How to write a cold email to a hiring manager
A cold email to a hiring manager can work when it is short, specific and useful to them. It works worst when it is a copy of your cover letter.
Pick the right person
- The hiring manager is usually the lead of the team that owns the role, not HR.
- Look at the posting's team name, then at the company's team page or professional profiles.
- If you cannot find one, a recruiter named on the posting is a fine second choice.
The structure
- Subject line: the role and one fact, for example: Data analyst role: built the dashboards your posting mentions.
- Opening: one sentence on why you are writing to them.
- Proof: two or three lines of results you can back up.
- Ask: one small question, such as whether the role is still open and who reviews applications.
- Sign-off: your name, a link to your resume or portfolio.
Template
Subject: [Job title]: [one relevant result]
Hi [Name],
I saw the [Job title] opening ([link]) and wanted to reach out directly. In my last role I [result with a number or clear outcome], which is close to what the posting describes. I have applied on your careers page and attached my resume. Is the role still open, and is there anything about the team I should know before the interview stage?
Thanks, [Name]
What to avoid
- Long paragraphs about yourself.
- Claims you cannot support in an interview.
- Attachments in the first message if the company filters them. A link is safer.
- Mass-sending the same text. Change the opening and the proof for each person.
Follow-up
Apply through the employer's page first, then email. If there is no reply after a week or so, send one short follow-up. After that, move on and look at other roles.