How To Introduce Yourself in an Email (With Examples)

In order to make a good impression, you need to know how to introduce yourself. In some cases, this may be via email, making it extra important to know how to craft a well-written message. By using a friendly opener and thoughtful language, you can help clients, potential employers, new coworkers, or any other new contacts get to know you. In this article, we share what a self-introduction email is, explain how to introduce yourself in an email, and provide tips and examples to help you get started.

Read more: How To Start a Letter, With Tips and Examples

What is a self-introduction email?

A self-introduction email is a message sent to someone you have never met with information about who you are. The purpose of the email is usually a request, such as asking for information about a job, asking for advice, or attempting to sell a product or service. To receive a response, an introduction email needs to capture the attention and engage the interest of its recipient.

How to introduce yourself in an email

Follow these steps on how to introduce yourself in an email and make a good first impression:

1. Find a mutual contact

Before introducing yourself in an email, check if you have any common acquaintances with the recipient. If you know someone who works at the same company or who attended college with them, try asking your mutual contact if they would be willing to introduce you or allow you to mention their name in your email.

2. Use an informative subject line

The subject line of an email is the first thing a recipient sees and may affect their decision of whether to open and read the email. Write a subject line that's professional, informative, and brief. If you're inquiring about an open position, you could use a subject line such as “Sales associate position inquiry.” If you're applying for a job or asking for information, include your purpose, such as “Sales associate application” or “Information request on marketing trends.”

3. Personalize your greeting

Begin your email with a greeting tailored to the recipient. If you're emailing someone in a traditionally formal industry, such as finance or law, use “Dear Ms.” and the person's last name. If you're introducing yourself to someone in a more informal industry, like technology or media, you could say “Hello” and use their first name. Research the person and the company online before writing your email to discover what sort of greeting would be appropriate.

4. Write about the other person

Although you can introduce yourself by stating your name and position near the beginning of the email, your opening paragraph can also focus on the recipient. You're more likely to capture their interest if you open with a compliment. You could mention something specific about their work that you like or that you admire their organisation. Beginning with a mutual interest is a good way to engage someone, such as attending the same school or growing up in the same area.

5. Explain why you're reaching out

Quickly explain why you are emailing the recipient. Include how you know them and obtained their email address. For example, you could explain that a mutual contact gave you their email, and you wanted to ask them about an opening with their company.

6. Include a call to action

The final section of the email can include a request or call to action for the recipient. Make your request brief and specific, such as asking to meet to discuss a certain subject, for a job application, or information about an open position. Phrase your call to action as a polite request instead of a demand. For example, “I have attached my resume in the hope that you consider me for this position.”

7. Offer thanks and close

Thank the recipient for their time before you end the email. Acknowledge that they probably have a busy schedule and you appreciate their time. Use a professional closing, such as “Sincerely,” and include your contact information under your signature. You could also include links to your online professional profile or work portfolio.

Read more: How To End an Email

8. Proofread

Before sending the email, review it for any spelling or grammatical errors. An error-free email is more likely to make a good impression. Try taking a short break before proofreading or asking a trusted friend to review it, since a new reader may be able to recognise any errors. You could also send the email to yourself first to see how it looks when the recipient opens it.

Related: How To Introduce Yourself in a Professional Setting

Tips for introducing yourself in an email

Use these tips to write a quality self-introduction letter:

• Show some personality. While you want to sound professional in your email, you can also show some personality to better connect with your recipient. A friendly opening and some details about yourself can make your email more personable.

• Keep it concise. Rather than writing long paragraphs, get to the point of your email right away. Along with being mindful of your recipient's time, you can ensure you keep their full attention.

• Ask for a second opinion. After writing your email, ask a friend for their thoughts on it. See if they feel the way you write is an accurate representation of yourself and what you have to offer.

• Suggest next steps. When signing off, consider proposing the next action the recipient and you can take. For instance, if you're introducing yourself to a new colleague, ask them to meet for a coffee.

Read more: 20 Best Practices for Professional Email Etiquette

Email introduction examples

Use these email introduction examples to craft your own:

Example 1: Job application

This example can help you create your own job application email:

Subject: Copywriter application

Dear Ms. Nelson,

My name is Johnathan Graff, and I am interested in Marketing Corp's copywriting role. Upon reading your job posting for this position, I can see that I am the right fit for this company, as I am equally as passionate about packing design as your talented team of creatives.

I first learned about this role from your current graphic designer, Lisa Wells. She informed me that you're looking for a skilled copywriter who can take a client's directions to craft one-of-a-kind deliverables. During my five years in this career, I have created all kinds of campaigns, which you can view in my online portfolio. Along with this, I attached my cover letter and resume to this email.

I hope that you consider me for this exciting job opportunity. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best,

Johnathan Graff
jgraff@email.com
555-999-6852

Example 2: New colleague

Use this example as guidance when introducing yourself to a new colleague:

Subject: Welcome to the team

Hi Carrie,

I am your new manager, Mandy Wilson. I have heard great things about you from our hiring manager, and I am so excited to welcome you to our team.

I'll start with a little bit about myself. I have been the marketing manager for our team for the past three years. During this time, I have grown our department of three to nearly 20 employees. Besides marketing, my interests include playing tennis, building birdhouses, and taste testing ice cream flavours.

Today we're going to have you focus on getting to know the rest of the team. You can start the day by reading through your emails and then meeting at my desk afterwards. Then, I can get you started with everything.

Sincerely,

Mandy Wilson Marketing manager
mwilson@email.com
555-949-6212

Related: How To Write an Email Asking for Job Openings (With Samples)

Example 3: Client inquiry

When reaching out to a potential client, your introduction email may look like this example:

Subject: Business solutions

Dear Tina,

My name is Harry Diaz, the lead sales representative at Creative Solutions. I see that you recently signed up for our company's newsletter, leading me to believe you may be interested in some of our solutions for your small business.

If you set up a time to speak with me by July 17, I can offer you 50% off your first purchase. This limited-time offer can help you set your business apart from your closest competitors. During our first meeting, I can give you a demonstration of all our offerings and begin to learn about your business needs.

Please respond with a time and date that work for you, so I can get you on my schedule. I look forward to chatting.

Thank you,

Harry Diaz
Lead sales representative
hdiaz@email.com
555-111-8788