Emails are tricky for job seekers. Sound like the perfect drone and your application will be ignored. Let your human side shine and you might just be noticed, but you’ll also run the risk of seeming too weird. How much is too weird, anyway? Companies say they want to know the real you. Could they even handle the real you?

Younger employees particularly struggle with hitting the right note. They’re eager to impress, but also keen to acquiesce. Two recruiters show you how not to get cast away in a sea of Dear Sir emails.

Paint a picture. Companies don’t want one more email from a “determined problem-solver and proactive team-player”. The words mean nothing without supporting data. Demonstrate that you’ve done your homework about a company by referencing their recent wins and how you can help them do better. Chetna Gogia, chief human resource officer at GoKwik in Gurugram, recalls meeting a young applicant for a customer-success-manager position. The applicant mentioned a recent article they had read, which detailed a new way of enhancing the merchant experience. The candidate then outlined how they could adapt those ideas for the organisation. “This email demonstrated genuine interest beyond landing a job,” Gogia says. “It showcased real zest for delivering the best, something we stand for too.”

Show some flair. Jokes are great. They lighten the mood. Just don’t be the bore who over -tells the story. An entertaining turn of phrase is good. But consider how many others may have thought of it before, and whether it’s cringe or cool. “Let’s face it, job searching can be stressful,” says Gogia. “I remember when a product designer applying for a creative role referenced a meme related to a design trend we were just starting to explore,” recalls Gogia. Avoid dark humour, sarcasm, and anything offensive. Steer clear of comments about religion, caste, family details. Do not mention salary expectations in an email unless explicitly requested. Avoid self-deprecation – why pull yourself down during your one chance to glow?

Hobbies are a hack. Your interests are a great short-cut to making you appear unique and interesting, says Hardik Jaisingh, chief of staff at Bengaluru-based Assiduus Global. He recalls going through an application, in which the candidate mentioned attending a class on bread science and tied it to their passion for data analysis in e-commerce. It did seem like a leap, but Jaisingh was impressed by their interest in learning new skills, and hired them. Mentioning that you’re an avid marathon runner demonstrates your commitment and perseverance. “One candidate looking for a fast-paced role highlighted their online-gaming experience, emphasising teamwork and quick decision-making under pressure. Problem-solving skills in a creative way, right?” says Jaisingh. Don’t lie about your interests, companies find out soon enough if you’ve never held a joystick.

Talk numbers. Quantify your accomplishments using data and metrics whenever possible. Increased retention rate by 250%? Streamlined a process that saved the company X rupees? “These concrete achievements showcase their impact and suitability for the organisation,” says Gogia.

The best openers:

Reference the specific position: “I’m writing to express my keen interest in the [Job Title] position at EcomEmpower.”

Highlight a connection: “I was referred to this role by [Name] and was impressed by...”

Highlight accomplishments: “In my previous role at [Company Name], I successfully [achievement]...”

End with a confident call to action: “I’d love to discuss how my skills can contribute to your company’s success.”

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