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Anonymous
05/16/20 at 9:17PM UTC
in
Career

"Cold" Emailing

When is it okay to "cold" email someone - and is it ever okay? I don't want to overload someone's inbox, but I'm also just starting out and don't have many people in my network.

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Sara Bruno
star-svg
39
Passion for helping others grow in their career!
05/31/20 at 6:56PM UTC
Definitely recommend cold emailing!! That's how I got my most recent job. At the end of the day, I think most people would be willing to help in any way they can because they'd hope someone would do the same for them. Do it! Best of luck!
Keila Alvarado
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209
Writer/Associate Producer/E.A.
05/19/20 at 11:56PM UTC
It is perfectly okay and a good investment to try to network and expand your connections as many opportunities are made in that way. But you would get more responses by sending personalized sentences and catchy intros. Turn your intention to a small ask when compared to highlighting your skills, what you could bring to the plate of a company, or how you could be of service to the person instead of asking for a recommendation or a favor. Good luck!
Anonymous
05/27/20 at 4:39PM UTC
Thank you! This is great advice!
Anne Knox
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322
CMP
05/19/20 at 10:37PM UTC
Lots of good advice here, but I would like to add that be specific and narrow with your ask. Most professionals do not have time to meet for coffee with a stranger without an agenda, but they might answer if you ask, what are the 3 most important traits you look for when hiring for position I’m interested in
Eva Jannotta (she/her)
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171
Amplify your influence.
05/21/20 at 2:37AM UTC
This is a good point — if you're going to reach out to someone you don't know, make sure you're being respectful of their time. I've read advice to always research someone before you cold email them. That way you can find out if they've already answered your question, and/or make it clear you've "done your homework" before you reached out.
Anonymous
05/27/20 at 4:39PM UTC
Thank you, Anne and Eva! I definitely want to research and learn everything I can before I reach out.
Shelby C
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1.89k
Creative Consultant-Sales & Marketing-Writer
05/19/20 at 9:31PM UTC
LinkedIn is the perfect platform. Be careful with your words and don't be generic. You don't want it to seem like an email blast. I'm more likely to read something with my name in it. It's also an annoyance when people send them after 11pm and before 6am.
Anonymous
05/27/20 at 4:38PM UTC
Got it--thank you for these tips. It's all about the details!
Mina Asif
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124
API Developer
05/19/20 at 8:47PM UTC
Hi! I get the apprehension. I feel like I am bothering someone or being a nuisance. However, I have to remind myself to get out there.
Anonymous
05/27/20 at 4:38PM UTC
I'm glad someone else is feeling the same way. We can do this!
Laura McCann
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325
Driving results through people engagement
05/19/20 at 8:16PM UTC
Hi there! I am completely fine with cold emailing! I have no problem if anyone reaches out to me on LinkedIn or directly through email. In fact, I encourage folks to take such action.
Anonymous
05/27/20 at 4:38PM UTC
Awesome, Laura! Thank you for the insight!
Elianet Oliva
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278
Make things happen!
05/19/20 at 7:51PM UTC
I have been attending a lot of professional seminars and follow a couple of career coaches during my current job search and they preach that cold emailing is the way to go. However, keep in mind, you have to be patient with the response no to burn a bridge before it is formed. Also, don't put all your eggs in one basket, in other words search for more than 1 or 2 people at the company you are targeting. Always remember, people that will help you will do so no matter what, same applies to those that won't help. So don't be shy, try it out and let me know your results.
Anonymous
05/27/20 at 4:37PM UTC
Thank you! These are great tips and good things to keep in mind.
Suzanne Taylor
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92
Career Consultant // Higher Ed Expert
05/19/20 at 7:34PM UTC
Totally agree that cold emailing is fine if the person has a publicly listed email address. LinkedIn is also widely used for networking, so you may feel more comfortable starting with messaging professionals on there.
Anonymous
05/27/20 at 4:37PM UTC
Great idea, Suzanne. I never thought to just use LinkedIn!
SanneRietveld
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13
EX enthusiast, HR & animal lover
05/17/20 at 4:57PM UTC
Hi there! Completely agree with Tricia - I don't think you should be afraid to reach out, you'll see that there are many people out there glad to help you. There are many ways to write your first message, and I'd say it is always a good idea to find a common ground with the person you're writing and it sounds like Tricia's guide can be a great help! Good luck!
Anonymous
05/27/20 at 4:36PM UTC
Finding a common ground is smart! Thank you!
Tricia Sitemere
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28
Helping YOU CTRL Alt Delete! #TrustTricia
05/17/20 at 1:57AM UTC
Hello! I think it's fine to do so as long as you do so with some parameters. 1. Understand they may not respond or their response may be delayed. 2.If you are going to do so, remember networking is a 2 way street. I have a networking guide I created, feel free to shoot me a note if interested! GOOD LUCK!!! :-)
Anonymous
05/27/20 at 4:36PM UTC
Thank you, Tricia! These are good parameters.

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