How to Write a Cold Email for a Job (with Proven Examples)

If you’re reading this, chances are you know employers don’t often advertise their best opportunities. Sending a cold email is a surefire way to stand out, build a relationship, and increase your chances of landing a solid gig with a company that resonates with you.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to write a cold email for a job at a company you’d like to work for, share some examples, and give you a few extra tips to speed up the process.

Let’s dive in.

What is a Cold Email for a Job?

A cold email is like a cold call, but instead of picking up the phone, you’re sending an email to someone who doesn’t know you yet. It’s different from applying to a job posting with your CV and cover letter because, with a cold email, you’re reaching out when there isn’t an advertised role.

The great thing about cold emailing is that it shows you’ve done your homework. It proves that you’re proactive and resourceful—two qualities that every employer wants to see.

By reaching out in this way, you bypass the traditional job application process and connect directly with the people who can actually make hiring decisions.

And here’s the kicker: a lot of companies don’t post all their job openings. By cold emailing, you might uncover a role that hasn’t even been advertised yet—or better yet, you could be the reason they create one for you.

I often see company websites saying things like:

“If none of the listed roles are a fit but you think you have something to offer, reach out anyway. We’d love to hear from you!”

Employers love this proactive approach.

Benefits of Sending a Cold Email for a Job

Highlights Your Unique Value

A cold email is your chance to pitch yourself in a way that directly aligns with what the company needs. Unlike a typical job application, you can be specific about how your skills solve their problems and why you’re a great fit.

Puts You in Control

Instead of waiting for a job posting to pop up, you’re creating your own opportunity. Cold emailing shows you’re confident and ready to make things happen—qualities that companies love to see.

Connects You with the Right People

Cold emails give you access to decision-makers—the people who actually have the power to hire you. You’re not just another name in an inbox; you’re someone who has gone the extra mile to make a personal connection.

Expands Your Network

Even if a job isn’t available right now, sending a cold email is still a smart move. You’re building relationships with people in the industry, and who knows? That connection could lead to a future opportunity, a referral, or just some solid career advice.

What If They Don’t Have Any Job Openings?

No worries if they don’t have anything right now—this isn’t a wasted effort. Just by sending a cold email, you’ve made sure they know you exist, and that’s huge. They might keep you in mind for future roles or even pass your details along to someone else who’s hiring. Either way, you’re now in their network, which is always a win.

How to Write a Cold Email for a Job (with Examples)

Crafting a cold email is all about grabbing attention and pitching yourself. Keep reading to learn the steps you need to follow to write a compelling cold email for a job.

Writing a cold email that gets responses requires 9 key steps:

1. Find out who you need to reach out to

There’s no point in crafting an email and sending it to someone who can’t create an opportunity for you. You want to make sure you’re reaching out to the right person—someone who has the authority to make hiring decisions.

Start by identifying key decision-makers within the company. Depending on the role you’re targeting, this could be the CEO, CTO, CMO, or another senior leader relevant to the department you’re aiming for.

The best way to find this person is by checking the company’s “About” page or browsing the company’s LinkedIn page to search through employees.

2. Uncover your target’s email address

If it’s a small company, there’s nothing wrong with starting with the generic email address listed on their “Contact Us” page. However, your best bet is to find the direct business email of the specific person you’re reaching out to.

To do this, you can use paid tools like Hunter, which offers free credits for tracking down emails based on LinkedIn profiles. But one of the easiest and most accurate methods is to use Mailmeteor’s free email permutator tool, which helps you figure out a professional’s business email for free.

3. Master your engaging subject line

Around 47% of people decide whether to open an email based on the subject line alone, so making your subject line engaging is crucial. Especially when people are getting hundreds of emails a day, standing out matters.

Here are a few ways to make sure your subject line grabs attention, with examples:

• If they’re hiring for a role: “I saw you were looking for [role]”
• Make it personal: “I love how you [specific achievement or feature]”
• Address a pain point: “Need help with [problem]?”
• Spark curiosity with a question: “Any reason you’re not hiring for [role] right now?”

Continuing with the developer example, we could say:

These subject lines directly appeal to the decision-maker’s needs and hint at the value I can provide.

4. Decide on the right way to start your email

Once you’ve crafted your subject line, it’s time to start the email itself. Typically, you want to answer the question on their mind: “Why are you reaching out?” Make sure your opening line is relevant and connects to the subject line.

