The ability to send a well crafted cold DM is more powerful than any resume

(and probably more powerful than any cold email too)

Here is a breakdown of how to send killer DMs that stand out

1/ We’re going to be using this DM I received last week as a case study

it’s the best DM i’ve received since working at the Brew

let’s break it down

2/ Very clear as to what job they are looking for

this saves a lot of headaches for me because it gets to the point immediately

also filling out the application THEN sending the DM demonstrates their level of seriousness about the role

that's the correct order of operations

3/ Uses an inside joke

this sentence is probably the most valuable one in the whole DM because it shows a good level of familiarity with the content i post on twitter

now i'm more inclined to listen cuz i know we're on the same side and they value what i value

4/ Shows credibility

this bit of self-promotion is crucial

now i take them even more seriously because they have some relevant experience

also bonus points for that experience being super unique

not many other people make content for 20,000+ people

5/ One criticism

i wish they had just sent me their portfolio over DMs

make it as easy as possible for the recipient of the DM to do what you want them to do

don't make me leave twitter, just send it in a follow up message

6/ Finish with another inside joke

I had interacted with this person before, complimenting a stellar thread they had written

bringing it up as another little inside joke between us cements the personal feel of the DM

7/ Build a relationship beforehand

Cold Twitter DMs hold one crucial advantage over cold emails: you have the opportunity to freely interact with that person on the timeline and under their tweets

DO THAT FIRST

build a relationship outside the DMs before sliding in

8/ Final thoughts

A cold DM will never land you a job

what you do after will land you the job

once you start that relationship, don't let it die

show them what you can do