Every template below is ready to use. The [bracketed text] is yours to customize. The rest is tested, strategic language that works.
Before you use any template — read this first:
Templates are starting points, not final drafts. The most effective emails sound like a real person wrote them. Before you send anything: read it out loud. If it sounds stiff or like a form letter, rewrite the opening in your own voice. The structure is the gift — the words should sound like you.
For applying to posted roles — SDR, BDR, Account Executive, Inside Sales, Customer Success, 1099 roles.
Template 1A: Applying to a Posted SDR / BDR Role (No Prior Sales Experience)
Hi [Name / Hiring Team],
I'm applying for the SDR role at [Company Name] and want to be upfront about something: I don't come with years of sales experience on a resume. What I do bring is [specific background — e.g., "5 years in retail management where I trained 15+ staff members, handled escalated customer situations daily, and consistently ranked in the top 10% for customer satisfaction scores"].
I've spent the last [timeframe] specifically preparing for a transition into B2B sales. [Add one specific thing you've done: studied, completed a course, practiced cold outreach, etc.]
What I know about [Company Name]: [1-2 specific things you researched — their product, their industry, a recent announcement, something from their website]. That specificity is what drew me to this role over others — I want to work in a space I actually understand.
I'd love 20 minutes to show you how I think, not just what's on my resume. I'm available [two specific time options] or happy to work around your schedule.
Thank you for your time.
[Your Name]
[Phone] | [LinkedIn URL]
Template 1B: Applying to a B2C Inside Sales Role (Insurance, Education, Financial Services)
Hi [Name],
I'm reaching out about the [role title] position. My background is in [retail / healthcare / hospitality / customer service], which on the surface might not look like traditional sales experience — but here's what it actually is:
[1-2 sentences connecting your background to the role. Example: "In my 4 years as a healthcare coordinator, I had to navigate emotionally charged conversations daily, explain complex information simply, and guide people to decisions that were in their best interest — even when they were hesitant or scared. That's exactly the conversation happening on every B2C sales call."]
I've specifically researched [company] because [one genuine reason — their reputation, their mission, their product, a client story you found]. I want to sell something I believe in, and I believe in this.
I'd welcome a 15-minute conversation. I'm available [two options].
[Your Name]
[Contact info]
Template 1C: Applying for a High-Ticket Closer Role (Cold Outreach to Coach / Founder)
Hi [Name],
I've been following your content for [timeframe] and I completed [specific program or piece of content that resonated]. What you're building for [their audience / the problem they solve] is something I genuinely believe in.
I'm reaching out because I'm training as a remote closer and I noticed your [program name] doesn't appear to have a dedicated sales person handling enrollment calls. If that's the case, I'd love to explore whether there's a fit.
A little about where I am: I've completed [training, course, or preparation you've done], I understand the [niche/industry] space because [specific reason — your background, your experience, why you genuinely care], and I'm looking for a role where I can apply these skills for a business and offer I believe in.
I'm not looking to take over your sales process overnight — I'd be happy to start with a trial period on a few calls so you can see how I work before any commitment.
If this is even a little interesting, I'd love a 15-minute conversation. No pitch, just a conversation about what you need.
[Your Name]
[Phone / LinkedIn / Calendar link]
Template 1D: Pitching a Brand Partnership or Affiliate Arrangement
Hi [Name],
I've been using [Product/Tool] for [timeframe] and it's been genuinely useful for [specific use case — be very specific, not generic]. I recommend it regularly to [describe your audience: your network of women in sales / your LinkedIn following / your community] because [specific reason it solves their problem].
I wanted to reach out to ask whether you have an affiliate or ambassador program I could formalize. I'm not looking for a complicated arrangement — if you have an existing affiliate link structure, that would work perfectly. If you'd be open to a more tailored partnership, I'm happy to discuss.
A little context on my audience: [Audience size — LinkedIn followers, email list, group members, etc.], primarily [describe who they are and why they'd be interested in this product]. I already recommend this organically — formalizing it just means we both benefit when it leads to a purchase.
If you have a program, point me to it. If you'd like to explore something custom, I'm available for a quick call anytime this week.
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn / email / relevant social]
Many of the best opportunities are never advertised. These templates are for reaching out directly to companies and business owners before a job is posted.
Template 2A: Reaching Out to a Company Hiring Manager Directly (B2B Role)
Hi [Name],
I came across [Company] while researching [industry / what they sell / how I found them specifically] and I've been genuinely impressed by [specific detail — product, content, customer success story, growth news].
