4 Techniques For Applying To A Job Using Email Only (With Examples)

Professional hiring processes mostly center around employers posting a job description online, job seekers applying and interviewing for said job and ultimately, employers extending offers. But what if your job search has kind of stalled?

Sure, you’ve been applying, networking and perhaps even hearing back from a few employers here and there, but nothing is quite landing yet. What else can you do?

Applying to jobs using only email is a very innovative way to get seen and noticed by employers and a secret way to access the hidden job market (jobs that are not posted online yet). Here are 4 techniques to use when applying to jobs using email only.

1. Start Your Email With Your Why

When you’re reaching out to employers via email it’s usually to a general info@ type of email account. You need to be specific and intentional with your subject headline and first line of your email to ensure your email is even read. Let’s pretend I’m a college student majoring in marketing looking for an internship.

Here are some example subject lines:

Need Marketing Help? I’m Your Next Intern!
Marketing Student Looking For A Chance…
Here’s How I Can Boost Your Marketing Strategy

You want to communicate who you are and what you are able to offer with your subject line and your first few sentences of your email.

Here are some examples of how to start your email:

Hi, my name is Nadia and I’m a marketing student at the University of Louisville. I have been a long time fan of your brand and would love the opportunity to work with you creating content your audience would find helpful. Here’s what I can offer.
Hi, thanks for reading my message! I came across your organization through my network and am really inspired by some of the cool things you’re doing, specifically your Instagram content! I am a marketing major looking for an opportunity to create content your audience would find helpful. Here’s what I can offer.
Hello! Hailee Smith recommended I reach out to you about a potential marketing internship opportunity. My name is Nadia and I’m a marketing student at the University of Louisville. I’ve known Anna for a number of years and we had coffee together recently and she couldn't say enough positive things about her marketing internship with you last summer. I’d love the chance to connect about opportunities to work with you creating content your audience would find helpful. Here’s what I can offer.

2. Share How You Would Solve Problems

Why do employers hire employees? In simplest terms, to solve problems, perform tasks and keep customers satisfied. So when you reach out via email for job opportunities, it’s helpful to share how you would solve problems or what you are able to offer your future employer.

You can think of this part of the email like a pitch. What are you offering, how are you qualified to do what you are offering and how you are beneficial to the employer.

Here is an example on sharing what you can offer:

As a marketing major, I’ve completed several classes on social media marketing at Louisville. I also completed a LinkedIn Learning certificate on content marketing and a Google Analytics certificate. Using these skills, I can create an efficient marketing and social media strategy for you, execute a plan and run analytics to continuously improve the ROI of your marketing efforts. Understanding what content resonates with your audience is instrumental in converting folks into clients and keeping a loyal following. I would love to be part of this work and would bring a lot of energy and drive to the team.

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3. Be Open To Other Opportunities

So you’ve got a great subject hook and introduction that grabs the reader’s attention. You’ve given your opening or elevator pitch on what you can offer and how you’re qualified. Now you need to express interest for opportunities beyond what you’ve pitched.

In the marketing example we’ve been using so far, perhaps the team already has a social media intern and what you’re offering isn’t massively of use to them. You also want to express interest in other areas to show the employer you have skills or interest in learning beyond what you’ve outlined.

Here is an example of showing how you’re flexible:

Beyond social media marketing and content creation, I’ve been growing my understanding of market search and buyer behavior. I’m honestly very open to learning and exploring all areas of marketing so if you have business needs I haven’t mentioned yet, let’s chat and see if I'm a good fit!

4. Close The Deal

You’ll want to close your email with next steps and timelines. It may feel a little pushy to be super direct but remember, you are sending an email to an employer that hasn’t advertised a job, so you don’t even know if they are hiring or what level of interest they have.

No need to beat around the bush, be direct and sound serious (and professional of course!).

Here is an example of closing out your email:

I understand I’m emailing you out of the blue and you may not have an immediate need or interest at this time. My goal is to have an internship or work experience set up for Fall semester, so in about 2 months. If you could kindly please let me know if you have an interest in chatting and would be willing to connect before my semester starts, that would be highly appreciated! I’m confident I’d be a value add to your team and would be honored to learn alongside you. Thank you for your time and consideration!

Lastly…

When applying to jobs over email, know that you’ll have a decently high rejection rate or just simply won’t hear back- and that’s ok! Email can be a great way to access the hidden job market, stand out from the crowd, or a chance to create your own customized/ bespoke opportunities.

As many jobs as you are applying to through online apps or email, make sure you are applying to people too (informational interviews and networking). People hire people so any way you are able to get your name out there, take advantage of it!

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Meet The Writer!

Hi! My name is Nadia Ibrahim-Taney and I help people design happy and fulfilling careers through authentic career coaching. My expertise includes career exploration guidance, resume writing, interview prep and LinkedIn profile optimization. My pronouns are She/ Her/ Hers and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I focus on how diverse identities impact and influence folks holistically and professionally. Please connect with me on LinkedIn or at Nadia@beyonddiscoverycoaching.com