thumbnail_How to Write a Job Inquiry Email That Will Get You Noticed [Templates Included].jpeg

How to Write a Job Inquiry Email That Will Get You Noticed [Templates Included].jpeg

Maybe you've been searching for a new job for a while with little success, or you've been daydreaming about a new job at a company that you'd love. 
You may have the experience and skills to get your dream job, but the first thing that you need to do is to step outside your comfort zone and reach out to a hiring manager.
If you're ready to take the first steps to look for a new job, a job inquiry email may be exactly what you need to open up to new possibilities. Jobseekers use these letters to learn a little more about job openings and to introduce themselves to hiring managers.Regardless of where you are in the hiring process, it would benefit you greatly to speak to a career counsellor at Enhancv. Our career counselors can offer you tips and advice as you reach out to potential hiring managers.
What is a job inquiry email?A job inquiry email is a formal correspondence between job applicants and hiring managers. They are one of the best ways to introduce yourself, showing that you have a genuine interest in the advertised job openings.
Effectively, it allows you to put your foot in the door by reaching out directly to companies looking to hire new staff.
Job inquiry emails follow a similar template to other formal correspondences like cover letters, but are primarily focused on a specific job opening. The best job inquiry emails introduce a job applicant, briefly explain the applicant's experience, provide an attached resume, and‌ end by asking for a job interview.
Reasons to write one
Differentiate yourself from other applicants
Human resources departments receive lots of different resumes for an open position. It can be hard to differentiate between the different people who are applying for the position just by looking at the resumes.
However, by writing a job inquiry email, you're able to differentiate yourself from other applicants who are applying for the position and make yourself look unique. Effectively, it shows that you are interested in the position, and would like to add a personal touch to the email.
No longer are you just a name on a piece of paper, but ‌you're somebody who's communicating and reaching out to a hiring manager, showing initiative and stepping out of your comfort zone. This go-getter mentality can actually create a great first impression with a hiring manager.
Deliver your resume directly to a hiring manager
It also allows you to get your resume in front of the person who needs to read it. Companies sometimes use specialized software to sift through resumes, but if you reach out to a specific contact person, then you're handing your resume directly to the person who needs to read it.
Find job openings that haven't been advertised yet
Sometimes, companies will hire for a position but have yet to advertise for the role. You may have learned about the role through word-of-mouth from somebody you know within the organization, and this may give you the opportunity to be the first person to apply for the position.
How to write a successful job inquiry email
1. Start by doing some research
When you're looking to create a specific inquiry email, research a little about the company to gain an understanding of the company's values, vision, and culture. You don't want to create a generic email, but ‌create a pointed, specific email with information gleaned from these sources:

Their website
The Job description
A company's social media accounts

2. Write and edit in drafts
If you want your job inquiry email to turn out well, then it's best to write multiple drafts of the email to get it exactly how you want it. It’s best to write the first draft, then sleep on it and edit it the next day.
By creating distance between you and the email, you'll be able to assess it objectively and create a more clear and concise letter. Also, be sure to check for spelling and grammar mistakes in order to create a professional email.
3. Create an engaging subject line
A subject line hooks the attention of the contact person, and a great subject line can help you get one step closer to receiving an interview. Alternatively, a bad subject line may cause your email to not be opened. Here are three tips to create a clear and concise subject line:

Mention a shared acquaintance: When writing the subject line, mention someone that you and the contact person both know.
Example: Referred to the sales executive position by Dan Driedger, Sales Manager
Mention the value that you add to the company: Your subject line can also mention your skills and experience, as long as you do this in a condensed way
Example: Sales Manager with 7 years of experience
Harness keywords: You can also mention specific keywords related to the role that you are applying for:
Example: Dianne Werkesma — B2B Content Specialist

4. Follow a format
Just like any other formal correspondence, job inquiry emails follow a specific format to maximize the impact of the letter. Below, you can find the specific format to follow when drafting a job inquiry email:

Subject line
Salutation: Salutations are a typical part of any formal letter. Try your best to track down the actual name of the hiring manager, rather than using a generic greeting like "Dear Sir or Madam".
Introduction paragraph: In your first body paragraph, introduce yourself. Be concise, and explain your previous work experience, where you heard about the job openings, as well as mentioning anyone from your professional network who referred you to the position. You can also mention your interest in the company's progress and your passion to work for the company.
A brief explanation of skills and experience: Your second paragraph can be an opportunity for you to share about the skills and abilities that you bring to the table when applying for a position.
Closing statement: this is an opportunity for you to write a call to action for your hiring manager. Provide them with more detail of ways to reach you, and mention your availability to interview for this position or other job openings.
Complimentary close and professional email signature: The last section of any letter is a complimentary close and signature. This would include endings such as, "Thanks," "All the best," and "Sincerely, " followed by your name and any further contact information. You may choose to include your phone number, another business email, your LinkedIn profile, and a personal website.

