How should I send this cold call email?

November 2, 2015 6:16 AM

How do you introduce yourself to someone by email when your resume may or may not have been passed on by two other people already?

I want to introduce myself to JG. One of his jobs is head of a research project that I applied for but didn't realise was his. In June I sent my resume to SW, his understudy, on the recommendation of KD, thinking she was the head. Anyway I sent my resume, and didn't get any response though in the phone call beforehand SW indicated they were fine in terms of staffing then, so it was sort of expected.

Today I was notified I was unsuccessful in applying for another job by SB. SB said he was very impressed by me but unfortunately it was just a case of someone was actually better. He offered to pass my resume onto JG for casual teaching at uni--that's another of his jobs. I mentioned this to KD, who said I should introduce myself.

How should I introduce myself? I'm worried if I go oh hey SB was gonna send through my resume and then I get in ahead of him it'll make SB look silly (and it's a *very* small world), and I don't know if he might've already gotten my resume from SW. KD is happy for me to namedrop her. From what I can see, I can only either make SB look stupid, or myself look stupid if SB does get in with the email sooner and I don't refer to it in my email (ie mention only KD's name).

If SW has indeed already passed my resume on, it's essentially the same, except the one I gave SB is obviously more tailored to the position and probably expands a couple of bullet points per position longer, so not much. I think it's unlikely she would've passed my resume onto JG already, but I do have to consider that possibility.

Thanks!

posted by glache to Work & Money (4 answers total)

I would copy SB on your email. If they have already sent the resume, then no problem. If they haven't, it gives them a little reminder right in their inbox, and also gives them a chance to say any nice things that they want to in front of both of you. I don't see how sending the email before they send the resume makes them look a fool at all; it just means that the person you're introducing yourself to knows to expect a resume shortly.
posted by tchemgrrl at 6:47 AM on November 2, 2015

I would pick up the phone and make a call. Explain that you're interested in the research project, mention the people you had contact with and ask if you can send your resume directly to this person for consideration. It takes less time to receive a phone call than it does to read and reply to an e-mail and makes a better impression. Don't be shy.
posted by three blind mice at 6:50 AM on November 2, 2015

Seconding phone. But if you rather want to write: The Troy McClure approach ("you may remember me from...") or concretely, write to JG, "you may have received CV earlier, but just to make sure, I'll shortly introduce myself...etc." And keep it short.
posted by Namlit at 7:00 AM on November 2, 2015 [1 favorite]

You are overthinking this. Email your resume with a note that says both KD and SB suggested that you contact JG about a role on XYZ research project.

This is not time to call. I don't have anything to say to a candidate until I have reviewed their CV. Are you going to recite your accomplishments on the phone? You need to get your CV to the person making the hiring decision.
posted by 26.2 at 9:59 AM on November 2, 2015 [1 favorite]