Mastering the Intro Email to a Prospective Employer

Mastering the Intro Email to a Prospective Employer Mastering the Intro Email to a Prospective Employer While there are plenty of tips out there on when to reach out and how often, I want to focus today on the very first emaille you send to a prospective employer.As CEO of Brolik, a digital marketing agency, I will flag a candidate and grant an interview often based solely on the first email I receive from them(yes, I still keep an eye on every resume that comes in, even though its not my job to manage our hiring process).The first email couldbe your only option to make an impression on a potential employer, and it can showcase your strong research, communication, and writing skills all in one shot if you do it right.That first email can either open up doors, or, conversely get you archived in someones inbox,never to be looked at again.So, before you send that intro email to a potential employer, let me share some adviceDo Your HomeworkFind out how the company was founded, the pro blem it istrying to solve, what the company ispassionate about, and who the companys clients are. Be sure to dig deep and really find some fun facts. Dont force anything, but your email should somehow show in a clever and casual way that you know the company. The person reading it shouldfeel like they arent just 1 of 100 you are sending a resume to.Focus on the CompanyThis is just as important in sale outreach as it is inapplying for a job. Focus on the potential employer. Tell themhow you can help and where you think your talents will fit. How can you add to what the company isalready doing? Remember you dont just want to showoff your talents. You want to make it clear how your skills can be leveraged for the good of the company.Let the Employer Know ThatYou Want to Be Where They AreIf you want to live in the city the company isheadquartered in, say so. If you want to be in Philadelphia, or Chicago, or Austin, tell the employer. Organizationswant to see that you are passionate abou t their city and wont get homesick or have second thoughts if relocation is necessary. If its your first time in the city, keep that to yourself.Show RespectIts popular to add an edgy flair to your intro, but be careful. Saying things like I make moves,or Jack of all trades, or Renaissance man/woman, or creative ninja, might sound good to you, but it likely wont get the results youre looking for.Be Unique But Not Too UniqueYou want to stand out, but you dont want to stick out like a sore thumb. The company needs to believe that youll fit in well with its culture. Be clever, but not too clever. Be funny if thats you. Be concise no matter who you are.Write Well and ProofreadThink back to grade-school grammar. Cut out unnecessary words and remember to check your spelling and punctuation. Mix long and short sentences. Your email should be easy to read, and achieving that effect comes with practice.Real Emails From Candidates (and What You Can Learn From Them)I am writing to you to appl y to Broliks digital marketing internship, as I believe my past digital marketing experience, strong work ethic, and desire to learn would allow me to make an immediate contribution in the position. Tip A formal start is okay. We hired this candidate.Ive never been good at selling myself.Tip Never start by putting yourself down, even if its a lead in to something else.I am very enthusiastic and excited about the possibility of a career with your company. No specific reasons listedTip Dont say something that could apply to any company, even if its positive. Saysome specific and unique to that company.After reviewing your company, I wanted to inquire about any full time positions that relate to advertising, specifically in account management or strategy. Tip Its easy to find this information on our website. Dont ask for it in your email.I am looking for hands-on experience in marketing that I will be able to use going forward in my career. Tip Im sorry, but its not about you. We will care about you once youre hired, but until then, were not an experience charity.A career opportunity with Brolik would be a 24/7 commitment to building, enhancing, and managing brands. Tip Sure, were all about brand but that wasnt in the job description. Be specific about your strengths and make sure they relate to the desired skills spelled out in the job description.Try This Exercise When Writing Your Next Intro EmailThe following template can help you create a stand-out intro email that hits all the right notesEmployerThis is how I found you and what attracted me to you.This is why I appreciate what you are doing and where youve been, giving a casual detail or two.This is how I can contribute, based on the position and my knowledge of your company.A note about any relevant experience or training.A quick thank you and send off.In the end, its all about being unique and professional. Dont get lost in a sea of emails. Make an impression by saying something that requires time and th ought. I cant speak for other executives or HR professionals, but sincerity and diligence go a long way with me.