Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you’re desperately seeking a new job, but just can’t seem to get your foot in the door? Perhaps you’ve sent countless resumes and cover letters, but haven’t received a single response. Or maybe you’re simply not sure where to begin your job search.
Well, if you’re feeling stuck, don’t worry – there’s still hope. And it might just be closer than you think. Have you considered reaching out to your old boss? Believe it or not, sending a simple email to your former employer could be the key to unlocking your next career opportunity.
But of course, drafting an email to an old boss isn’t necessarily an easy task. What should you say? How do you ask for a job without sounding desperate or pushy? And what if your old boss doesn’t remember you, or worse, doesn’t want to help?
Not to fear – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to craft a compelling email to your old boss, with plenty of examples to help guide you along the way. Whether you’re simply looking for advice, or hoping to secure a new job, we’ve got the tools and resources you need to succeed.
So if you’re ready to take the next step in your career, keep reading – and get ready to send that email to your old boss like a pro.
The Best Structure for Sample Email to Old Boss for Job
When it comes to reaching out to an old boss for a job opportunity, it’s important to have a structure in place that is professional, concise, and respectful. After all, you’re asking for a favor from someone who already knows you, and you want to make sure you are doing it in the best possible way. In this Tim Ferriss-style article, we will explore the best structure for a sample email to an old boss for a job.
First Paragraph: Greeting and Introduction
The first paragraph of your email should begin with a polite greeting and an introduction. Start by addressing your old boss by their formal title (e.g. Mr./Ms. Last Name). If they were the owner or manager of the company you used to work for, you can address them with their first name. Then, briefly introduce yourself and remind them of where you worked together. You can mention some projects you worked together on or any memorable moments that will jog their memory. This paragraph should be short and to the point; you don’t want to come across as too casual or presumptuous.
Second Paragraph: The Reason for Your Email
The second paragraph is where you explain why you are reaching out to your old boss. Be specific about the job opportunity you are seeking and why you think you are a good fit for it. Highlight any relevant skills or experience you have that would make you a valuable candidate for the position. Make sure to include a sentence or two about why you want to work for this particular company. This will show that you have done your research and are truly interested in the opportunity, rather than just looking for any job that comes your way.
Third Paragraph: Your Qualifications
In the third paragraph, you can elaborate on your qualifications in more detail. You might include specific examples of how you’ve demonstrated the skills and experience that would make you a successful candidate for the job. For example, you could mention a project you worked on that required similar skills, or a time when you went above and beyond in your job responsibilities. This is also a good opportunity to mention any relevant education or certifications you have acquired since you last worked with your old boss.
Fourth Paragraph: Closing and Follow-Up
Finally, in the last paragraph of your email, you should close out by thanking your old boss for their time and consideration. Let them know that you appreciate the opportunity to reconnect with them and that you’d be happy to provide any additional information or answer any questions they may have. Be sure to include your contact information, including your phone number and email address. Finally, end with a statement about when you will follow up with them, whether that’s in a week or two weeks. This shows that you’re serious about the job and that you respect their time.
Conclusion
When it comes to reaching out to an old boss for a job opportunity, having a solid structure in place can make all the difference. By following the tips in this Tim Ferriss-style article, you can craft an email that is professional, respectful, and persuasive. Remember to keep it concise and to the point, highlight your qualifications in a clear and specific way, and close out with a strong statement of interest and follow-up. With these elements in place, you’ll be well on your way to landing the job you want.
Email Templates to Old Boss for Job
Request for Recommendation
Dear [Old Boss Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am reaching out to you today because I am applying for a new job opportunity and I would be grateful for your recommendation.
Working under your supervision was a privilege, and I learned a lot from you. Your guidance and leadership helped me to develop the skills that I have today, and I am confident that your recommendation will have a positive impact on my application.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Job Inquiry
Dear [Old Boss Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to inquire about job positions that are currently available in your company.
I have always admired the company’s vision and values, and I believe that my experience and skills can make a valuable contribution to the team. During my time working for you, I gained valuable insights and knowledge about the industry, and I am confident that I can apply this knowledge to contribute to the company’s growth.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Networking Introduction
Dear [Old Boss Name],
I hope this email finds you well. It has been a long time since we last spoke, but I wanted to reach out to you to reconnect and see if there is any way that I can be of help or support.
I am currently looking for new job opportunities, and I am hoping to expand my network and connect with professionals who might be able to guide me or offer job leads.
Thank you for taking the time to read my email. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
New Job Announcement
Dear [Old Boss Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out to you today to share some exciting news – I have started a new job and I am looking forward to this new chapter in my career.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your guidance and support during the time we worked together. You were a great boss and mentor, and I would not have been able to get to this point without your guidance.
