Five Cold Outreaches To Use RIGHT NOW

You may be wondering “what’s a cold email outreach?”

A cold email outreach is an email sent to someone who you don’t know personally but would like to connect or do business with. Think of it as an elevator pitch but over the web. Like an elevator pitch, these virtual outreach emails are great ways to expand your professional network and stay in touch with a new connection. While sending cold outreach may seem foreign at first, follow our email formula below to learn how reaching out to people you don’t know can become second nature.

Start with a specific subject line. Never send an email without a subject line. Make it specific. If you meet someone at an event, use the event name as the subject when you follow up. If you are applying to a role, put the position title and your name.

Greet & introduce yourself. The first few sentences should include a greeting, your name, and where you met the person/who you are (student, candidate, entrepreneur). Always address the person by their name if available. Compliment them on their work, if you went to the same school, mention the year you graduated or something about any other commonalities.

Be specific, what’s the purpose of contact? This is where you sell yourself or your services. You can write “I’m emailing you to/because...” Stay on topic and avoid word diarrhea.

Call for action. After you have sold your skillset, invite them to connect with you via phone call, socials, or simply ask them to review your work.

Thank them. Time is valuable. Always thank someone for their time no matter their level.

Signature. Sign it off with a signature. It’s professional.

Here are five templates you can use RIGHT NOW to start your networking:

FOR PEOPLE YOU’VE MET

Subject: [Place you’ve met, or “Follow-up"]

Hi [Their name]!

My name is [your name]. We connected on [date] via [wherever you connected]. Thank you again for taking the time out to speak with me. I have [#] years of valuable interning experience. I know that I am ready for an official role [be specific]. Should there be any future opportunities I would love to be considered [call for action]. I want to thank you again for your time [thank them]. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

[Your Name]

Subject: [Follow-up]

Good afternoon [Their name],

I hope this email finds you well [greeting]. Since we last spoke, I have been working on my resume to meet industry standards. I hope it is okay that I attached the final version to this email. [sell] I would love to be informed and considered for future employment opportunities at [company name] [call for action]. Thank you so much, have a great evening! [thank them]

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

FOR PEOPLE YOU WANT TO MEET

Subject: Request to connect

Hi [Their name]!

My name is [your name] and I think your resume is so cool. I graduated from [school] in [month & year] with a BA in [major] [opener]. [Name of company] has always been my dream company but it is so hard to get into. I would love to connect and hear about your journey if you are willing to share. [ask for what you want & call for action] Thank you so much! [thank them]

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

FOR WHEN YOU’RE APPLYING TO ROLES

Subject: [Name of role - Your Name]

Hi [sometimes they provide names if not, a simple greeting would do],

I hope you're doing well. My name is [your name] and I am interested in the [position] at [name of place]. My resume and cover letter are attached below if you can forward them to the hiring manager that would be great [call for action]. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, have a great day!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Subject: [Name of role - Your Name]

Hi!

My name is [your name]. I am writing to express my strong interest in the [role] at [company name]. I am confident that my experience in [list your skillset] [sell yourself] would be a great contribution to the continued success of your company. I have attached my resume below for your reference and consideration. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions that you may have [call for action]. Until we speak again, have a great day.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]