Cold Outreach Templates for Job Seekers

The job market has changed - has your search strategy? Most positions are filled by recruiters, referrals, or direct outreach (by YOU!). If you are simply applying to jobs posted online and hoping for a miracle, I hate to break it to you but you’ll likely be waiting a long time despite the long hours you’ll put in filling out applications.

Try these instead and let me know how it goes!

Blind outreach to a hiring manager:

Try to find the person who the job reports into. This is the hiring manager, and he or she will be the main decision maker for the position (as well as potentially your future manager). Because they’re the main decision maker, they are the best person to reach out to!

Hi [name]. It looks like you might be the hiring manager for the [position] at [company]. I just submitted my resume through [linkedin/their website], and would love any insights or advice you have to make sure my information is seen by the right person. I’ve been following [company] for a while and would love to explore working there!

Blind outreach to someone who works at your target company:

Have you looked for a contact, or friend of a friend who works at your target company, but you just can’t find one? Cold outreach it is! Don’t let that hold you back. Search for someone who would be working closely with you in this role.

Hi [name]. I notice that you work at [company] - I’ve been keeping my eye on them for a while, and saw they have an open position I’m interested in. Do you have any insights, advice, or someone you recommend I reach out to? I’m really interested in working there and would love any tips you have!