[sudo_cowsay]

Is human-like cold emails (with stuff like :D) better or worse than professionally written formal emails? Im a student and would like some tips. I know it depends on the situation but what would you rather see? And based on your experience, what would you respond to more?

[gkoberger]

Definitely short and informal. You should have a legitimate reason to email (like, tell the person genuinely why you respect them or what about them you like), and a clear ask if there is one (asking for help, looking for a job, etc).

Don't talk about yourself, except if it's directly relevant to them.

I can easily tell when someone wrote 100 of them generically, vs when it's genuine, and I'll always respond to the genuine ones.

(And to be clear, I'm referring to the type of cold emails Zach is... people wanting a genuine connection. This doesn't apply to trying to sell something.)

[rtpg]

Best emails I've gotten are terse (nice subject line getting to the point) and a no-nonsense body.

I think trying to make a "playful" personality turns off some people and is more work than just getting to the point. Opening with "here's the thing I want/what I'm reaching out for". then reasons. Then close out with a thank you.

Added bonus: short emails tend to get replies more often in my experience.

[justsomehnguy]

You need to provide the reason in the first sentence. Sure, once in a while a do read some cold emails but most of the time if the one-line snippet in the list of all other messages doesn't provide a reason - it goes to the trash.

[vouaobrasil]

The most important thing is that you are really, truly engaged in trying to connect with the person. I've had great success with cold emails, but only because I write to people that I seriously want to get to know, even beyond just quick networking.

[loloquwowndueo]

I’d rather see neither but if I must choose, formal it is.

I ignore cold emails anyway.