The modern job market exists almost entirely on the internet. Most companies probably have their job openings posted to a site like Indeed or CareerBuilder to vet applications in a streamlined way. But what about if the company you want to work for doesn’t seem to be hiring for the position you want? What is the best way to let that company know you are interested and stand out from the general crowd?
Simple, just send a cold job inquiry email. Whether or not your dream company is hiring at the moment, this type of email is a great way to make the first contact with the organization and show them that you are eager to join the team.
Many times the company will keep your resume on file to be considered at a later date, so don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t immediately lead to a position within the company. This article will explain what a job inquiry email is, why they are important, and give examples of how to write an effective one.
What is a Job Inquiry Email?
It is a message sent to a business that has not advertised the specific job that you desire. Generally, it is the first contact made with the company or organization. It is not a formal application, but it is a very professional way to connect to the business. They are also commonly known as letters of interest.
Companies are always looking for the best quality candidates to fill positions even when they are not actively hiring, so sending an unsolicited email is a good way to prove that you are different from the rest. Research shows that Tuesdays are the most common day for sending and opening emails (2021 Marketing Statistics). Try to take advantage of this fact and send your job inquiry email over on a Tuesday.
Why Should I Send a Job Inquiry Email?
There are many good reasons to send a job inquiry via email. First, most companies are hiring all the time, even if they don’t say that they are. You may not find a job posting online, but if you are interested in working for a company whose email address you can find, you still have a good chance of getting your name in front of them.
Businesses like employees who take initiative, so they may want you on their team if you show that you are willing to make the first move. This type of email is usually a cold email, meaning it is sent without any prior contact.
Second, your resume is easily attached to such an email. Every company will experience turnover no matter how great a place it is to work, with current employees either being let go or moving on to other opportunities.
Because of this, there is bound to be a position open eventually in your ideal field. When this happens, companies are prone to look through the resumes that are already on file, including ones that were sent to them via job inquiry.
When a business experiences turnover, you want your name to be at the top of the list that they are about to sort through to fill any given position. Sending a job inquiry email as early as you can is a great way to get a head start.
Thirdly, you can write a job inquiry email after a job interview to follow up with your application status. This is a good way to remind the employer that you are interested in the job. If the hiring manager is on the fence between two or three candidates, the one who is persistent will usually get preference.
How To Write a Job Inquiry Email?
It may seem like a simple task, but it is very important to prepare your email in such a way that it is more likely to be read and considered. Here are some steps to get you started:
1.Do Your Research– The key to getting the attention of the hiring manager is knowing who the hiring manager is. It may not always be possible to get this information, but if it is, it can be a major gamechanger.
Find out about their interests and use those to your advantage in the email, this will make you stand out further from the rest. Also, researching company history, business structure, and names of executives will show that you are well-versed in the corporate language and passionate about the company.
2.Don’t Send the First Draft – One big mistake that job-seekers make is typing out the email as it comes to them and sending it once they are done. Instead, write as many drafts as you can to perfect wording, sentence structure, and any relevant details you would like to add to the subject matter. Remember, you want this email to be as professional as possible, so make it your best work!
3.Get the First Line Right – The first line of a job inquiry email should state the intent of the message in a direct and attractive way. Don’t be afraid to add a little flair. (ex. My name is Joseph Lee, and as a dedicated user of your company’s web services, I would like to inquire about career opportunities.)
4.Use Formal Language – As stated earlier, this email should be written as professionally as possible to ensure that you have the best opportunity to be hired. You are not approaching them as a consumer but as an industry professional, which means that formal language is required even if it is a more casual company in its marketing campaigns.
5.Attach a Resume and a Cover Letter – Yes, cover letters are still an important part of job applications. The purpose of a cover letter is to give the company a bit of background on your experience to complement your resume.
Businesses love to see a formal cover letter as it shows effort and willingness to go the extra mile in a professional setting. Having a resume attached is also very important as the company can keep these documents on file in case job opportunities open up in the future.
Job Inquiry Email Template
To help you write an effective email and capture the attention of the business in question, use the following template when crafting your next job inquiry email:
Section 1: Heading
The first section acts as a heading. This is where you directly address the hiring manager or any other parties that might view your email. Obtaining specific names often gives the employer a more positive view of you as you’re addressing them directly. It shows that you took the time to research them.
Section 2: Introduction
The second section acts as your introduction. Include your opening sentence which has your name and states the intent of the message. Add additional sentences if necessary, but keep it brief and don’t exceed three sentences. Use the opening sentence example provided above.
Section 3: Body
The third section acts as your body. The length of this section might vary depending on the industry, but don’t exceed three paragraphs (or 15 sentences in total). Use this section to further explain your interests and give a broad overview of your qualifications.
Section 4: Closing statement
The fourth section acts as your final thoughts and calls-to-action. In most cases, this is the section where individuals tell the reader they’ll find a resume and cover letter attached. Establish this as an important note within your message as attachments are often missed if not pointed out.
Section 5: Formal end
The fifth and final section acts as the formal end of your message. It’s here that you give a friendly and formal closure, followed by a list including your name, address and contact information. If necessary, include times in which you are available for phone calls or offer a link to a meeting provider.
Frequently Asked Questions About Job Inquiry Email
What should I do if there is no response to my cold email inquiry?
Patience is key, don’t assume that a lack of response to job inquiry email is an immediate failure. Double-check that you sent it to the right address, then wait.
Is it okay to send multiple emails to the same company?
Yes, it is perfectly okay to send more than one inquiry email, but it is recommended to wait at least a week between emails so that you don’t come across as more pestering than eager.
What should I put in my subject line for the Job Inquiry Email?
A good job inquiry email subject line will include your name (even if your name is in your email address). Also include the words “job inquiry” or “job applicant” depending on your situation. You can also add your title and/or skills in a concise way. (ex. Job Inquiry for Sales Manager – Joseph Lee; Sales Executive)
Should I include my resume in the job inquiry email?
Yes! This is one of the most important things to add to your email. Even if the company is not hiring at the moment, they will be able to keep your resume on file and return to it whenever positions become available.
Job Inquiry Email Sample
Use this sample job inquiry email to model yours after:
To whom it may concern at Amazon Web Services,
My name is Joseph Lee, and as a loyal customer and long-time user of your revolutionary services, I wish to inquire about career opportunities.
As a recent graduate of the New York Business Institute, I believe that I am qualified for a full-time position at your company. I specialize in business analytics, and have closely analyzed your business practices and corporate structure. I see your business model as one of the most effective that has ever been put into practice, especially because of the willingness to delve into so many facets of web services. My skills and qualifications will allow me to strategize with your team and find even more ways to effectively reach the masses with revolutionary technology.
I hope that this proposal finds you well. I have attached my resume and cover letter for your convenience. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best Regards,
Joseph Lee
joseph.lee@email.com
Conclusion
A job inquiry email is an important skill for job seekers to learn. Following the steps in this article will help you secure many opportunities in the future. Don’t forget to always be professional and present yourself as confidently as possible.
Learn more about LinkedIn Job Inquiry
