Landing your first remote job is difficult for one simple reason, most companies want people with experience. But how do you get experience when nobody wants to hire you yet?
One strategy I recommend is reaching out directly to founders, startup teams, and small businesses. No, not to beg for a job. To offer value.
Many small businesses simply need an extra pair of hands but haven’t gotten around to creating a job posting yet. A thoughtful cold email or LinkedIn message can open doors that hundreds of job applications never will.
Will everyone reply? No. But you only need one “yes” to gain your first real experience.
Here are three templates you can customize.
Template 1: Cold Email to a Startup Founder
Subject: I’d love to help your team / Looking for an opportunity to contribute / A small request from an aspiring (your role)
Hi (Add Your Name),
I’ve been following (Company Name) for a while now, and I really admire what you’re building.
I recently completed training in (Customer Support / Virtual Assistance / Social Media Management / etc.) and I’m looking for an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to a growing team.
If you’re open to it, I’d love to support your business through an internship, volunteer opportunity, or short-term trial. I’m a fast learner, proactive, and genuinely excited to contribute wherever I can.
I’ve attached my CV and portfolio so you can learn a little more about me.
Thank you for your time, and I hope to hear from you.
Best,
(Your Name)
Template 2: LinkedIn/Social Media DM
Hi (Name),
I’ve been following your work at (Company Name), and I really like what your company is building.
I’m currently transitioning into (field) after completing my training, and I’m looking for an opportunity to gain practical experience.
If your team could use an extra pair of hands, even on a short-term or volunteer basis, I would love to help while learning from your team.
Either way, thank you for sharing your journey online. I’ve learned a lot from it already.
Before You Hit Send…
A few quick tips:
- Personalize every email. Mention something specific about the company.
- Keep it short. Busy founders don’t read super long emails.
- Attach your CV and portfolio if you have one (add it as a hyperlink or PDF, avoid raw urls within email)
- Send at least 5-10 personalized emails per day. Don’t stop after sending a few, its a numbers game.
- Follow up politely after 5–7 days if you don’t hear back.
Don’t be afraid of hearing “no.”
Every remote professional you admire started somewhere. Your goal isn’t to convince everyone to hire you. Your goal is to find one person willing to give you a chance.
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