It’s not unusual for employers to not advertise roles when they become available, The Guardian suggests it can be up to 60%, so sometimes it is essential to put yourself out there. If there is a company you would really like to work for and you know they employ graduates consider sending them an email introducing yourself. 

 

Why you might send an introductory email: 

Find out when applications open

You may see that an employer has previously employed graduates but as yet no current vacancies are online. In this case email asking whether they are taking on graduates this year. See this email as similar to a job application. You want to show why you should be employed by that company. 

 

Ask about Internship Opportunities

Asking for work experience or an internship is an amazing way to get your foot in the door with a company. If you haven’t finished university yet, the summer holidays are the perfect time to gain some solid experience in the workplace. With summer holidays just beginning- now is the perfect time to get in touch. 

 

Find out more about the company

A lot of companies host graduate open days or events in their offices. As a student you might be entitled to a free ticket so don’t be afraid to email and ask. Similarly, some companies will host an office tour. This can be a great way of learning about company culture and seeing the working environment first hand before sending in an application. You may be able to meet a hiring manager face to face which could really help your application. 

 

Here’s How: 

Do your research

Do not send a generic speculative email to lots of employers- instead focus and do your research properly- who do you really want to work for? Try and find out through internet searches and social media who you should be emailing. If you can see online they took 10 graduates last year this can be a great way of starting a conversation about vacancies for this year. Use your research to emphasise why you want to work there and show your enthusiasm. 

 

Be formal

Remember, you do not know the person you are emailing so keep the email formal and business like. For example, “Dear Alice Hargreaves” rather than “Hi Alice”. If an email conversation starts then you can begin to mirror the language of respondent and use the language they use. 

 

Proof read before you send

This email is a way of you presenting yourself as a potential employee so ensure that your grammar and spelling are correct. Beware when sending an email from a smartphone that auto-correct can cause some big slip-ups so if possible use a computer. A good way to check your email is to copy and paste it into Microsoft Word where the program will spell and grammar check what you have written.

 

Be clear

Make sure there is a purpose to your email. Ask a question that can be answered such as, do you host a graduate open day? Are you coming to my university’s career fair? When asking a question ensure that the answer isn’t available on the internet. 

 

It can be nerve-wracking sending an email to a stranger but with correct preparation and research it really could pay off- Good luck with your job hunt!

Over 600 companies reviewed and compared
Over 20k salaries compared
100s of jobs currently available
The top 150 companies to work for

Interview Tips That Will Help You Get the Job

Experts from the best companies in the UK share their experience and advice on how to boss the interview process

interview tips

Jazz Panesar is a Digital and Technology Apprentice at Severn Trent. Read Jazz’s story here.

1
Have your own questions prepared. It's your turn! As the interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?" Your interviewer will expect you to have...
2
Research the Company. Do your homework about the employer and the industry so you are ready for the interview question "What do you know about this company?"
© Copyright TheJobCrowd 2024 - Terms & Conditions - Privacy Website by PRG Marketing Ltd