Introduction Email Advice

Hi Andy

I wouldn't bother looking for a sample email online. I send out a lot of speculative emails for writing work as well, so for what it's worth here's how I approach it.

I try to think about what kind of email/letter I would like to receive. Just be to the point stating why you are contacting them (I usually say to offer my freelance services). Also cover why you think you could be of benefit to them specifically - you may be specialised in their field for example. If you tailor your emails it will show that you know a little bit about the company etc.

Then, cover your experience and skills in brief and include contact details and your portfolio link.

I think the more concise you are the better. I hope that helps a bit and sorry if that's not really what you were asking for!

Sarah

I agree with the above reply but would just emphasise that it's a good idea to base it around what benefit you can bring to the person/company you're emailing rather than being just about your skills and experience (although this almost certainly needs to be included). Write it with the recipient's needs and point of view in mind rather than your own.

Just a couple of ideas for what they are worth (ignore freely!) - but have you considered phoning instead. Or even making a visit perhaps. At the very least it might be good to say in the e-mail "I intend telephoning in the next week" or alternatively telephoning to say "I wonder if you could advise me on who to send an e-mail too." The advantage of the second approach is that you may - if you ask the name of the person you speak to - be able to say "'John Smith' suggested I e-mail you about..."

Thanks for the advice guys, very much appreciated.

RobCT - That was my plan, I figured I'd send the email to all of the companies in the area that I know of (most of which I've spoken to before and are pretty friendly) and then follow it up with a call later in the week, just as a little reminder. Can't hurt!

One more question about emailing, are there any legal implications emailing these companies? Am I allowed to?! Thought I'd read somewhere that you need to get the companies from an approved list....could be wrong though. A work around could be a phone call first which then directs them to the website/portfolio.

Thanks again