Templates For Cold Emails

Email template for cold outreach:

Dear Professor [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a prospective graduate student applying for admission to the [Program Name] at [University Name]. I am drawn to your research on [mention specific research interest or recent publication if applicable].

I am writing to inquire about any available Graduate Assistantship positions within your department for the upcoming academic year. I have a strong background in [briefly mention relevant experience or coursework] and am eager to contribute to ongoing research projects or assist with teaching responsibilities.

I would appreciate the opportunity to connect over Zoom or a phone call to discuss potential opportunities? I have attached my CV for your review.

I look forward to connecting with you.

Best,

[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn Profile URL if applicable]
[Your Calendar with open slots]
[Attached: CV/Resume]

Email template if you were referred by someone:

Hello Professor [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am in the process of applying for admission to the [Program Name] at [University Name]. I was referred to you by [Mutual Contact’s Name], who spoke highly of your research and your department’s work in [mention specific research interest or recent publication if applicable].

I am interested in contributing to your research projects or supporting teaching activities through a Graduate Assistantship role. With a background in [mention relevant experience or coursework], I believe I can make a meaningful contribution to your team.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with you to discuss potential opportunities further. Please let me know if you would be available for a brief conversation or if there is someone else I should contact.

I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn Profile URL if applicable]
[Your Calendar with open slots]
[Attached: CV/Resume]

Email template if you share an alma mater with the professor:

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am currently in the process of applying for admission to the [Program Name] at [University Name]. I recently learned that we share an alma mater at [Name of Undergraduate Institution/High School], and I was excited to find this connection.

Having graduated from [Undergraduate Institution/High School] myself, I am drawn to your research on [mention specific research interest if applicable]. I have a strong background in [briefly mention relevant experience or coursework], and I am eager to contribute to your research projects or assist with teaching responsibilities through a Graduate Assistantship position.

I would appreciate the opportunity to connect with you to discuss potential opportunities further. I have attached my CV for your review.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn Profile URL if applicable]
[Your Calendar with open slots]
[Attached: CV/Resume]

Email template for cold outreach:

Dear Professor [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am a prospective graduate student applying for admission to the [Program Name] at [University Name]. I am drawn to your research on [mention specific research interest or recent publication if applicable].

I am writing to inquire about any available Graduate Assistantship positions within your department for the upcoming academic year. I have a strong background in [briefly mention relevant experience or coursework] and am eager to contribute to ongoing research projects or assist with teaching responsibilities.

I would appreciate the opportunity to connect over Zoom or a phone call to discuss potential opportunities? I have attached my CV for your review.

I look forward to connecting with you.

Best,

[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn Profile URL if applicable]
[Your Calendar with open slots]
[Attached: CV/Resume]

Email template if you were referred by someone:

Hello Professor [Last Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I am in the process of applying for admission to the [Program Name] at [University Name]. I was referred to you by [Mutual Contact’s Name], who spoke highly of your research and your department’s work in [mention specific research interest or recent publication if applicable].

I am interested in contributing to your research projects or supporting teaching activities through a Graduate Assistantship role. With a background in [mention relevant experience or coursework], I believe I can make a meaningful contribution to your team.

I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to connect with you to discuss potential opportunities further. Please let me know if you would be available for a brief conversation or if there is someone else I should contact.

I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn Profile URL if applicable]
[Your Calendar with open slots]
[Attached: CV/Resume]

Email template if you share an alma mater with the professor:

Dear Professor [Last Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am currently in the process of applying for admission to the [Program Name] at [University Name]. I recently learned that we share an alma mater at [Name of Undergraduate Institution/High School], and I was excited to find this connection.

Having graduated from [Undergraduate Institution/High School] myself, I am drawn to your research on [mention specific research interest if applicable]. I have a strong background in [briefly mention relevant experience or coursework], and I am eager to contribute to your research projects or assist with teaching responsibilities through a Graduate Assistantship position.

I would appreciate the opportunity to connect with you to discuss potential opportunities further. I have attached my CV for your review.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]
[LinkedIn Profile URL if applicable]
[Your Calendar with open slots]
[Attached: CV/Resume]

Tips for Personalization:

Research: Personalize each message by mentioning specific research interests of the professor and how your background aligns with the professor’s work.

Express your value proposition: Clearly articulate how you can add value to their research or teaching interests.

Attachments: Always attach a current CV or resume to provide more context about your qualifications.

Reference the Referral: If someone referred you, make sure to mention them and how you are connected to them.

Highlight the Shared Alma Mater(if applicable): Emphasize the common connection early in the message to establish rapport.

Who are we sharing the resources with?