Cold emailing is one of the most underrated tools for unlocking professional opportunities. From securing job interviews to collaborating with high-profile professionals, the ability to send a compelling email can open doors that might otherwise remain shut. In this article, we’ll break down the key components of an impactful cold email, highlight common mistakes to avoid, and share real success stories—including how a single email led to an opportunity to work on TSN’s TradeCentre for the NHL trade deadline.
Crafting the Perfect Cold Email
Sending a cold email is easy—getting a response is the real challenge. The key is to be clear, professional, and relevant to the recipient. Your subject line is your first impression, so make it count. Keep it concise, intriguing, and relevant. Instead of generic lines like “Networking Opportunity” or “Quick Question,” personalize it based on the recipient’s work or interests. Something like “Loved Your Work on [Project Name]” or “Excited About [Company’s Latest Development] — Quick Question!” immediately makes it more engaging.
Once you have their attention, the opening line should make it clear that you’ve done your research. People can tell when they’re receiving a copy-paste email, and nothing kills engagement faster than a generic introduction. Referencing something specific about the recipient’s work—an article they wrote, a project they were involved in, or a recent achievement—shows genuine interest. If you share a connection, whether it’s the same university, hometown, or a mutual acquaintance, mentioning it early can increase your chances of a response. A strong opening might look like this: "Hi [Recipient's Name], I recently read your article on [Topic] and was really impressed by your insights on [Key Takeaway]. It got me thinking about [Related Idea], and I’d love to hear more about your perspective."
From there, keep the body of the email brief and value-driven. Introduce yourself in one sentence, explain why you’re reaching out, and provide a compelling reason for them to care. People are busy, and long-winded emails tend to get ignored. Your request should be clear and easy to say yes to. Instead of writing, "Let me know if you’re available," try suggesting a concrete next step: "Would you be open to a quick call next week? I’m flexible and can work around your schedule." If a call isn’t necessary, you can also say, "If email is easier, I’d love to hear any quick advice you have on [specific topic]."
The closing should be warm and professional. Express gratitude for their time and leave a positive impression. A simple "Thank you for your time, and I really appreciate any advice you can share" goes a long way. If relevant, consider attaching a piece of work that aligns with their area of expertise—whether it’s a design portfolio, a stock pitch, or an investment memo. Attachments not only show initiative but also provide a tangible way for the recipient to assess your abilities, setting you apart from the crowd.
Success Stories: Real-World Applications of Cold Emailing
Holly’s Story: From Cold Email to TSN TradeCentre
I learned the doors that cold emailing opens firsthand when I decided to reach out to a producer at TSN. At the time, I was inquiring about summer internships and looking for ways to get involved in the sports world, so I took the initiative to email.
In my message, I introduced myself, expressed my passion for sports media, and asked for advice on how I could gain experience in the field. I wasn’t expecting much, maybe just a response with some general guidance. Instead, I ended up with something much bigger—I was invited to help out on TradeCentre, TSN’s all-day coverage of the NHL trade deadline, with the potential for an internship in the future. That one email turned into a hands-on opportunity, giving me the chance to be part of one of the biggest days in hockey media.
It reinforced a valuable lesson: cold emailing isn’t just about asking for a job—it’s about showing genuine interest, building relationships, and being proactive. Even if you don’t get an immediate “yes,” its worth taking the risk and potentially landing yourself an experience you never saw coming—just like I did with TSN.
Sophie’s Story: Breaking the Ice for CPP Investments
As a first-year student with an interest in finance, I knew I wanted to get a head start on building connections in the finance and investment world. I decided to cold message a campus recruiter at CPP (Canadian Pension Plan) Investments on LinkedIn using InMail.
A fair share of research was done before the first reach-out. I read through CPP’s website, chatted with multiple Western students who have previous interned at CPP’s Capital Markets Program, and gained insights on their experiences.
In my email to the recruiter, I highlighted my interest in CPP’s DEI initiatives, the chats I’ve had with past interns, and tied it to my own experiences and goals. I made it clear that rather than seeking an immediate opportunity, I was more interested in learning about CPP’s activities, culture, and building a long-term connection.
The email ended up being quite successful. I secured a coffee chat early in the semester, gained exclusive insights into CPP’s recruitment timeline, and had my resume added to their system. Most importantly, I walked away with a valuable connection and an invitation to reconnect during the next recruitment cycle.
The Follow-Up Strategy
The harsh reality of cold emailing is that getting a response first-shot is incredibly rare – bankers and recruiters receive hundreds upon hundreds of emails a day, and it is incredibly common for your message to get buried in their inbox. This is why follow-ups are extremely important. They can turn a missed connection into a meaningful conversation, and demonstrate your commitment and interests towards the firm and the person.
Timing and approach are everything when it comes to follow-up emails. Wait at least a week between each follow-up to give the recipient enough time to process your initial email without feeling pressured. If you don’t hear back, it’s okay to follow up 2–3 times at most, but after that, it’s best to move on and focus on other opportunities. To make your follow-up stand out, try adding value—mention something new that has happened at their organization, like a recent deal that they closed, or a new industry trend you’ve been following. This shows you’re paying attention and keeps the conversation fresh.
When it comes to persistence, the key is to strike a balance between being proactive and respectful. Keep your follow-ups short and polite—a simple “I’d love to hear your thoughts when you have a moment” can go a long way. Always acknowledge their busy schedule and thank them for their time, even if they haven’t responded yet. This keeps the tone positive and professional, ensuring you come across as considerate rather than pushy.
Taking the Leap
Overall, while cold emailing usually begins as a daunting experience, it quickly becomes one of the most effective ways to build connections and open doors early in your career. Remember, rejection is part of the process—but every “no” brings you closer to a “yes.” The worst that can happen is silence, and there’s no end-all-be-all stakes when it comes to a 30-minute chat. So, take a deep breath, start drafting, and hit send—who knows what opportunities may await you on the other side?