re requesting the recipient’s time and attention. Be respectful and appreciative in your communication.
- Track Your Emails: Use tools like Mailarrow to track your emails, schedule follow-ups, and measure the success of your cold emailing efforts.
Case Study: Improving Cold Email Response Rates
To demonstrate the power of effective cold emailing, let’s look at a case study. Meet John, a job seeker who managed to land his dream job using strategic cold emails.
John had been eyeing a position at a dream company. However, there was no relevant job opening advertised. Instead of waiting for an opening, he decided to proactively reach out.
He researched the company, identified the right person to contact (the hiring manager for the department he was interested in), and crafted a cold email.
John’s email subject line was personalized, referencing a recent project the company had launched. The body of the email was short, but it conveyed his admiration for the company, his relevant skills, and how he could contribute to similar projects.
He concluded the email by expressing his interest in learning more about upcoming projects and the potential to contribute.
A week after sending the cold email, he hadn’t received a response. Instead of feeling discouraged, he sent a polite follow-up email, referencing his initial email.
Two days later, he received a reply from the hiring manager expressing interest in setting up a call.
A month later, John was offered a job at his dream company. His proactive approach, combined with a well-crafted cold email and follow-up, helped him stand out and ultimately land the role he desired.
The moral of the story? Don’t underestimate the power of a great cold email.
Remember to check out Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, for tracking and managing your cold emailing efforts.
Examples, Tips, and Conclusion
As we wrap up this guide, we’ll go through a few examples and tips that will help you create compelling cold email subject lines for your job search.
We’ll also revisit some crucial points that make cold emailing a powerful tool for job seekers.
Cold Email Subject Line Examples
Here are a few more cold email subject line examples that are concise, intriguing, and likely to generate interest:
- “Experienced Marketer Inspired by Your Recent Campaign”
- “MIT Grad Eager to Discuss Engineering Role”
- “Sales Manager with Proven Track Record Interested in Open Role”
- “Software Developer Admires Your Innovative Products”
Remember, the best subject lines are those that show familiarity with the company, convey your suitability for the role, or evoke curiosity.
Additional Tips for Cold Email Job Inquiries
Beyond crafting compelling subject lines and emails, a successful cold email job inquiry also depends on timing, persistence, and a bit of luck. Here are a few cold email tips:
- Send your emails during the workweek: Studies suggest that emails sent midweek have higher open rates.
- Don’t get discouraged by silence: Not every cold email will get a response. Don’t take it personally and continue your efforts.
- Consider different avenues: If a cold email doesn’t get a response, try connecting via LinkedIn or another professional network where you may have a mutual connection.
Leveraging Personal Connections
The power of a prior relationship or mutual contact should never be underestimated in a job search.
If you have a mutual connection with the hiring manager or someone else in the company, don’t hesitate to mention it in your cold email. It can immediately create a shared interest and build trust.
Conclusion
Despite the advent of numerous job search platforms and professional networks, cold emailing remains a valuable tool for job seekers.
An effectively written cold email can leave a lasting first impression, highlight your value proposition to potential employers, and set you apart from other job seekers.
The effort you put into crafting your cold email can make all the difference between landing in the trash folder or the inbox of your dream job’s hiring manager.
This brings us to the end of this comprehensive guide on crafting effective cold email subject lines for job search.
We hope it provides you with the information and inspiration needed to write cold emails that stand out and make a real impact.
For a seamless, organized, and effective cold email job search process, sign up for Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software.
Mailarrow can help you send, track, and follow up on your cold emails, increasing your chances of success.
In the end, the key to a successful job search is persistence. So, start crafting those emails, and best of luck landing your dream job!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be the subject of a cold email for a job?
The best subject line of a cold email for a job should be concise, compelling, and relevant to the recipient. It could include your goal (e.g., job application, informational interview request), your value proposition, or a personal connection you share with the recipient.
What is the subject line for a job offer email?
A job offer email’s subject line could be straightforward and clear, like “Job Offer – [Job Title]” or “Offer of Employment from [Your Company’s Name].”
What should be the subject of a cold email for job application?
The subject of a cold email for a job application should clearly state your intention and stand out. An example could be “John Smith – Application for Marketing Manager Position.”
What should be the subject line for job application email?
A subject line for a job application email should contain your name and the position you’re applying for. An example could be “Jane Doe – Application for Software Engineer Role.”
How do you write a cold email subject line for a job?
When writing a cold email subject line for a job, you should make it personalized, concise, and compelling. Mention the job title you’re interested in and a unique aspect about yourself or the company that could pique the recipient’s interest.
What is the subject line for employment inquiry email?
An employment inquiry email subject line should clearly state your intent and can include your key qualifications. For an email example see, “Inquiry About Graphic Designer Role – 5+ Years of Experience.”
What is a good subject line for an email recruiter?
A good subject line for an email to a recruiter might include the position you’re interested in and your strongest qualification. An example of sales email could be “Experienced Project Manager Interested in Open Role.”
Is it OK to cold email for a job?
Yes, it’s perfectly OK and often beneficial to send cold emails for job opportunities. It demonstrates initiative, interest, and can help you stand out from other candidates.
