How to Write a Job Inquiry Email That Will Get You Noticed (+ Templates)
11 min read
Are you in the market for a new job, but struggling to find advertised openings in your field? If so, then you should consider a more proactive approach and start sending out job inquiry emails. Sending a job inquiry email can sometimes be a great way to identify potential employment opportunities that you might not otherwise encounter. Of course, to get any real benefit from this strategy, you will need to learn more about how to create and use this powerful tool.
In this post, we will examine the job inquiry email, explain some of the benefits of using these inquiry letters, and provide some tips to help you write your own so that you get noticed by prospective employers. In addition, we will provide a couple of great templates that you can customize to fit your own needs.
What is a job inquiry email?
A job inquiry email is a great tool to use when you’re trying to get your resume out to companies that may not yet be actively looking for new hires. Contrary to what some job seekers assume, companies don’t always post job ads as soon as an open position becomes available.
By writing a job inquiry to companies before they’ve had a chance to begin looking for candidates, you can give yourself a head start on your job-seeking competition.
Job inquiry emails are exactly what they sound like. They are unsolicited letters that request information about potential job openings. This type of email can be a useful tool to get you noticed by employers – even when they are not yet ready to hire. They are also a great way for you to express interest in working for a firm that may not currently be looking for someone with your skill set. Sometimes, that simple line of inquiry can pave the way toward future opportunities with the company.
Why send a job inquiry email?
Obviously, the main purpose of sending a job inquiry email is to find out whether a company currently has any unadvertised job openings or may soon be looking for new hires. There are other important reasons to use these inquiries, however, and they can all benefit your job search and career advancement.
For example:
It demonstrates initiative
Companies are always looking for job candidates who are self-starters and capable of demonstrating initiative in their jobs and careers. By proactively reaching out to an employer, you can show that you’re really interested in working for their company and motivated enough to do more than passively submit a resume. By sending an inquiry email, you’re letting that employer know that you’re willing to invest the time and effort needed to join their team.
It can help you stand out from the crowd
In a competitive labor market, it’s easy to get lost in a crowd of rival job candidates. When you simply submit your resume to employers, you’re running the risk that your application will just be one of dozens or even hundreds of similar submissions. And since the odds are good that most of the other candidates will have resumes that – at least on paper – meet the job’s required qualifications, your chances of standing out as the best person for the job may be reduced. An inquiry email may increase those odds.
An inquiry email can increase the chances that your resume gets seen by hiring managers
Many of today’s companies utilize applicant tracking systems (ATS) that automatically screen resumes to ensure that candidates fulfill the position’s requirements. If your resume isn’t optimized properly for the ATS scan, there’s a good chance that hiring managers may never see it. By sending a job inquiry email that includes a copy of your resume, you can bypass the ATS and make sure that you get your application in front of human eyes.
How do you write job inquiry emails?
Writing an effective job inquiry email may not be the most difficult thing in the world, but there are some basic things that you need to remember. Below, we’ve included some useful tips you can incorporate into your job inquiry email strategy to increase your chances of seeing positive results from your efforts.
Do your homework
No matter how much you think you know about an employer, always make sure that you do some research before you make any contact with them. This can help you identify key aspects of their mission and values that align with your skills and personal goals. This can help you tailor your job inquiry letter to the firm and make it more engaging for the reader. You should also try to identify the right contact person so that your email doesn’t get lost in some generic company account.
Sure, you could just write one of those “to whom it may concern” or “dear sir or madam” letters, but put yourself in the company’s shoes. If you were a hiring manager or employer, would that approach really spark your interest? Probably not. Instead, you should take the time to search for the company on LinkedIn and try to locate someone in human resources or management. Alternatively, you could just call the company and ask.
Be professional
Make sure that you focus on being as professional as possible when you craft this job inquiry email. Formal language is a must if you want to ensure that they see you as the professional you are. Be respectful, appreciative, and direct about what you are trying to achieve. You may also want to try to put yourself in their shoes by imagining how they might perceive your tone and message. If it seems too unprofessional to you, chances are that they will come away with that same impression.
Take your time
Avoid the impulse to fire off a quick message to the employer. You should take your time and create a draft version of your message first. Then set it aside and come back to it in a day or two so that you look at it with fresh eyes. Make any needed changes to refine your message, proofread it several times, and then read it aloud to make sure that it has the right tone. Don’t be afraid to remove any information that detracts from your core message. Remember, this is your first chance to make a great impression.
Make sure your opening is strong
Most employers are busy people, so you’ll likely only have a few seconds to capture their attention with your email’s opening. You’ll need to briefly introduce yourself and clearly state your reason for contacting them. To achieve that goal, you’ll need to state your name and explain why you’re interested in learning about potential employment opportunities with their company.
Send your resume as an attachment
Though your email should mention your most relevant qualifications, you should also send your resume and a separate cover letter, too. That will ensure your respondent has immediate access to the document if they have any additional questions about your abilities. Moreover, it can be a great way to get your resume on file with the employer without going through an ATS or waiting for them to advertise an open position.
Your job inquiry letter should include the following information:
Information about how you learned about the company
A brief explanation about why you’re interested in working for them
Details about how your specific skill set and experience can enrich that company if you’re hired
A call to action, or details about when and how you will follow up on the letter
Your contact information
Later in this post, we’ll provide some templates you can use as guides to create your own inquiries. Note that there are several different ways to accomplish your goals, depending on your unique situation and needs.
Should you send a job inquiry email or a letter?
You have a couple of options when it comes to sending your job inquiry letters. The first is to mail a printed copy of your letter, along with a chronological resume, to the contact person. This has the advantage of being both traditional and professional. It also ensures that human eyes will see the submission. Alternatively, you could send it via email.
In most instances, however, you should opt for the job inquiry email rather than a printed letter. Just make sure that you do everything you can to identify the right contact person so that your email submission has the best chance of receiving an audience.
Job inquiry email and mail templates
Here are two sample job inquiry templates that you can use as guides to create your own inquiries. The first can be an effective option when you need to send an email inquiry. The second can be used for the more traditional postal submission.
Example template: job inquiry email
With an email submission, you can typically skip the otherwise-obligatory contact heading details, and instead get right to the matter at hand. It is still important to ensure that the presentation is professional, well-organized, and informative. For example:
Subject Line: Letter of Introduction and Job Inquiry – [Your Name]
Dear [Contact Name],
Thank you for taking the time to consider my job inquiry. I have been following your company for several years and have been impressed with its growth and innovative success.
I’ve been employed in the [company’s industry] industry for [number of years] years and am currently interested in applying my skills and experience in new and creative ways. I believe that my unique skill set can be of real value to [company name] and help fuel its continued success for years to come.
I have been employed as a [job title or titles] for more than [number of years] years. Over the course of my career, I have consistently strived to advance company goals, increase productivity, and enhance the work environment. In my current job, I have successfully overseen [list one or two specific accomplishments that have improved the company]. I am hopeful that I can bring those types of benefits to your organization as well.
It would be my great honor to meet with you to discuss potential job openings and career opportunities at [company name] and how my skills might benefit the firm. I am prepared to provide any other details you might need in anticipation of such a visit.
I eagerly look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Your Name
Email Address
LinkedIn Profile URL
Phone Number
You should add your resume as an attachment to this email as well to give your recipient more information about your skills and background up front. Just make sure that your attached resume is optimized for both the hiring manager and the ATS.
Example template: job inquiry letter
With the mailed or hand-delivered letter option, you should pay attention to standard letter guidelines regarding formatting. That will help ensure the letter you send showcases your professionalism and attention to detail. That means using the right contact information presentation and including a standard greeting and close. For example:
[Your Name]
[City, State, Zip]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Company Name]
[Company Contact Name]
[Contact Title]
[Address]
[City, State, Zip Code]
[ Dear Mr./Ms.] [Contact Name],
Thank you for reviewing my resume. I have been employed in the [industry name] industry for [length of experience] years and have watched your company’s progress and success with interest. Currently, I am looking for new opportunities and challenges in the industry, and your company’s name was the first one that came to mind.
It would be an honor to work with your team, as I have heard nothing but glowing reviews about [company name]. I am confident that my experience and proven value can contribute to your firm’s continued success in the future and hope that you will consider me for any potential job opening.
Please don’t hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or [email address] if you have any questions about my resume or qualifications. I hope to hear from you soon and look forward to having the opportunity to discuss a possible future with your great firm.
Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Your Name]
Is it worth your time and effort?
The process of creating and sending out job inquiry emails or letters is time-consuming, and there’s no guarantee of success. However, the potential benefits can be enormous.
If you’re serious about landing that dream job, writing a job inquiry email can be a better option than waiting for that company to announce an open position. So, be proactive and take control of your own job search efforts. This could be just what you need to finally land that great job you’ve been looking for.
Do you want to make sure that your resume is good enough to send with your job inquiry email? Get a free resume review from our team of experts today!
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Written by
Ken Chase, Freelance Writer
During Ken's two decades as a freelance writer, he has covered everything from banking and fintech to business management and the entertainment industry. His true passion, however, has always been focused on helping others achieve their career goals with timely job search and interview advice or the occasional resume consultation. When he's not working, Ken can usually be found adventuring with family and friends or playing fetch with his demanding German Shepherd. Read more resume advice from Ken on ZipJob’s blog.
