An introduction email serves two main purposes: to introduce yourself and explain how you can add value. The email should include an attention-grabbing subject line, introduce your relevant skills and experience, and ask questions to encourage a response. Review any attached resume for errors before sending. Common ground with the recipient, such as a shared alma mater, can be referenced to help make a connection. Asking about an opportunity or requesting a meeting makes the email more likely to receive a response.

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As an Executive Senior Partner with Lucas Group, I have both received and sent hundreds of introduction emails. There are two main
purposes of an introduction email: to introduce yourself and to explain why you would add value to the recipient’s organization or
career. In today’s digital age, an email introduction allows you to make non-invasive, initial contact with a potential candidate or
employer while giving them the opportunity to respond at their convenience.
So, how do you craft an introductory email? The first thing that the recipient will see is the subject line. Consider something attention-
grabbing or catchy to immediately attract the reader. If I see email subject lines that include who referred the individual to me, I’m likely
to read those emails first. If you can’t include a referral or mutual friend’s name, write a creative headline such as, “Public Company
CFO with Turnaround Experience.” Definitely do not leave the subject line blank.
Next, introduce yourself, immediately explaining why you would be an asset to the reader. Include various professional skills and
experience to provide a frame of reference for your career history. For example, “My name is Elaine Beagle, and for more than eight
years, I have driven results and surpassed goals, recruiting top talent for clients and providing rewarding career opportunities for my
candidates. I understand that your company is expanding and I believe my skill set and experience can assist your organization in
achieving its financial objectives.”
If you are searching for a new career opportunity, be sure to attach your resume to the e-mail. Before attaching it, review it for any
grammatical and spelling errors and make sure it is tailored to the company or position that you’re interested in. Also, if you can find
common ground with the recipient, include that in the email body as well. Check out his or her LinkedIn profile and see if you went to
the same high school, share a mutual hobby or have any connections in common. One way to weave this into the email is by saying, “I
saw your LinkedIn profile and noticed you went to the University of Texas; I graduated from there as well.”
Lastly, ask questions to attempt to entice a response. If you’re emailing a potential employer, ask about the position for which you’re
interested. You can also ask the recipient to meet to further discuss the opportunity or to have a call at his or her convenience. By
asking questions, you are more likely to get a response to your email.
Have you recently sent or received a good or poor introduction email? Share your experience with us.
Make a Good First Impression: The Introduction Email
by
Elaine Beagle
Executive Senior Partner – Accounting & Finance