Here are some simple openers:

• “Hi [Name], I’m reaching out because I saw you were [something specific].”
• “Hi [Name], I’ve been following [recent news/event] and wanted to connect.”

For our developer example, we could say:

5. Introduce yourself and make the ask

After grabbing their attention with your opening line, you need to introduce yourself and clearly explain why you’re reaching out. Keep it concise but relevant to what the company is doing.

For our developer example, we could say:

By introducing myself briefly and linking my experience to their goals, I make it clear why I’d be a good fit.

6. Pitch yourself as someone of value

Don’t overdo it—this part doesn’t need to feel like a hard sell. Your goal is to start a conversation, so keep your pitch simple. Highlight your unique value proposition and track record in a way that aligns with the company’s goals.

For our developer example, we could say:

This gives just enough detail to spark interest without overwhelming the recipient.

7. Make the next steps clear

This is where you close the email with a clear, simple call to action. What do you want to happen next—a phone call, an interview? Including a specific ask makes your intentions clear and helps the recipient know what to do next.

For our developer example, we could say:

8. Close professionally

Always close your email with a professional tone. Thank the recipient for their time, express interest in connecting, and include your contact details. This is also a great place to add any relevant links to your portfolio, LinkedIn profile, or resume.

For our developer example, we could say:

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Sending a Cold Email for a Job

Not Following Up

If you don’t get a response from your cold email, don’t get disheartened. After all, perhaps your email didn’t get seen, or perhaps the person is just busy. Persistence is key with cold emails, and as they say in sales, “the money is in the follow-up.”

Reaching Out to the Wrong Person

Don’t waste your time emailing someone who doesn’t have the authority to hire you. It’s crucial to find the right decision-maker—whether that’s the CEO, CTO, or department head. Do some research on LinkedIn or the company’s website to track down the person in charge.

Writing Too Much

No one has time to read a novel in their inbox. Keep your email short and to the point. Stick to the essentials—who you are, why you’re reaching out, and what you can bring to the table. Save the deeper details for when you’re further along in the conversation.

Not Having a Clear Call to Action

Always make it clear what you want next. Whether it’s a phone call, a coffee chat, or an interview, end your email with a simple, direct request. Don’t leave it up to the recipient to guess what your intentions are.

Being Overly Formal or Stiff

Avoid sounding too polished or distant. While professionalism is important, using overly formal language can make you come off as robotic. Instead, be conversational and approachable, just like you would be at a networking event. Be yourself—it’s more engaging.

Overselling Yourself

No need to lay it on too thick in your first email. You’re not here to sell your entire life story—you’re here to start a conversation. Focus on how you can bring value to their company and save the heavy pitch for later. Less is more when it comes to cold outreach.

Sounding Desperate

While enthusiasm is great, desperation isn’t. Avoid phrases that make you sound like you’re begging for the job. Stay confident, focus on the value you bring, and remember—it’s just the first step in building a relationship.

Want to See If Someone Has Opened Your Cold Email, Sent Auto-Follow-Ups, and More?

Mailmeteor is loved by 6 million Gmail users and is recommended by Google as one of the best email extensions.

When you add the Mailmeteor Chrome extension to your Gmail account, you’ll be able to track opens, clicks, and replies on every email you send.

You can also send your emails with scheduled follow-ups based on whether someone has replied to your email, and send personalized email campaigns to hundreds of recipients (which is great for checking in with your network).

And the best part is, it’s free. Add Mailmeteor to Gmail →

Final Steps and Pro Tips

Your email is likely going to end up in front of someone who might be your peer—or even a friend—someday. It’s okay to let go of the pressure to be overly professional and simply be yourself. Remember, you’re just emailing another human being.

Take your time and keep it simple. People are smart and can tell when someone is going on and on to seem impressive. Being genuine and approachable will go much further.

If you’re nervous, try this process out with a few “B-list” companies first. This gives you the chance to refine your approach before you reach out to your top-choice employers.

Just remember to be patient, take the time to research your prospect and their company. It might take time, but it will pay off with a great response. So, create that captivating subject line, personalize your approach, and don’t forget to follow up!

3 Cold Email Templates for a Job

When They’re Hiring for a Different Role

When You’re Asking if They’re Hiring for Your Dream Job

When You’re Coming Back from a Work Break

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