How To Write An Email Asking For A Job

The traditional way of finding a job involves replying to job adverts. But there is another method that may help you land your next job, and that’s emailing companies directly and asking them if there’s an opening that matches your skills and experience.  Approaching a company directly can be useful if you can’t see an open vacancy that satisfies what you’re looking for or if you see a company that could really benefit from your skills.   Your initial communication is the most important, so here’s our guide on how to write an email to a company asking for a job. To help you get started, we’ve also included a sample email that you can tailor.  Related: How to Write the Perfect Job Application Email Step-by-step instructions on how to write an email asking for a job:

1. Find out who to send the email to
2. Prepare your subject header
3. Introduce yourself and explain your reason for emailing
4. Outline what value you can bring to the company
5. Mention any relevant qualifications and experience
6. Talk about the next steps you want to take
7. Close off the email
8. Include a copy of your CV

1. Find out who to send the email to

Once you’ve made a shortlist of the companies you’re interested in working for, you next need to identify who is the best person in the company to contact. The size of the company may dictate who you should email. For example, if it’s a small company you may be better off approaching the owner.  If it’s a larger organisation, we recommend contacting the person who oversees the department you’re wanting to work in. If you contact the HR department there’s a risk your CV will be held on file until a suitable role arises - which could be a long time or never! Finding the email address of your contact shouldn’t be difficult; it may be on the company website, you could call the company and ask for it or you may be able to get it from the person's LinkedIn profile.  Related: What to Research Before Any Job Interview

2. Prepare your subject header

The first thing the recipient will do before even opening your email is read the subject line. If it’s too vague they may send it to trash, or if it’s too forward you run the risk of turning them off you before they’ve read your email or seen your CV.  To give your email the best chance of being read, keep your subject header simple and stick to what your email is about. You could use the following structure: Your name - role looking for - interested in working for ‘company name’ e.g. Clare Morris - Key Account Manager - interested in working for Salesforce

3. Introduce yourself and explain your reason for emailing

They’ve opened your email but now you only have a couple of seconds to keep their attention. Your opening introductory paragraph should be to the point but packed with information.  You should make reference to the company to show that you’ve done some research. This will also make the email appear tailored - and not a generic message that you’re sending to various other companies.  This paragraph should include who you are, your current job title and what role you’re looking for.  

4. Outline what value you can bring to the company

This second paragraph is the most important section of your email and it needs to focus on selling your key skills and showing what value you’ll bring to the company. These skills should reflect what’s on your CV - so don’t be tempted to embellish them as you may get found out.  Again, keep this paragraph short and concise as the reader will be scanning your email and picking out the most important information.  Related [7 Skills Recruiters Want to See on Your CV]

5. Mention any relevant qualifications and experience 

Your third paragraph should briefly mention any qualifications you hold that are relevant to the role. This could be a degree or certificates gained from a  professional organisation.  Now is also a good time to bring up previous roles that you feel may motivate the recipient to invite you for an interview. And, again explain how your experience will benefit the company.  You don’t need to go into much detail as you can discuss your qualification(s) and previous experience further in the interview.  Related: Good v Great! How To Show Employers The Difference

6. Talk about the next steps you want to take

The aim of sending the email is to get an interview, so don’t be shy in asking for one. You’ve taken the initiative by approaching them directly, so go the extra mile and ask them for a meeting. You could suggest a face-to-face or a virtual meeting or ask them to let you know a time when they’re free for a telephone chat.  Related: 8 Questions You Should Absolutely Ask An Interviewer

7. Close off the email 

Even though an email may feel less formal than a letter, it still needs to have a professional ending. Your last paragraph should also let the recipient know what steps you’d like to take next. Here’s an example of a good ending to an email: “Thank you for taking the time to read my email, and I look forward to hearing from you to discuss this further. Kind regards, [name]”

8. Include a copy of your CV 

Before hitting the ‘send’ button ensure you’ve attached a copy of your most up-to-date CV. This should either be as a Word document or a pdf, as most computer systems will be able to read these formats. It’s also advisable to include your CV as an attachment and name it appropriately, such as Clare_Morris_CV. This is instead of including a link to your CV, as this may cause the recipient’s email system to flag your email as suspicious and either send it to spam or block it altogether.  Additionally, make sure that every section of your CV is complete, that your CV is tailored to the company you’re sending it to and that it’s error-free.  Related: How To Write A CV Extra point to mention: When sending an email to a prospective employer, use a professional email address. Firstly, you want to make a good impression, which a silly email address won’t do. Secondly, any spammy sounding email addresses may get blocked by the recipient's email server. 

Example email asking for a job: 

Subject line: Clare Morris - Key Account Manager - interested in working for Salesforce  Dear Ms. Brown,  I’ve been following Salesforce’s growth for some time, and I’m impressed by how the company’s integrated software supports businesses with customer retention and acquisition. I’m a Key Accounts Manager with 10 years of experience and I’m currently looking for a new opportunity.  I believe my skills in managing a team, delivering presentations, negotiating with senior business partners and my customer-focused approach will substantially support Salesforce’s growth plans.  With a degree in Business Management from Manchester University and my previous roles as an Account Administrator for BT and an Account Manager for Sage, I believe I’ll be a great asset to your Customer Success team and I’ll be instrumental in increasing output from your key accounts while securing new high-yield accounts.  I’ve included a copy of my CV that outlines my skills, experience and qualifications. I’m available to discuss these with you over the phone or in person.  Thank you for taking the time to read my email, and I look forward to hearing from you to talk about this further.  Kind regards, Clare Morris  Email Phone number