I'm a [brief background — e.g., "former retail sales manager with 6 years in high-volume customer environments"] making a deliberate move into B2B sales. I'm not job-board hopping — I'm researching specific companies whose work I believe in and reaching out directly.
I understand you may not have an open role right now. I'm not asking you to create one. I'm asking if you'd be open to a brief conversation so I can learn more about your team and whether my background might ever be a fit.
Would 15 minutes in the next two weeks be possible?
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn] | [Phone]
Template 2B: Reaching Out to an Online Business Owner About a Closer Role
Hi [Name],
I've been following your content for [timeframe] and I went through [specific piece of content — podcast episode, YouTube video, post, free resource]. [One sentence on what you took from it — be specific and genuine. If you didn't actually engage with their content, don't send this template.]
I'm a trained closer currently looking for the right offer to represent. Based on what I've seen of your program — the transformation you deliver and how you talk to your audience — I think this could be a strong fit.
I'm not looking to pitch myself as the perfect candidate. I'd rather show you. If you're booking discovery calls with leads right now, I'd love to take 2-3 of them as a test and let the numbers speak. No risk to you until you see the close rate.
Would you be open to a 20-minute conversation about how you're currently handling sales calls?
[Your Name]
[Contact info]
Most candidates don't follow up. The ones who do immediately stand out — because following up is, in itself, a demonstration of a sales skill.
Template 3A: Follow-Up After Submitting an Application (No Response in 5-7 Days)
Hi [Name],
I applied for the [role] position on [date] and wanted to follow up to confirm it was received and express that my interest hasn't changed.
I've been doing some additional research on [company] since I submitted — specifically [one new thing you learned that reinforces your interest]. It confirmed that this is a role I genuinely want, not just one I applied to.
If you have any questions about my background or would like to schedule a brief call, I'm available and ready. Thank you for your time.
[Your Name]
Template 3B: Thank You Email After an Interview (Send Within 2 Hours)
Hi [Name],
Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I walked away with a much clearer picture of [one specific thing you learned — their team culture, their product positioning, their growth plans, what the role actually looks like day-to-day], and it reinforced exactly why I applied.
When you mentioned [something specific they said during the interview], it resonated because [brief, genuine connection to your background or goals]. That's the kind of environment I'm looking to grow in.
I'm genuinely excited about this opportunity and confident I can contribute. Please let me know if there's anything else you need from me as you move through the process.
[Your Name]
[Phone]
Template 3C: Following Up After Second Interview With No Decision (7-10 Days Later)
Hi [Name],
I wanted to follow up since our conversation on [date]. I understand that decisions at this stage take time, and I don't want to rush your process.
I do want to be transparent: I'm continuing to explore other opportunities, but this role remains my top preference. If there's a timeline for a decision, or if there's anything additional I can provide to help move things forward, I'm happy to do that.
Thank you again for the conversations — I appreciated the transparency and the time.
[Your Name]
LinkedIn messages have a 300-character limit for connection requests — keep them tight. These are tested for response rates.
Connection Request to a Hiring Manager
Hi [Name] — I'm [brief background] transitioning into B2B sales and have been researching [Company] specifically. Would love to connect and learn more about your team.
Connection Request to Another Sales Rep (Informational)
Hi [Name] — I saw you're in a remote [role type] role at [company]. I'm exploring a career transition into sales and would love to hear about your experience if you're open to a quick chat.
Follow-Up Message After Connection is Accepted
Thanks for connecting, [Name]. I'm making a career transition into remote sales and came across your profile while researching [company / industry]. Would you be open to a 15-minute call to share what your path looked like? No agenda beyond learning.
Outreach to Online Business Owner (DM / LinkedIn)
Hi [Name] — I've been following your work for a while and [specific content reference] really resonated. I'm a closer exploring opportunities in the coaching/education space. If you're ever looking for sales support, I'd love to be in that conversation.
Informational interviews are how careers get built before a single job is applied for. Most people skip this step entirely.
Template 5A: Requesting an Informational Interview
Hi [Name],
I came across your profile while researching [how you found them — LinkedIn search, article, podcast, mutual connection]. Your path from [their background] into [their current role] is similar to a transition I'm working toward, and your experience caught my attention.
I'm not reaching out to ask for a job referral. I'd love 15 minutes to ask you a few questions about what the transition actually looked like from the inside — what you wish you'd known, what worked, what didn't. Your perspective would be genuinely useful as I map my next steps.
I understand if this isn't the right time. But if you have 15 minutes in the next few weeks, I'd be grateful.
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn]