In the time of Covid-19, we have seen a major transition to a virtual world and this has affected many sectors, including the job market. Now, job and internship searches have to be done completely online and it can be hard to know what to say, especially when the person you’re messaging is probably receiving many similar messages. Although this may be the case now, it is important to note that email templates are and always will be a GREAT way to reach out to professionals.

With this in mind, we thought we would share with you some message templates to help you throughout your job search. These can be used in an email or when connecting with others via LinkedIn.

Before the Job Search

Let your network know you’re looking for opportunities

If you have been struggling with finding a job position post-graduation or are going through a job switch and have been struggling to find an opportunity, you can always let your network know that you are looking for new opportunities. When you do so, make sure that you have made these points and edit your message for every new person you are reaching out to. You definitely don’t want to send out the same message to multiple people.

  • Introduce yourself
  • Let them know what change you have recently made
  • Ask them to keep you in mind
  • Summarize your background
  • Thank them for their help
  • Sign off

Example:

Hi [insert name],

I hope you are doing well! As you may know, I have recently graduated and I am looking for new opportunities. 

As I continue on this journey, I would greatly appreciate it if you could keep me in mind when someone you know announces an open position in the XYZ industry. Additionally, if there’s a company or position that you feel would be a good fit, please let me know. Below is my background and resume with more information. These are also available on my LinkedIn profile. Thank you in advance for your help!

Best,

[Sign your name]

Reach out to alumni

If you have just graduated or graduated a few years ago and are looking for new opportunities, it is always a good time to reach out to alumni. You can find them through LinkedIn and reach out to them either through LinkedIn messages or email (if it is on their profile). Take advantage of this similar background that you have with others to help you during your job search.

  • Introduce yourself
  • Mention the school you both attended
  • Summarize your background
  • Ask to schedule an appointment to speak with them
  • Thank them for their time
  • Sign off

Example:

Dear [insert name],

My name is [insert name] and I am a current student/graduate of [insert university name], who found your contact information through [insert medium]. I have experience in [insert industry] through my [academic/professional experience] and I am currently seeking out opportunities in [insert industry] for the near future. 

I noticed you have experience in this same industry and was wondering if you are able to take some time out of your busy schedule to give me some advice for this career journey. 

I would appreciate your insight and any recommendations you may have. Thank you for your time.

Best,

[Sign name]

During the Job Search

After you submit an application

Tip: Hiring managers receive lots of emails. Keep your message brief and direct, and state your intentions clearly.

The work doesn’t stop after you submit your application. You can always go the extra mile and reach out to the potential hiring manager or recruiter to let them know that you have applied and to keep an eye out for your application. This can definitely help you by giving them a name to look forward to. 

  • Introduce yourself
  • Mention what position you applied for
  • Mention your current and previous experiences
  • Let them know that you look forward to speaking with them in the future
  • Sign off

Example:

Dear [insert name here],

I am a [insert college status] at [insert college here] applying for [insert position] at your company. I wanted to let you know and reiterate my interest in the position. I know I would be a great match considering my qualifications and experience as a [insert experience] and look forward to talking to you more about the position. 

[Sign name here]

When you need an introduction

Sometimes you know someone who happens to know someone that works for a company you really like or has an open position available. You can use connections like these to help you during your job search by reaching out to this mutual connection and asking them if they could introduce you to this other person. In your message, it is important to include the following points:

  • Remind them how you know each other
  • Mention who/which company you would like to be introduced to
  • Thank them in advance 
  • Sign off

Example:

Hi [insert name],

I hope you are doing well! As you may have seen, I am currently looking for open positions, specifically with [insert company name]. I saw that you knew [insert connection name] at [company] and was wondering if you would be interested in making an introduction on my behalf. Let me know if this will be possible.

Best,

[Sign name}

After the Job Search

Saying ‘Thank you’ post-interview

Reminder: Writing a thank-you letter gives you the chance to continue to make a good impression on the potential employer.

One way to really stand out from the applicant pool is to thank the interviewer for their time. Saying thank you reminds them of their experience with you and shows that you are still hoping for the job after the interview. Below are some key details that should be included in your message:

  • Thank them for their time
  • Mention what position it was for and when the interview was
  • Tie in a topic talked about during the interview
  • Express excitement
  • Sign off

Example:

Dear [insert name],

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me on [insert date] about the [insert position name] position. I enjoyed learning more about [insert company name] and after speaking with you, I am even more excited about the possibility of working with your company . 

[Sign name here]

Professional Updates

Your goal is to become part of the network, not just to do networking. These conversations should not be one-time acts. Current students and alumni should follow up with professional updates too. To do so, make sure you include these pieces of information in your update.

  • Re-introduce yourself
  • Summarize any recent updates 
  • Sign off

Example:

Hi [insert name],

I just wanted to let you know of some things that I have been working on lately. Recently, I have completed courses in XYZ topics and have completed projects in those same courses that involve the XYZ industry. In addition to my schoolwork, I have finished outside projects such as [insert project] and completed an internship at [name of company]. Throughout my recent activities, I have discovered that I really enjoy working in the XYZ industry and I am planning on pursuing that career path post-graduation. 

Hope to talk to you soon!

[Your name here]

Professional communication and reaching out to professionals is extremely important whether you are still working through your undergraduate degree or have graduated 10 years ago. It can supply you with numerous opportunities that you may have never thought of. It also gets you noticed, helps you become more confident in yourself and gives you practice with communicating with others in leadership positions. It is something that you should be working on consistently and never stopping.

One way to do so is through LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a great place to explore new opportunities and connect with people. Use this resource for your next job or internship search and remember to use similar messages as above to help you out in the process! 

LinkedIn 101

Your Job Search During Covid-19