No matter where you’re at in the job search, crafting the perfect email is a necessary skill. This week, inspired by my daily email from The Muse and reflections on my own job search experience, I will be sharing five classic email templates for the job search.
1) Asking for an Introduction
Once you’ve familiarized yourself with where your network and connections are in their careers (see last week’s post for tips on using social media in the job search), make sure you reach out to anyone who might be able to help you land your next job. Here’s an adaptable email template that can help:
Subject: Introduction to [contact name] at [organization/company/firm]
Body:
Hi [contact name]:
I hope all is well! I see you [fill in the blank with an observation about their life (ex. Recently graduated, got a new job, got a new pet, etc).] I am in my [year in law school or a recent graduate/alum] of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. I’ve been pursuing jobs in [industry/practice area] and came across a position that would be a great fit: [position name and/or link to the posting] at [organization/company/firm].
I noticed you’re connected to [target name], who is a [job title] at [company name], and was hoping that you could introduce us via [LinkedIn and/or email]. If you feel comfortable doing so, your referral would be much appreciated!
Here’s a quick blurb about me and I have attached my resume to provide context about my interest and qualifications. [Insert blurb here]. Please let me know if anything else would be helpful.
Thank you in advance for your help,
[Your name]
*don’t forget to actually attach your resume!
*include your LinkedIn link for an added bonus
2) Setting Up an Informational Interview
Informational interviews are a great way to assess if a particular organization/company/firm or industry/practice area is a good fit. They can also be useful if an organization/company/firm doesn’t have any current openings – making connections can pay off down the line when something does open up. Here are two adaptable email templates that can help:
1.Subject: Informational Interview
Body:
Dear Mr./Ms. [insert last name]:
My name is [your name], and I’m [a little about your current and previous work experience]. Current, I am exploring [insert your area of interest that also corresponds with the job or company of the individual you are emailing]. I’d love to learn more about [two or three things you’d like to learn from the person] and thought you might be a great person to reach out to because [reason for targeting this individual].
Please let me know if you would be able to take some time from your busy schedule to meet for coffee, breakfast, or lunch sometime in the next few weeks. I will also follow up with a phone call.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
[Your name]
OR if someone has referred you to the individual you are contacting:
2. Subject: Informational Interview
Body:
Dear Mr./Ms. [insert last name]:
[Insert name] referred me to you: My name is [your name], and I’m [a little about your current and previous work experience]. Current, I am exploring [insert your area of interest that also corresponds with the job or company of the individual you are emailing]. I’d love to learn more about [two or three things you’d like to learn from the person] and thought you might be a great person to reach out to because [reason for targeting this individual].
Please let me know if you would be able to take some time from your busy schedule to meet for coffee, breakfast, or lunch sometime in the next few weeks. I will also follow up with a phone call.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
[Your name]
*once the opportunity is confirmed, you can attach your resume
3) Following Up on Your Application
If, after a week or two, you haven’t heard back from the hiring manager, following up is a great way to reaffirm your interest and gain more insight into their timeframe. Here’s an adaptable email template that can help:
Subject: Following Up on [Position Title] Application
Body:
Dear [hiring manager name]:
I hope all is well! I’m sure you have received a lot of applications for the [name of position] position. I submitted my application materials on [date] and wanted to check in on your decision timeline. I am still very interested in the position and am excited about the opportunity to [whatever it is that you’re most excited about connected to the position].
Please let me know if I can provide any additional information as you make decisions about the next stage. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you,
[Your name]
4) Sending a Thank You – First-Round Interview
You should ALWAYS send a thank you note after an interview. Not only are thank you notes expected, but they provide a way for you to remind them what you can bring to the organization/company/firm/position. A handwritten thank you note is best, but if you anticipate they will be making a decision sooner rather than later, an email can supplement (thank them while indicating a handwritten note is en route) or substitute the note. Here’s an adaptable email template that can help:
Subject: Thank You!
Body:
Dear [hiring manager name/interviewer name]:
Thank you so much for the opportunity to interview for the [name of position]. I really enjoyed sharing more about [insert two to four skills/experiences you identified in your interview that relate to the skills/experiences they are looking for]. It was great to learn [insert at least one specific thing you learned that demonstrates you are personalizing the note]. I put a handwritten thank you note in the mail [whenever you mailed the note], but wanted to follow up via email as well.
I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding the next step in the hiring process. I appreciate your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
5) Sending a Thank You – Second-Round Interview
It’s tough to write a second thank you note for an organization/company/firm without sounding redundant, but you want to convince them you are still interested and the best fit. Here’s an adaptable email template that can help:
Subject: Thank You!
Body:
Dear [hiring manager name/interviewer name]:
Thank you so much for the opportunity to interview again for the [name of position]. Learning more about the position reaffirmed that I am a perfect fit. As I was able to further share, my interests, skills, and strengths greatly align with the responsibilities of this role [here you can be as specific as possible!]. I put a handwritten thank you note in the mail [whenever you mailed the note], but wanted to follow up via email as well.
I look forward to hearing from you soon regarding the opportunity to join [name of organization/company/firm]
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Tagged: etiquette, job search strategy, professionalism
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