I get it! You really like the sound of that company and you want them to notice you.
And perfecting your emails can sometimes take hours! You want to get your point across and stand out from the crowd and you don’t want to waffle, but what if you miss an important bit of information!!
When reaching out to places you're interested in working for, the modern style of relaxed email communication allows you to skip certain unnecessary formalities, as long as you maintain a respectful and professional tone – it’s okay to not say “I hope this email finds you well.”
In fact, it’s better. Leave it out!
To be totally honest, “I hope this email finds you well” feels like your Mum wrote it for you.
Trust in your new Mummy – me.
Here are three examples of short and sweet examples for you to make your own:
Example 1: Subject: It's Me. Your Next Software Developer.
Hi [Name] or [there],
I saw the software developer opening at [Company Name] and I’d like to introduce myself, I’m [Your Name] and I do [this really well]. I thought [specific project or product] was really impressive and would love the opportunity to share my [relevant skills] with the company.
Could we discuss the role and my background on a call this week? I've attached my [website, CV or Linkedin Profile] for you to look through.
Thanks for your time! Let me know if you have any questions.
[Your Name]
Why it works: Gets straight to the point while showcasing your knowledge of the company's work. Avoids overly formal language like "Dear Hiring Manager" (yuck) and directly expresses your interest in the role.
Example 2: Subject: Hi! I am Experienced UX Designer and you need one!
Hi [Name] or [there]
I'm reaching out because I saw your opportunity for the UX designer position at [Company Name]. Your focus on [specific aspect of company's design philosophy] aligns perfectly with my experience in [relevant skills or projects].
I'd be happy to share more details about how my background and work would be a good fit for the team! Would you have some time this week for a quick call?
You can find my portfolio attached.
Thank you, [Your Name]
Why it works: A friendly but professional tone, and it highlights your understanding of the company's design principles. It also suggests a call, which is a more proactive approach than simply asking to be considered and makes you appear confident in your abilities.
Example 3: Subject: What's This? Your Marketing Coordinator? Yes, it is.
Hi [Name] or [there],
I saw the marketing coordinator opening at [Company Name] and had to reach out. Your work on the [specific campaign or project] looked amazing, and I think my [relevant skills or experience doing this cool thing].
I've attached my Linkedin for you to look through. Let’s connect and if you have any availability this week, I'd love to discuss the role and how I could fit into the team.
Thank you.
[Your Name]
Why it works: This email compliments the company's work and expresses a genuine interest in the role. It also suggests connecting on LinkedIn (which most people will do now) which can help move the process forward.
Of course, there is a balance between selling yourself and coming across too sales-y. For some insider info, the people you’re emailing are getting several emails a day from someone, somewhere, trying to sell them something. So when we see a good one come in, it’s like finding a little KitKat you forgot you had at the back of the cupboard.
Expert Email Extras:
- You're allowed to be excited in an email! You don't have to email like a 50 year old dude, but go easy on the exclamations.
- “Hi” is good. “Hey” is not.
- You can use 1 emoji MAX in a subject line (if appropriate to the company).
- Subject lines with CAPITAL LETTERS ARE MORE LIKELY TO END UP IN A SPAM FOLDER and no one wants to be digitally shouted at during the week.