I hope we can stay in touch and continue to support each other in our careers.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Update on Career Progression
Dear [Old Boss Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to reach out to you today to share an update on my career progression since we last worked together.
After leaving your company, I joined [Company Name] and have been able to take on new challenges and learn new skills. I have recently been promoted to [New Position] and I am very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.
I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the role that you played in my personal and professional growth. Your leadership and guidance were invaluable, and I still apply the skills that I learned under your supervision to my work today.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Request for Informational Interview
Dear [Old Boss Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I am currently exploring new job opportunities and I would be interested in learning more about your experience and insights regarding the industry.
I believe that your perspective and expertise would be incredibly valuable to me as I navigate the job search process, and I am hoping to set up an informational interview with you at your earliest convenience.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Gratitude for Past Mentorship
Dear [Old Boss Name],
I hope this email finds you well. As I reflect on my career journey, I am filled with gratitude for the mentorship and guidance that you provided me during the time that we worked together.
Your leadership and support were instrumental in my personal and professional growth, and I am now able to apply the skills that I learned under your supervision to my work every day.
I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the role that you played in my journey, and to thank you for your contributions to my career development.
Thank you again, and I hope we can stay in touch.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Tips for Writing an Email to Your Old Boss for a Job
If you’re considering reaching out to your old boss for a job opportunity, it’s important to approach the situation with care and professionalism. Here are some tips to help you craft an effective email:
-
Keep it concise: Your email should be short and to the point. Don’t waste your boss’s time with unnecessary details or information. Clearly state your purpose for reaching out and why you believe you would be a good fit for the job.
-
Remind your boss who you are: It’s likely that your old boss has worked with many employees over the years, so make sure to remind them who you are and what your previous role was with the company. Provide some context about your relationship and highlight any successes or accomplishments you had in your previous role.
-
Show enthusiasm and passion: Let your old boss know that you’re excited about the prospect of working for the company again. Share why you’re particularly interested in this opportunity and how your skills and experience align with the job requirements.
-
Ask for a meeting: Rather than requesting a job offer right off the bat, ask if your boss would be willing to meet with you to discuss the position and your qualifications further. This will give you the opportunity to make a case for why you’re the right candidate for the job and will also allow you to learn more about the role and the company.
-
Provide your updated resume and contact information: Make sure to attach your most up-to-date resume and provide your current contact information in your email. This will make it easy for your boss to review your credentials and get in touch with you if they’re interested in moving forward.
-
Thank them for their time: Finally, make sure to thank your boss for considering your application and taking the time to read your email. Express your gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect and consider working together again.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of landing a job with your old boss. Remember to be professional, enthusiastic, and concise in your email, and you’ll be well on your way to securing your dream job.
FAQs Related to Sample Email to Old Boss for Job
What should be the subject line of the email?
The subject line of the email should be clear and professional, indicating your interest in a job. For example, “Interested in Rejoining Your Team” or “Regarding Open Positions”.
What should be the tone of the email?
The tone of the email should be professional, polite, and courteous. It should convey your enthusiasm for the job and appreciation for their consideration.
How should I address my old boss in the email?
You should address your old boss formally, using their last name and appropriate title. For example, “Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name”.
What should be included in the body of the email?
Your email should include a brief introduction, a statement of your interest in the job, your qualifications and experience, and a closing statement expressing your gratitude for their time and consideration.
Is it okay to mention my past work experience in the email?
Yes, it is a good idea to mention your past work experience, especially if it is relevant to the job you are applying for.
Should I attach my resume and cover letter to the email?
Yes, it is recommended to attach your resume and cover letter to the email to give your old boss a complete picture of your qualifications and experience.
How long should the email be?
The email should be brief and to the point, ideally no longer than one page.
What should I do if I don’t hear back from my old boss after sending the email?
You should give them a few days to respond, and if you don’t hear back, you can follow up with a polite reminder email or phone call.
Should I mention why I left my previous job in the email?
No, it is not necessary to mention why you left your previous job in the email. Focus on your qualifications and experience for the job you are applying for.
What should I do if my old boss is no longer with the company?
You can try to reach out to someone else within the company who may be able to assist you with your job search, or consider reaching out to your old boss via social media or professional networking sites.
Thanks for Reading,
Hope this sample email helps you reconnect with your old boss and land the job you have been dreaming of. Remember to always keep it short, sweet and to show them you are still the same hardworking employee they once knew. Don’t forget to visit us again for more useful career tips and advice. Good luck!