READ MORE: https://www.rapthome.com/2023/01/07/guidelines-on-how-to-write-a-cold-mail/

A cold mail is mail sent without previous contact with the recipient. It can be an effective way to reach out to potential clients, partners, and collaborators. It is most importantly an effective way to reach out to professors in schools you apply to for a scholarship. In the previous article on scholarships abroad, we emphasize the essentiality of good cold mail.

Guidelines when sending a cold email to your professors

Use Your real name on the Email Address
Your email address should contain your real name. Do not use nicknames, guy names, name abbreviations, or catchy phrases on your email name when sending a cold mail. No professor will read a mail from drizzy@gmail.com and take it seriously. Rather, using an email address with your real name, i.e PeaceIto@gmail.com is more compelling.

Addressing the Professor
When addressing the professor, it is considered not relevant to address him or her by their full name. You can address with the last name, i.e Dear Prof Makinde as it invokes a level of professionalism. This format stays the same when addressing a doctor.

Start with a Compelling Subject Line
Your subject line is the first thing your recipient will see, so it is important to make it catchy and relevant to their interests. You are sending a cold mail and so the professor would want to know the reason for the mail, go straight to the reason why you sent the email. Avoid using spammy or vague subject lines. Bear in mind that your professor does not know you so briefly introduce yourself and try to use specific keywords that will grab their attention. This will increase their interest before reading the actual content of the mail.

Email Language
It is a must to keep it formal and avoid unnecessary compliments. Also, avoid the use of technical language as it comes off as unprofessional. Do not forget to mention the relativeness of your work and research to them. State previous experiences as it relates to what you intend to do. Avoid trying to sound needy. Instead, state the effectiveness you bring that makes it convenient to work with you.

Clearly state your purpose, and what you can achieve. Do not forget to enumerate the values you are going to provide. You would be at an advantage if you read some of the professors reach work and make reference to them in the mail. Avoid at all cost religion-based statements i.e God bless you as the person you are writing to might not share the same religious belief as you. Greetings like Merry Christmas or Happy Independence day are best avoided. Furthermore, do well to Avoid affectionate words.

Appropriate time
The most appropriate time to send a cold email is in the morning. Program your mail to be sent in the morning. That way, the professor gets to see the mail early enough.

Note: Be sure to reach out knowing well what you want or are interested in. Do not send that mail with any ounce of doubt as it would be inappropriate to have cold feet from you after honoring your request.

Important Documents you Should Include
Certain documents are very well necessary when sending that cold mail. They include your academic CV, transcripts, and if needed, your test scores. If there are any forms of personal publications, add them as links to your CV.

READ MORE: https://www.rapthome.com/2023/01/07/guidelines-on-how-to-write-a-cold-mail/