How to cold email naturally without being creepy
This is Part 6 of a multi-part series focused on how I executed my career transition from oil & gas into tech. Using this approach, I landed interviews with 15 companies and received four offers for product management positions. Follow my blog @medium for regular updates.
So you have built a LAMP list: a targeted list of companies and people to network with. Now what? How do you reach out to random strangers on the Internet and actually get a response? What do you say in the email without it being awkward and anxiety inducing?
How to cold email naturally
It feels awkward to reach out a random person you have never met before. If you are an introvert, then this may naturally scare the shit out of you. Here are a couple of templates you could use, depending on your situation:
Alternate 1: LinkedIn cold connection
“Hi, [name]. Would love to chat with you regarding (career pivot / career journey / specific topic]) as you are expert in this area and I would love to learn from you.
Wondering if I can buy you a cup of coffee or chat via zoom regarding (pivoting into industry x / your career trajectory / advice on topic x). Would you would be free next week (insert three days and time slots)? I know you are probably busy, so I will reach out again in a week to rec
Alternate 2: Requesting a referral from a common connection [Source: Brian Palmer]
“Hi [name], thanks again for providing your input on [topic we discussed]. Following up from our conversation, would you be able to formally introduce me via email / LinkedIn to [new contact name]? I’ve looked up his/her profile and it looks like we have a couple of things in common:
▪ [Job Experience / Industry / Company / etc.]
▪ [Knowledge Area / Interest / Research Topic / etc.]
It would be great if you could mention these two things in your note. I know you are probably busy, so I will reach out again in a week to follow up on this request.
That’s it! Easy-peasy. It literally can be that simple.
Pro tips to increase your rate of success
Pro tip #1: If someone hasn’t responded in 3–5 days, feel free to email again. People legitimately get busy and lose track of your email.
Pro tip #2: I got myself a pro LinkedIn account so I could InMail someone directly without having to be connected, especially for 3rd degree connections.
Pro tip #3: Suggest a couple of time slots to meet up. This is a great way to reduce email ping-pong which risks your email getting lost in the inbox and reduces the activation energy to get to a “yes”.
Pro tip #4: Get comfortable with silent rejection. Most people won’t respond. My success rate was 1–2 in five. Connecting through a mutual contact increases chance of success to >90%, but it’s not always possible to have a common contact.
Don’t listen to Boomers
When I was in my late 20s, I often got the advice to pick up the phone and call people. No self-respecting millennial should do that. Not only is it annoying to receive phone calls from randos, but you will likely never get out of the voicemail hell. Personally, I never answer telephone calls unless you are already on my contact list. And also, I never check my voicemail unless I am actively job hunting.
Not only is cold calling stress and anxiety inducing, but it doesn’t give the receiver any context. Emailing or connecting via LinkedIn provides the necessary professional context and psychological safety for someone to respond to you as they can check you out ahead of time.
In my next post, I will explore how to conduct effective networking coffees that are also fun and enjoyable.
