Why You Should Cold Email, Tips, and Templates

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If your attitude towards emails is filled with utter disdain, you ain’t making it. It’s that simple because emails, to this day, are one of the greatest tools. Think about why every time you go to a site, there’s a prompt for you to input your email. This is because email marketing is still one of the best ways to track a company’s engagement, provide news, updates, and deals while monitoring their active user base through email marketing analytics. If you don’t love email, come to love it because it will really save your a**.

Who should you email? That depends on what you’re looking for. Are you looking for collaboration or a job? And if it’s for collaborative purposes, what’s the status of the company in comparison to your professional or your startup’s brand? This will all determine how you approach individuals and organizations. I’m going to focus on college students for this one because I graduated less than two years ago, and they will most likely read this article (at least I think so).

When you’re in college, you automatically have an “angle” because you’re a student and have an extensive network of alumni through the institution.

As a student, approach others as someone looking for advice, knowledge, or expertise whether you’re trying to reach a company, professor, alum, or high-profile individual.

If you just graduated, just say you’ve recently graduated (good for up to 2 years) and state how you’re trying to navigate adulthood and would love some advice on how someone decided on their career path.

If it’s been a while since you’ve graduated, state that you’re a fan (but actually be one). Become well-researched in who you’re contacting (maybe read their books, articles, follow their social media, etc.), be a mix of passionate, grateful, and even a little bit desperate.

Now, although I’ve said all of this, none of this matters if it doesn’t come from a place of genuine feeling and authenticity. Don’t be fake. If you’re really not interested, don’t be surprised when people notice. Cold emailing is not about satisfying what you need or superficial networking. It’s about making a genuine connection with someone who shares similar thoughts, beliefs, and ideas as you. Think of it as making a new friend, as it should be. And if you don’t agree, that’s fine. This is just based off of what has worked well for me.

Lastly, DO NOT be afraid to contact people you do not know. They were you once. They did not magically get into the position that they’re currently in. They worked. They hustled. And they did the same as you did. As a person of color, I get it especially when dealing with some lesser than friendly folk, but cold emails and even cold calling will really teach you that it’s okay when someone doesn’t respond or hangs up the phone. You just keep moving because that’s what resilience is all about. And if you do get to contact this person, it may lead to a referral, which makes everything easier.

Email Tips to Follow:

1. In the subject, express interest and a little bit of desperate like ” First-Gen College Student Interested in Your (field of study) Research”
2. When you send someone an email, always address it with their name“Hi (insert name)”
3. Follow by introducing yourself, reason for contact (Do not state that you’re looking for a job. It sounds less genuine.), questions or what you love/why you want to talk to them (~3 very well thought out and researched depicting that you did your homework), suggested times to meet/call (to speed things along), and your contact info.
4. Sign off with “I really appreciate the time you have to take to read this. Thank you very much, (your name)”
5. If you don’t get a response after 5–7 days, send a follow-up email. “Hi (person’s name), I’m reaching out again to follow up I’d really love the opportunity to chat with you, and I completely understand if it is not possible. Please get back to me when you can. Thank you very much, (your name).
6. Your best option is to meet in person at a cafe/Starbucks/lunch or pastry place. If it is financially possible and the person is more high profile, offer to buy them a coffee. Schedule for about 20–30 mins of their time. You can even say, “I really value your time, and the meeting should not take longer than 30 minutes.”
7. Offer to give them some of your time either in the email or during the meeting, “Please feel free to reach out if you need help with anything. I’d be happy to help!”
8. Lastly, follow up the meeting with an email expressing gratitude. Send a reminder about anything they might’ve promised during the meeting. Always express respect and thanks for those who have helped you and taken the time to do so.

Example Email Template:

Hi (person you’re contact),

My name is (your name). I currently (whatever you do). I’m reaching out because (reason for contact). I’d love to learn more about (three topics that you’re interested in). I admire (something that they’re good at). I was wondering if you possibly had an availability within the next week for a video call (Skype (@username) or Google Hangouts). The call shouldn’t take longer than 20 minutes. I would very much appreciate the opportunity, and I very much value your time. Thank you for reading this email, and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Thank you very much,

(Your name)

Hopefully, this helps someone somewhere. I’ll try to update when I can. I’m currently editing and pulling this from my old blog along with things I’ve learned in the past and even recently. I’d like to add that if finding their email is difficult. Try Instagram DM as that has worked well for me, send a postcard or letter to their agency, or even pick up the phone and give someone a ring. If you’re looking for a referral, reach out to your own network, and let others know that you’re looking for X. Facebook groups are a great place to do such. Anyways, until next time ❤