Applying for a new job is a frustrating experience. Every day you search for suitable positions and send off your CV and cover letter. It can take an hour or more to prepare each application, and often you never even hear back from the company. This can be extremely frustrating for college graduates wanting to get rid of any student loans and start a career of their own or for those who still have university studies and are going to combine studies with work.
Despite these challenges, businesses are eager to find high-quality candidates. While you may know that you are the right person for the job, you still have to find the best way to communicate that to an employer. To help you get a foot in the door with a prospective employer we’ve prepared a list of seven cold email job application templates you can use. So sit down and pay attention, because these email templates will help at every stage of your job hunt.
Before we dig in, let’s cover some fundamentals when cold emailing someone.
How to Write a Job Application Email
The number one rule for sending a professional cold email, especially when contacting someone you don’t know, is to get to the point. People who have never met you before have less time for your inquiry. You should be direct.
As you’ll see throughout the following examples, your tone should be formal and professional while avoiding certain clichés. On that note, don’t start apologizing either. It can make you appear less professional, which hurts your chances of finding a new job.
Finally, every cold email you send should have a clear Call To Action (CTA). This is a clear request from the person you are sending the email to. This could be anything from an interview request through to a response from your letter. Your CTA should:
- Clearly outline the next steps. For example, “I’d love to schedule a time for a phone interview next week.”
- Don’t make the mistake of leaving the person you are messaging to take the final action. For example, “I will follow up with you on Wednesday if I haven’t received a reply from you before then.”
With that in mind, let’s look at some email templates you can start using today.
1. Job Application Template: The Introduction
The first job email template we’re going to cover is a good introductory email. You can use it to connect with the relevant person in the company you are applying to. The purpose of the email is to establish your credentials and suitability for the position.
There are four key parts to this email that you should pay attention to:
- Show you have skills the candidate they are hiring will need
- Identify how your professional goals align with that of the hiring company
- Prove that you’ve researched the company you want to work for
- Get a specific outcome from your email (in this case a meeting)
Preparing this email forces you to consider what makes you suitable for the position. The ability to verbalize this will you in an interview.
Dear [NAME],
I’m interested in finding out more about [ROLE].
I’d be a particular asset because I have [NUMBER] years doing [SKILL], [SKILL] and [SKILL]. Additionally, I’m currently focused mainly on [GOAL], [GOAL] and [GOAL], and I note that your company [EVIDENCE OF ALIGNMENT]. I’m also excited about the prospect of working with you because of [PROOF OF RESEARCH].
I’d love to schedule a time to discuss my suitability for the role within the next fortnight. I will follow up with you on [DAY] if I haven’t received a reply from you before then.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[LINKEDIN PROFILE]
2. Job Application Template: Research Based Approach
When employers post a job description, their goal is to find the ideal candidate. However, the process for applying for a job is not very efficient. You explain why you would be the best candidate for the role, without ever really showing how you work. The problem is that anyone can talk a great game. Employers realize this.
There are many jobs where you can show a real-world example of your skill-set. Below are a few hypothetical examples of how you might do this:
- If you were applying for an SEO role, conducting a website audit that identifies ways you could make the site more profitable
- As a content marketer, you might take the time to write an article for a well-known publication where you reference the company you want to work for. Alternatively you could conduct an in depth content audit using a leading content audit tool such as Surfer.
- If you are a business consultant you might create a business development plan
It will take you longer to do this work than applying just applying for a position, which is why most people don’t bother doing it. However, the fact that you do this will immediately make you stand out from the competition. Extra effort always pays off. That’s why you need to make sure that your cover letter gives enough reasons for a potential employer to see right away that you’re not just another person that is in the middle of job hopping exercise.
Below is an email template that you could use to present your work.
Dear [NAME],
I saw you are advertising to fill the role of [POSITION]. I’m interested in the job. It is something I’m passionate about. Rather than just sending you my CV and cover letter, I decided to [WHAT YOU DID TO STAND OUT]. This work will hopefully show you why I would be a great candidate for the job.
I’d love to schedule a time to discuss my suitability for the role within the next fortnight. I will follow up with you on [DAY] if I haven’t received a reply from you before then.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[LINKEDIN PROFILE]
3. Job Application Template: Follow Up Email Template
Of course, you won’t get a response from every cole job email you send.
To improve your chance of getting a response, send a series of emails to people. Sending several emails will improve your chances of receiving a response by about 10%. I recommend using something like the following schedule:
- Day 1: Send your introduction email
- Day 4: This is your first follow up email
- Day 9: Send your second follow up email
When applying for a job, I recommend you avoid sending a follow-up email on Friday. It’s the end of the week, so if they miss it your message gets lost in the dozens of far more important emails that come in over a weekend.
Keep your follow up email concise and to the point.
Dear [NAME],
I’m emailing you as promised regarding the role of [POSITION]. I know that work can get very busy and there’s a chance you forgot to reply to my last email. Kindly let me know when you have had a chance to review my application. I have a job interview with a potential employer next week, but I’m most interested in the position at [COMPANY].
