Writing a cold email may sound daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before, but it’s one of the most important skills you can master. To make sure you set the best (virtual) first impression possible, we are providing three free cold email templates, for three different scenarios, that are likely to get your email opened.
Reaching out to someone completely cold
Subject: Choose something specific! Mention something you have in common or a specific achievement of theirs you admire.
Hi [their name],
My name is [your name] and I work as a [job title] in [your city]. I’ve been following the work you’ve done at [their company] and especially admire [a recent project of theirs].
If you have the time, I’d love to hear more about [one reason you’re reaching out to them] and [another reason you’re reaching out to them]. Do you have [15/30/45] minutes for [coffee/a phone call] in the next two weeks?
Best,
[Your signature]
Example:
Subject: Hello from a Fellow NYU Grad
Hi Julia,
My name is Kristen and I’m a recent graduate from New York University’s Media, Culture, and Communications program. I’ve been captivated by CompanyXYZ’s latest campaign, and admire the honesty and approachability in all your marketing pushes.
If you have thirty minutes to spare, I would love to learn more about your path from NYU to becoming the Creative Director at CompanyXYZ. Do you have time for coffee sometime in the next two weeks?
Best,
Kristen Greene
kgreene@email.com
Reaching out to someone who is an alum of your school
Subject: [Your University] Student Looking to Connect / Chat About [Topic]
Hi [their name],
My name is [your name], and I am a current [class year] at [your university] who found your contact information via [source]. At [your university], I study [your major] and I am very interested in exploring careers in [insert details]. I saw that you had experience in / currently work in [industry details], so I was wondering if you would be willing to hop on the phone for a quick chat in the next two weeks?
Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best,
[Your Name]
Example:
Subject: NYU Student Looking to Chat About Career Paths
Hi Julia,
My name is Kristen, and I’m currently a student at New York University within the Media, Culture, and Communications program. I found your contact information on LinkedIn, and I’m very interested in exploring different career paths in media and communications. I saw that you currently work at CompanyXYZ, and I admire the honesty and approachability in all your marketing pushes.
If you have thirty minutes to spare, I would love to learn more about your path from NYU to becoming the Creative Director at CompanyXYZ. Do you have time to hop on the phone sometime in the next two weeks?
Thanks, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best,
Kristen Greene
kgreene@email.com
Reaching out to someone who you were referred to (someone said to reach out to the contact, gave you their email and told you to reach out directly)
Subject: Referred by [Friend’s name]; Hoping to Chat About [Topic]
Hi [their name],
I hope you don't mind me reaching out – my friend, [friend’s name], relayed your contact information to me. My name is [your name], and I am a student at [your university] studying [your major]. If you have the time, I’d love to hear more about [one reason you’re reaching out to them] and [another reason you’re reaching out to them]. Do you have [15/30/45] minutes for [coffee/a phone call] in the next two weeks?
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
Best,
[your name]
Example:
Subject: Referred by Rachel; Hoping to Chat About Career Paths
Hi Julia,
I hope you don't mind me reaching out – my friend, Rachel, relayed your contact information to me. My name is Kristen and I’m a recent graduate from New York University’s Media, Culture, and Communications program. I’ve been captivated by CompanyXYZ’s latest campaign, and admire the honesty and approachability in all your marketing pushes.
If you have thirty minutes to spare, I would love to learn more about your path from NYU to becoming the Creative Director at CompanyXYZ. Do you have time for coffee sometime in the next two weeks?
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
Best,
Kristen Greene
kgreene@email.com