Landing a work placement is a crucial step in your career journey. A well-crafted email can significantly increase your chances of securing that coveted position. This guide will walk you through writing a compelling email that grabs the attention of potential employers and gets you noticed.
Before You Start: Research is Key
Before even thinking about writing the email, dedicate time to thorough research. This will significantly improve your chances of success.
- Identify the Right Contact: Find the name and email address of the person responsible for work placements or internships within the company. Avoid generic "info@" addresses whenever possible; a personalized email shows initiative and respect. LinkedIn is a valuable tool for this research.
- Understand the Company: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, and recent projects. Demonstrate your understanding in your email to show genuine interest. This shows you're not just sending a generic application.
- Review the Placement Details: Carefully review the placement description (if available) to understand the requirements, responsibilities, and duration of the placement. Tailor your email to directly address these points.
Crafting Your Winning Email: Structure and Content
Now, let's structure your email for maximum impact.
Subject Line: Make it Count
Your subject line is your first impression. Keep it concise, clear, and compelling. Here are a few examples:
- Work Placement Application - [Your Name] - [Course/University]
- Enthusiastic [Your Major] Seeking Work Placement at [Company Name]
- [Your Name] - Work Placement Inquiry – [Relevant Skill/Experience]
Avoid generic subject lines like "Work Placement." You need to stand out from the crowd.
Email Body: Showcase Your Skills and Enthusiasm
The body of your email should be well-structured and easy to read. Here's a suggested format:
- Greeting: Start with a professional greeting, addressing the contact person by name if possible (e.g., "Dear Mr./Ms./Mx. [Last Name]").
- Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and state the purpose of your email – applying for a work placement. Mention where you heard about the opportunity (e.g., company website, LinkedIn, a referral).
- Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience: This is the crucial part. Tailor this section to the specific requirements of the placement. Quantify your achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Increased website traffic by 15% through SEO optimization"). Showcase your skills and how they align with the company's needs.
- Demonstrate Your Knowledge of the Company: Briefly mention something specific you admire about the company – a recent project, a company value, or a news item. This shows you've done your homework.
- Express Your Enthusiasm: Clearly state your interest in the placement and the company. Explain what excites you about this specific opportunity.
- Call to Action: Clearly state your desired next step. Suggest a time for a brief call to discuss your application further.
- Closing: End with a professional closing, like "Sincerely" or "Regards," followed by your name, contact information, and a link to your CV/resume.
Example Email
Here's an example of how you could structure your email:
Subject: Work Placement Application - Jane Doe - Marketing
Dear Mr. Smith,
My name is Jane Doe, and I am a third-year Marketing student at the University of Example. I am writing to express my keen interest in the Marketing work placement advertised on your company website. I was particularly impressed by your recent successful campaign for [mention a specific campaign].
Throughout my studies, I have developed strong skills in social media marketing, content creation, and data analysis. In my previous internship at [previous company], I successfully increased social media engagement by 20% through targeted content campaigns. My skills in [mention other relevant skills] closely align with the requirements outlined in the placement description.
I am confident that my enthusiasm and abilities would make me a valuable asset to your team. I am available for a call at your earliest convenience to discuss my application further.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe [Phone Number] [Email Address] [LinkedIn Profile URL (Optional)]
After Sending Your Email
After sending your email, follow up if you haven't heard back within a week. A brief, polite follow-up email can help keep your application top-of-mind. Remember to proofread meticulously before sending!
By following these steps, you can significantly improve your chances of securing your desired work placement. Good luck!
