7 tips for writing cold emails to prospective employers

culled from:mashable.com

1. Know something about the person you're emailing.

Everyone's heard the job interview version of this tip: Always research the company where you're interviewing. The same applies when sending a cold email, so make sure you know the recipient's job title, what she does in her position and a little bit about her background.

If you have something in common, highlight that connection (e.g., "I also came to journalism from the publishing industry").
2. Use a specific subject line.
If you're cold-emailing someone, it's likely that person is busy and receives numerous emails per day, including other cold emails. That's why a short, snappy and informative subject line is more important than ever.

If you've met the person briefly at a conference or career fair, include that information in the subject line ("Email intro, Jillian Kumagai from the conference dinner"). Other identifiers may also work in various circumstances, such as if you're a student at the person's alma mater ("Columbia senior interested in graphic design internship").

If you have no relation to the recipient, a reliable option is "Letter of interest in the manager job opening."
3. Don't hesitate to show that you're passionate.
A cold email is a first impression, just like the first few minutes of a job interview. A cold email that's, well, cold won't do you any good. If you feel strongly about the field you work in, don't hesitate to show that you're passionate about it.

If you're a fan of your prospective employer, tell them that. Showing your enthusiasm for your work is a great way to express your personality without coming on too strong.
4. Keep it short and direct — don't explain yourself too much.

Be passionate, but don't give your life story. The reason you're emailing should be apparent in the first paragraph, whether you're interviewing for a position or just starting a formal relationship. As a rule, a cold email shouldn't be more than a few paragraphs, and those paragraphs should be short.
5. If possible, show the work you've done.

You're more likely to get a response from a cold email if the recipient knows you're serious about pursuing your career of choice, and the best way to express that is to show your work.

Send along a streamlined portfolio or a link to your website if you have these, as well as links to social media and blogs — if they're professional. These are great things to include in your email signature.
6. Proofread.
There's more pressure on a cold email than an ordinary email because it will be scrutinized (just like a cover letter). Make sure it's flawless. Carefully proofread for typos or sloppy writing, because you can't unsend that email.
7. Follow up in a productive way.

If you don't get a reply right away, wait about a week before sending up a follow-up email, especially if you know that the person you contacted is busy.

When you do follow up, rather than harping on information you already gave, ask if she saw the first email and reiterate that you'd love to talk whenever he or she finds the time.