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Sending a cold contact cover letter provides you with an opportunity to be considered by the company for employment. Because writing this type of letter takes time, it's a good idea to only send cold contact cover letters to companies that you are very interested in working for.
The following is an example of a cold contact cover letter sent to an employer that hasn't advertised job openings. Download the cold contact cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.
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Susan Sharpe
123 Main Street
New York, NY 11111
555-555-5555
susan.sharpe@email.com
Mr. David Paulin
Greenwood Elementary Principal
1390 Broadway
New York, NY 11111
Independent schools such as Greenwood Elementary require a hardworking, organized administrative staff to ensure that the school runs successfully and efficiently. My administrative experience and organizational skills would help contribute to the long history of success at Greenwood School.
I have extensive administrative experience in an academic setting. For the past two years I have worked at the Early Childhood Center at XYZ College, where I alternated between running activities for the children and answering phones, scheduling parent-teacher meetings, and performing other organizational tasks.
I also served as an intern for the principal of 123 Elementary School, undertaking a variety of office assignments while also observing firsthand the day-to-day duties of an academic administrator.
I have attached my resume, and would love to speak with you regarding how I could make a significant contribution to Greenwood School's daily operations. I will call you within the next week to discuss arranging an interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Susan Sharpe (signature hard copy letter)
When you are sending your cover letter via email, include your name and the job title in the subject line of your message:
Subject: Inquiry From Susan Sharpe
List your contact information in your signature, rather than in the body of the letter:
Susan Sharpe
123 Main Street
XYZ Town, NY 11111
Email: susan.sharp@mail.com
Cell: 555-555-5555
As with an ordinary cover letter, your goal is to get the company's attention and show that you're a great candidate. Writing a cold contact cover letter is harder, however, since you cannot base your pitch off of the information provided in the job description.
In your letter, convey your interest in the organization, identify your most relevant skills and experience, and explain what you would offer the organization. Particularly since you're sending unsolicited correspondence, you should have a strong pitch or thesis statement for why you're worth considering.
For instance, you might say:
From the awards your company has received, it's clear that you make the very best of Widget X. However, the directions on how to assemble Widget X aren't as praised. That's where I can help: As an award-winning technical writer, I excel at explaining complex things in clear, simple language.
Here are the basic elements you'll want to include in your cold contact cover letter:
Start with a strong subject line—this will help ensure that the recipient will open the email, despite not recognizing the sender. You can try aggressive subject lines like "Why you need a better event planner" or "Increase your sales 10%." Or, try more subtle approaches, such as "Quick request—marketing positions" or "Experienced marketer interested in company X."
If you know someone in common, include the person's name in the subject line.
As well, you'll want to have an attention-getting first sentence that conveys both what you want (a job; an informational interview) and what you can offer.
Be clear about why you'd be an asset. This is where research comes in: You want to connect the company's needs and goals with your skills and abilities. Show how you're well-suited to help the company achieve its mission, whether that's selling more widgets or making on-time deliveries.
If you have a connection that you can mention, make sure to include that information in the first few sentences of the letter. (Always check beforehand to make sure the connection is comfortable with you including their name and prepared to recommend you.)
It's great to say you have a proven track record launching PR campaigns; even better to send a link to an article or press release about the campaign's success. Include a link or attachments to your portfolio, writing clips, and any other relevant evidence of your work.
Conclude your email by offering next steps, such as a potential time for a follow-up call or a request for an interview or conversation. While your goal may ultimately be a job interview, smaller requests, such as an informational interview, tour of the company, or request for information on the next job fair, may more readily be granted.
Is it worth it to send cold contact letters? That's a tricky question to answer. As you can see, crafting a strong cold contact cover letter involves as much time—or even more—than a cover letter written in response to a posted job description. And even with a strong, targeted letter, there's no guarantee that the company will be receptive to your overture.
However, that doesn't mean that cold contact letters and emails never get results.
If you email persuasively and convey clearly why the company needs someone like you, it can be far more attention-getting than one of many emails in a pile of cover letters responding to a posted offer.
Much of the success of a cold cover letter depends on timing, your understanding of the company, and the quality of your letter. This technique is most likely to be successful when you're truly passionate about a company and believe you'd be an asset.
Before sending a cold contact cover letter, do your research. As well as knowing the company, you'll want to send your letter to the most appropriate person. Use LinkedIn to find out the names of managers or employees in the department where you'd like to work.