Examples
Job inquiry email with a mutual connection
Sometimes, you have an ‘in’ with the company that you are applying for, someone who is a mutual connection between you and a hiring manager. Below, you'll find a job inquiry email which highlights a situation where you from referred to a position by someone else:What works well in this letter:
One thing that works really well in this email is that right up front, the writer of the email shares a mutual contact between the hiring manager and themselves right there in the subject line of the email. This can create immediate engagement for the recipient of the email, which can help you to get a quick response.
Also, the job applicant mentions their professional credentials, proving to the letter's recipient that they provide real value to their company.
Cold email job inquiry letter
Sending a job inquiry email can be difficult enough when you share a mutual connection with the hiring manager. However, it may seem downright scary to send a cold email, one where you're reaching out without someone referring you to the position. Let's look at an example of a cold email job inquiry letter:What does this email do well?
One of the best things that this email does is provide a broad overview of the skills and abilities of the job applicant. She is a competent content writer, as well as an IT specialist. Both details show the hiring manager that this person is an ideal candidate.
Major takeaways

There are a lot of good reasons to send a job inquiry email, like making your resume stick out among other job applications.
Job inquiry emails follow a specific format, including providing an appropriate salutation and ending with an email signature.
The best job inquiry letters provide a brief description of your skills and experience.

Inquiry emails can only get you so far when searching for job opportunities, and that's why you should reach out to a career counselor from Enhancv. From how to prepare for an informational interview to discerning how to narrow down your job search, a counselor can allow you to see all career opportunities available to you.

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Why do recruiters ask "why do you want to be a manager?”

The best approach to answer "why do you want to be a manager?”

Example answers to "why do you want to be a manager?”

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How To Answer The “Why Do You Want To Be A Manager?” Interview Question


Do you have what it takes to be a leader? You’ll have to prove you do if you’re interviewing for a management position.


I’ve interviewed (and been hired!) for about half a dozen management positions throughout my career. Without fail, I was asked, “why do you want to be a manager?”.


It’s a safe bet a recruiter will ask something similar in your next interview if you're on the management track. Some other ways they may ask the same question include:



What kind of manager are you?

How would your team describe your management style?

 What are your key strengths as a manager?



This is a tough question, especially if you’re new to management, but it’s crucial you get it right. You have to demonstrate confidence, organization and that you can handle the job's responsibility while showing humility, empathy and encouragement!


And if you don’t manage to get it right, you can kiss that opportunity goodbye. Tricky as it may be, let’s show you exactly how to prep your answer.


In this article, we:



Explain why recruiters ask, “why do you want to be a manager?”

Reveal the top 10 skills recruiters are looking for in a manager today.

Go over the best approach to answering the question, with great examples of how to craft your answer.

Give 3 great examples you can apply to different job situations.







Management position job interviews are among the most critical steps to advance your career. You have to be prepared to ace the interview and land the job.
Why do recruiters ask "why do you want to be a manager?”

Hiring managers ask, “Why do you want to be a manager?” because management positions are the most important roles they have to fill. They need to find a candidate with the right mix of hard and soft skills but who also matches the company culture and goals.


Asking this direct question is one of the fastest ways a recruiter can gauge whether you’re the right person for the role. Your answer needs to convince them your interest in the role goes beyond just a paycheck and demonstrate you have an interest in leadership.


The recruiter will also check that your management style and goals align with their corporate culture and mission. It’s essential for the company’s success that everyone is on the same page about how to move forward.

Qualities they want to see from your answer

Management expectations have shifted in the 21st century. Where a top-down structure with a no-nonsense leader used to be the norm, most companies have shifted to be flatter, more flexible organizations with authentic and inspiring leaders.


Every company has its own management expectations and style - from rigid and conservative traditional workplaces to more progressive and laid-back ones. But all good managers lean on a mix of similar hard and soft skills to get their job done.


