Thread by @jbhuang0604

Writing Cold Emails

Writing emails to a stranger could be daunting, but it's a great way to build connections, explore opportunities, and even advance your career.

How do we write an effective cold email?

Check out 🧵 below for some ideas.

*Content*

Your email should contain the following four elements.

• Greeting: "Hello"
• Introduction: "My name is Inigo Montoya."
• Context/Connection: "You killed my father."
• Call for action: "Prepare to die."

*Greeting*

Understand basic email etiquette. Do not use Miss / Mrs. particularly if you know the recipient has a PhD. Respect their expertise.

Source:

*Introduction*

A simple one would work. My name is <NAME>. I am a <POSITION> from <AFFILIATION>. I am writing to <WHAT DO YOU WANT>

*Context*

Provide SPECIFIC context, personal connection, background information in your email. Do your homework!

*Call for action*

Spell out what you expect the recipient to do after reading the email. Make it ACTIONABLE (e.g., set up a short meeting, answer a question, or prepare to die).

*Consistent format*

This pitfall is quite common in inquiry emails from prospective students. Ex:

"I am fascinated by your work <paper A> and <paper B>." where paper titles are of inconsistent font type/sizes. This almost surely indicates that you are sending massive emails.

*Your name*

Make sure that you full name "in English" appears as the sender. Don't use your favorite anime character's name or some unmemorable ID (e.g., [e-mail]).

*Make it clear and structured*

Emails are not just plain texts. Make the main points stand out using bold/italic fonts. Itemize your talking points to make the email easier to read.

*Quality*

For prospective students looking for advisors, remember that your email is a WRITING SAMPLE. If your email is not clear or has lots of errors, it could actually hurt your case. Revise the emails before you send them.