How to Write a Job Enquiry Email (With Example)

Updated 9 March 2023

Sometimes companies don't openly advertise vacant positions in an effort to attract candidates that show a genuine interest in working with the business. If you'd like to work for a particular company, you can email a job enquiry to show your enthusiasm and enquire about upcoming roles. Learning how to write job enquiry emails may help you write an effective message that could potentially increase your chances of earning a new job. In this article, we provide eight steps you can follow to enquire about job openings and showcase your capabilities.

How to write a job enquiry email

Learning how to write job enquiry emails well can be a beneficial way to enhance your job search activities. These unsolicited emails can help you get your resume in front of preferred employers who may keep your resume on file for future consideration. Hiring managers usually read job enquiry emails separately from job applications, which means they may read your email and resume when you're not competing with others for an advertised role. It's crucial to write a job enquiry email that has an impact to take full advantage of this opportunity.

A job enquiry email is usually similar to a job application cover letter. It follows a similar structure and generally uses a similar tone. The fundamental difference is that this letter is uninvited, meaning you may need to state why you're contacting the company and give them an interesting reason to review your capabilities. Here are eight steps you can take to help you write an effective job enquiry email:

1. Thoroughly research the company

It's important to thoroughly research the company you're approaching to ensure your job enquiry email is genuine and credible. You might seek information on the company's activities and goals, its mission and values and its hiring policy. You may also like to confirm that their location is accessible.

By reviewing a company's social media, you can gain insight into the company culture, which helps you understand the tone of voice used in company communications. You can use this information as a guide to style your email and show that you could fit within the organisation's culture. You can also learn a lot about an organisation by looking at the online profiles of key team members. These may highlight the skills and capabilities that the company values, which can help you present your experience appropriately.

2. Be clear on the type of role you could fill

By being clear on the type of role you could fill, you make it easy for the employer to determine if your skills could benefit the organisation. Therefore, before you approach a company with a job enquiry, it's worth investigating the roles they offer to ensure they employ people with your skills and experience level. You may also like to ensure they have positions that genuinely interest you, as this shows you're a determined individual.

There are different ways you can research the kind of roles a company offers. Sometimes, you can gain this information by networking with people in the industry. You can also learn a lot by reviewing its social media pages and the people connected to its page.

3. Find the right person to email

Finding the right person or people to email is essential. If you're sending a job enquiry to a large organisation where you cannot find a direct contact, it may be worth sending your email to someone in the human resources department and the head of the area you'd like to work in. Consider sending a copy to the person's personal assistant if they have one.

You can gain these details by calling the company's HR department and politely explaining that you'd like to email the head of a particular department about open opportunities. Many companies are receptive to this type of contact. You might also find this information on social media or the company's website. Another reason for gaining the correct contact details is to personalise your email rather than starting it with To whom it may concern. A personal email is more likely to gain attention than a generic email that doesn't address a particular person.

4. Write a subject line that has an impact

A job enquiry email needs a subject line that impacts the recipient. This line helps your email stand out in an employer's busy inbox. Your subject line could highlight what the company can gain from you rather than what you want from them.

The goal of the subject line is to capture your reader's attention in as few words as possible and not to have your email mistaken for spam. You may like to list your most critical skill, detail the extent of your experience or announce a referral if you have a contact at the organisation.

5. Adopt the predominant corporate tone

Your job enquiry email may resonate with the employer if you adopt the predominant tone used by the company. For example, if the company publishes employee biographies written in a casual and conversational style, you can use similar language to suggest an affinity with the company. In addition, a conversational tone allows you to personalise your email, which can help you engage the reader.

When the organisation uses a formal or conservative tone in their communications, it's good practice to reflect this style in your email by adopting a more traditional style. This may prevent you from coming across as overly familiar with people you don't know.

6. Explain how your expertise could benefit the company

When writing the bulk of your email, it's important to explain how your expertise could benefit the company. Companies usually provide a clear outline of the skills and qualifications required when they advertise a role. However, if there is no role advertised, you can list the kind of skills you think the company could value and highlight your expertise accordingly. You may get an idea of this information from previously published job advertisements.

You can begin your email by addressing the recipients by their first names, introducing yourself and immediately discussing the purpose of your email. It's a good idea to outline why you're interested in the company, the breadth of your expertise and how you can add value. You can also demonstrate your interest by commenting on the company's results and key achievements. If the organisation faces difficulties that you could resolve, you may also like to share these insights. Rather than asking for a job, your email could highlight how your capabilities can benefit the company.

7. Keep your email concise and attach your resume

Keeping your job enquiry email concise and attaching your resume for further information shows you value the recipient's time and give them the option to review your resume if they see fit. Your email aims to encourage the employer to read your resume. So make sure your resume is up to date and in keeping with the capabilities you're advocating. Consider attaching your resume as a PDF file to ensure the format travels well.

8. Close your email with a compelling call to action

You can close a job enquiry email with a clear call to action, such as a meeting request to discuss potential employment opportunities. You may also consider providing a unique way to showcase your capabilities, such as attaching a portfolio or past project overview. The goal is to make yourself memorable and to be considered for future opportunities. Also, include a line thanking the recipient for their time and consideration.

An example of a job enquiry email

Here is an example of how to write a job enquiry email that is concise yet compelling:

Subject: Detail-oriented marketing manager with 9 years of leadership experience

Dear Ms Barker,
Thank you for taking the time to read this email. I want to express my interest in a future position with Byker Direct. I see your organisation as an emerging leader in the commercial advertising space. I believe my track record in marketing for young companies to optimise sales could benefit your organisation.

I hope to be considered for a team leader position within the Marketing department if such an opening arises. I invite you to review my attached resume and portfolio.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how I could work with your team to progress your business goals further. Please do not hesitate to give me a call on 61 3 9999 8888 or email jsmith@email.com.

Thank you again for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

John Smith

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organizations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.

How to Write a Job Enquiry Email (With Example)