I look forward to receiving your response.
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
[LINKEDIN PROFILE]
You can see how I used a little white lie in the template. Saying you are in demand from another company shifts the power dynamics slightly. It shows you have other options. You should leverage this kind of information in your communication with a potential employer as it helps create desire.
4. Job Application Template: Tapping Your Professional Network
One of the best ways to get an opportunity at a new company is through your professional network. People in your network know who you are, and hopefully, have seen the quality of your work.
When sending a message to a person in your professional network, especially someone you don’t have a strong relationship with, it is important to be clear about your desires. You can use the job application template below to make your request.
Hi [NAME],
I hope you are doing well. I’m planning to move jobs soon. It’s been an amazing [NUMBER] of years at [COMPANY], but I think it’s time for new challenges. I know you are active in this field, and it would be great to get your insights regarding what opportunities are available at the moment, as well as to hear the latest from you.
Would you be available to meet up after work for a coffee this week? [DAY] or [DAY] would be best for me. I know work can get busy. I’ll give you a ring if I haven’t heard back from you before [DAY].
Best,
[YOUR NAME]
5. Email Template: Asking for a Professional Introduction
It could be that you already know what job you want to apply for, and someone in your professional network has a connection in the company. While it is better to meet up in person, sometimes this is not feasible. In this circumstance, you might need to ask for an introduction via email.
Tapping your professional network can be a delicate process. While it might sound like nothing to CC you in on an email with a key decision-maker, consider that your contact is also putting their reputation on the line.
To help you find this balance we created this job application email template.
The template provides some background on why you need an introduction. It also includes a value proposition to ensure that your contact knows the introduction will be transactional and provide a benefit to the eventual recipient.
Below is an overview of the email template.
Hi [NAME],
After [NUMBER] years at [COMPANY], I’m currently looking for my next opportunity to hone my skills and gain experience in [SKILL], [SKILL] and [SKILL].
I am interested in applying for the position of [POSITION] at [COMPANY]. I understand that you know [NAME], who is in charge of the hiring process. It would be a big help if you could introduce me by email or phone to [NAME OF PERSON] for [THIS REASON]. I think I could offer them [VALUE].
Please include my LinkedIn Profile in your introduction [LINKEDIN PROFILE LINK].
Thanks in advance
[YOUR NAME]
6. Email Template: Requesting an Informational Interview
While directly asking for a job will often get the best results, sometimes you might want to try an indirect option. One method would be to ask for advice from a person who already works at the company you want to work for.
For this email template to work, you need to have the contact information of a relevant person at the company. You should also research their professional history to find logical connection points between yourself and the individual.
In the email template below you can see how a personal connection was used as the starting point for the request. You’d need to adapt this email template to fit your circumstances.
Dear [NAME],
My name is [YOUR NAME]. You graduated a few years ahead of me from [SCHOOL]. I’m currently working at [COMPANY]. I’m interested in moving into [INDUSTRY], where you have established yourself.
I’d love to pick your brain about your post-graduation years and how you ended up in your current job. Would you be open to meeting up? I can, of course, work around your schedule.
Thanks,
[YOUR NAME]
[LINKEDIN PROFILE]
This email works well because it plays on a person’s sense of self-worth. You are also asking for advice, and many people like to offer help and support. Of course, you need to show that you care about their insights when you meet them.
7. The Thank-You Email Template
At the risk of sounding like your mother, you should send thank-you emails after interacting with potential employers or new contacts. Over 80% of HR managers recommend having the correct HR software for your small business and sending a thank-you after an interview, but they can also be sent after phone conversations, introductions or even chance encounters.
While you want to stay professional, it’s also good to add specific details to trigger the recipient’s memory. Even touching on something you spoke about is sufficient.
Hi [NAME],
I just wanted to reach out and say thanks again for your time today. I especially enjoyed our conversation about [TOPIC]. I’m more excited than ever about [ROLE].
I look forward to hearing from you again soon,
[YOUR NAME]
Bonus: Email Template Asking For a Reference
Any time you put someone down as a reference you need to notify them. Below is an email template you can send to a person you want to get a reference from.
Hi [NAME],
[HIRING MANAGER] from [COMPANY] might reach out to you for a reference, as I’m currently applying for a role as [POSITION] with them. I’m very excited about this new career move because [REASONS].
Below are a few of the key points I talked about in my cover letter.
- [TALKING POINT]
- [TALKING POINT]
- [TALKING POINT]
Let me know if you need any more info. I’ve also attached my resumé and a copy of the job description.
Thanks,
[YOUR NAME]
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this guide to job application email templates has provided you with a few insights you can use when applying for a job. They will be specifically helpful for students and graduates who are searching for employment and looking to pay off the cost of education and those private student loan options. Remember, the email that you send should hit the right balance between friendly and professional.
In addition to this, be sure to research the person you are contacting before sending an email. The more effort you put into a job search, the more likely you are to get a positive response. Above all else, be sure to communicate your excitement about the new challenges and opportunities ahead of you.
