Asking to shadow someone at their job can feel a bit daunting, but sending the right email is your first step. It's your chance to make a clear and confident impression.
Referring to a template can give you a solid starting point. It helps you structure your thoughts so you can focus on what matters—personalizing your request.
<template>
Subject: Job Shadow Request - [Your Name]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Position or Student at University]. I’ve been following your work in [Their Field or Industry] and was particularly impressed by [mention a specific project, article, or achievement]. Your approach to [mention a specific skill or area of their work] is something I greatly admire.
I am reaching out to ask if you would be open to me shadowing you for a day, or for a few hours, sometime in the coming weeks. As I am exploring a career in [Their Field or Industry], the opportunity to observe your work and learn from your experience would be incredibly valuable. I am particularly interested in understanding more about [specific aspect you want to learn].
I am flexible and can work around your schedule, but I am generally available on [suggest a few dates or a date range]. I have attached my resume for your convenience and would be happy to provide any other information. Thank you for considering my request.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio]
</template>
<template>
Subject: Thank you for the shadowing opportunity
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
Thank you again for allowing me to shadow you on [Date of Shadowing]. I appreciate you taking the time out of your busy schedule to host me.
The experience was incredibly insightful. I particularly valued [mention a specific insight or piece of advice you found valuable]. Observing how you handled [mention a particular task or meeting you observed and what you learned from it] gave me a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed in [Their Field or Industry].
This experience has solidified my interest in pursuing a career in this field. I hope we can stay in touch. Thank you once more for your generosity and guidance.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio]
</template>
<template>
Subject: Following up - [Your Name]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to follow up after shadowing you back in [Month of Shadowing]. Your insights into [Their Field or Industry] were incredibly helpful, and I wanted to share a quick update on my progress.
Since we spoke, I took your advice on [mention a specific piece of advice] to heart and have since [explain how you applied their advice, e.g., taken a course, started a project]. Observing how you handled [mention a specific task] also gave me the confidence to pursue [mention a related goal or opportunity].
I wanted to thank you again for your time and guidance. The experience was instrumental in shaping my career path, and I truly appreciate your support.
All the best,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio]
</template>
<template>
Subject: Confirming Shadowing Details for [Date]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
I'm writing to confirm the details for my upcoming job shadow with you. I am looking forward to the opportunity to learn from you on [Date of Shadowing].
Just to confirm, we are set for [Start Time] at [Office Address or Location]. Please let me know if there is anything specific I should bring, a dress code I should follow, or a particular person I should ask for upon arrival. I want to ensure I am fully prepared.
Thank you again for this opportunity. I am excited to observe your work and gain insight into [Their Field or Industry].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio]
</template>
<template>
Subject: Unable to Accept Shadowing Invitation - [Your Name]
Dear [Recipient’s Name],
Thank you for offering me the opportunity to shadow you. I sincerely appreciate you extending the invitation and taking the time to consider my request.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to accept at this time due to [briefly state reason, e.g., a scheduling conflict or accepting another opportunity]. I regret that I cannot move forward, as I was looking forward to learning from your experience.
I hope we can stay in touch for any future possibilities. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Link to your LinkedIn Profile or Portfolio]
</template>
Now that you have these job shadow email templates, sending them with a professional touch is the next step. Flodesk provides intuitive email marketing tools designed for small businesses, helping you manage and grow your contact list. You don't need any coding or design experience to create, send, and automate emails that connect with your audience.
Our platform gives you a straightforward email builder, effective automations, and well-designed forms. It's everything you need for your email marketing, without the usual complexity. We empower businesses to send emails that look good and get results, simply.
A well-crafted email can open the door to your next career move. Use these templates as your starting point to make a professional impression.
When you're ready to send your request, Flodesk helps you do it with style and simplicity. Sign up to start creating emails that get noticed.