When considering a management position candidate, the recruitment team will typically be on the lookout that you have some combination of these essential leadership skills:



Motivating others

Fostering potential

Inspiring trust

Taking on and delegating responsibility

Strategic thinking

Goal and expectation setting

Giving (and receiving) feedback

Team building

Positivity

Authenticity



Keep these essential skills in mind when considering your answer. Look back on your work history to find examples where you’ve demonstrated them and identify goals to set for yourself as a manager.

The best approach to answer "why do you want to be a manager?”

Because every company will have different expectations, and every one of you will have different traits, there’s no ‘best’ answer to this question. But by following the steps we’ve put together below, you can tailor a response that shows how you’re the perfect fit for the job.

Research the company

Researching the company you’re interviewing for a management role with is absolutely crucial to landing the job. No company will hire a manager who knows nothing about them or how they operate.


You want to learn everything you can about the company’s product or service, industry, and their place in it. You also need an idea of how they operate internally: the company culture and mission, how formal or laid back they are, and their management style.


Use what you learn to build each of the next aspects of your answer.

Identify overlaps

The strongest managers represent their company’s culture and goals and pass them on to their teams. Look for ways your interests, work history, and management style overlap with the company’s processes and operations. 


The more you can show the recruiter that you align with the company’s goals, the more they will see you’re a natural fit. It demonstrates the value you’ll bring to the role.


Example:
Be specific

Building on the type of example above, offer specific, relevant examples of how you applied your leadership qualities or led teams in the past. Examples lend you credibility and prove to the recruiter that you’re a strong candidate for the role.


Using the STAR method, you can weave a quick story that shows how you successfully navigated an issue and present the positive outcomes to establish yourself as a bonafide leader.


 Example:
Match their management style

Another reason to research the company is to find out in advance what type of management style the company applies. Once you know, you can show how it works with your style and identify goals for improvement. 


Diving into a discussion on management style will demonstrate that you understand the role more than most people do. And talking about your management development and growth goals will show that you’re a motivated professional who plans to keep adding value to the company once they hire you.


Example:
Reinforce your soft skills

Across all industries, companies are taking a more compassionate and empathetic approach to management. The most successful managers have strong interpersonal skills and can build trust and gain team respect. 


Once you’ve established that you can push your team to get the work done, show the recruiter you know how to support your team when they’re not in top form. Whether it’s family, health, or other personal issues, offer another example of how you can get your team through these tough spots for the company’s long-term success.


Example:

With the 5 tips above in your pocket, you’re ready to tailor a great answer that will impress in your next job interview. That way, once you sit down with the interviewer, you’ll be prepared to answer whichever version of the “why do you want to be a manager?” question they ask. 


If you want to learn more or have any other questions about job interviews, we’ve put together the best of our expert advice on the most common questions we get on the topic to help you ace your interview.

Example answers to "why do you want to be a manager?”
Example #1: For progressive companies.

Use this answer where you want to demonstrate to the recruiter that it’s your goal to you’re your team to complete projects successfully and maximize their potential
Example #2: More traditional companies

Use this answer where you want to impress a more traditional company that is looking for a manager that will reach goals and boost earnings   
Example #3: Where there have been recent changes 

Sometimes, companies hit a rough patch and need to find new management to help rebuild morale, increase efficiency, or reach other goals. If that’s the case, try this answer. 
Takeaways


Managers need a mix of hard and soft skills to meet the expectations of the modern workplace.

Show that you are an authentic, understanding, and empathetic leader who will inspire and build your team’s morale to boost productivity and meet goals.

Learning as much as possible about the company in advance is critical to plan a tailored answer.

Identify how your interests and management style overlap with the company’s culture and goals to demonstrate your value in the role

 Give specific examples of past success to lend credibility to your answers



Whether you're looking for a first job, and new job, or moving up where you are, it’s a nerve-wracking and sometimes confusing experience. We know you may not have all the answers, but we’ve been doing this for a long time, and are ready to help you out.  


Ace the Interview

A collection of 70 posts

How to Write a Job Inquiry Email That Will Get You Noticed [Templates Included]

Is a Short Interview a Red Flag or Just Efficient?

How Can You Reschedule Your Interview without Ruining Your Chances?

How to Ask for Feedback after an Interview

What to Do If You Don't Have Any References for a Job Application

How To Answer The “Why Do You Want To Be A Manager?” Interview Question