The Year-End Email That Can Launch Your 2024 Career

I sat down to write a quick email. I realized I did not have the time and wrote a long one instead. 3 hours later, I had a final article for 2023 and a mile-long chat with GPT where my basic prompt was "That's boring, try again". Enjoy the insight from my new year's day writing session.

Recently, I was helping a jobseeker I mentor with an email. It was a challenging task because the intended audience and the goals of the email seemed misaligned. Each draft I crafted fell flat, and I was growing frustrated. I wanted to introduce a hiring team to a great candidate but the email was coming from me, not the candidate. Then it hit me, a breakthrough — timing matters.

As I reflect on 2023, I'm grateful for the opportunities that brought me to this point in my career...

Today, December 31st, is a unique day to send an email to a Hiring Manager or a professional you encountered during your job interviews this year. It's a day filled with reflection, gratitude, and hope for the future. So if you have the energy today, here are some tips to get you started.

If you are sending it to a hiring professional for an open position:

• Convey your certainty for your dream role. Example: "In 2023, I built three flows, one org end-to-end, 10 custom objects, and 50 custom fields. While these may seem basic, they catalyzed my certainty that I'm in the best career path for my interests." Remember, you're talking about yourself here; there is no evaluation for saying what they want to hear. The more genuine, the better. I had one student share a story like, "I haven't felt this much fun working since I got in trouble for fixing my motorcycle in the living room." The more unique the message, the more it will stand out as uniquely yours. You have likely already submitted the application and cover letter. So this should be brief and not restate the premises of your cover letter.

If you are sending it to a hiring manager you met last year but were maybe rejected for a position:

• Begin with your gratitude for the previous interaction and their time. Example 1: "In June, we last spoke about a position on your team. I'm still grateful you considered me. That interview led to more interviews and I had the confidence that my efforts on my resume were paying off."Example 2: "You offered this specific feedback that I've continued to contemplate. Thank you for encouraging me to..."
• Express how you've grown since that meeting and the valuable experiences you've gained. Example 1: "I have since completed another sprint with a team of aspiring admins. We built a custom AI chatbot to practice skills that will be on the forefront in 2024." Fill this in with something you built. I'm just choosing an example any of us could have built in 2023.Example 2: "I made another complex flow since we last spoke. I tested it with a higher volume of records and learned that sometimes I need to move to apex to avoid limits of flow. I'll continue to push my skills to the limit in 2024." Sharing experience and wisdom gained through mistakes is a critical way to share a tip.
• Share one tip or bit of advice. Example: "I'm watching AI in the Salesforce ecosystem in 2024. It may not be ready yet to share with our customers in the form of a chatbot or public-facing interaction as public skepticism remains high; however, I recommend you find ways for your development team to practice with it. I have seen tremendous breakthroughs in coding, designs, and story writing consistency while using an AI teacher at every turn. It's greatly accelerated my learning in 2023."

Remember, the key to making this email impactful is to be authentic. Avoid regurgitating your cover letter or a generic message. Instead, connect on a human level. Share something that genuinely resonates with you, whether it's your unwavering passion for your career choice or the positive impact you've made in your community.

Leverage concepts from these six fundamental human needs to find that tone or connection that will make a year-end email stand out:

Certainty: Show the recipient that you are still certain about this path and excited about 2024. Did this recipient increase your certainty or determination?

Variety: Reflect on what the recipient knows you did in 2023 and offer a new challenge or concept that they are not aware you now have experience with. A new certification, badge, or Spring '24 feature is a great place to start!

Significance: These are the most personal. "While I'm still looking for my first position, I've talked to so many people that I have encouraged as we studied together. My contribution to the community has not gone unnoticed..."

Connection: This human need is met by sending the email, any email, because in this small world, to remember someone met only once is a gift in itself. No one wants to be forgotten, not even professionally. So before you waste over one hour writing this email, remember that hitting send is often accomplishing more than you realize.

Growth: Showcase one new concept you learned. Pro tip: focus on a soft skill, not a hard skill.

Example 1: " In a project this year, we had a teammate get a chance to present at DemoJam. We were all excited for them and I enjoyed assisting with their practice so that they felt confident presenting to a large audience".

Example 2: "I'm usually intimidated by technical assessments but I completed a few this year and each has increased my skills. While I might not interview stress-free each interview is getting easier and I'm less intimidated by a technical question".

Contribution: Turn the attention off you and express on to how the recipient has contributed to the Salesforce community and helped grant opportunities for newcomers.

Example: " I'm glad your employer has added an entry-level position to your team this year. It's important that the ecosystem provides opportunities for new talent and I'm watching all employers that are building resilient teams.". Even if they didn't hire you, this shows a commitment to a shared goal in the bigger landscape of salesforce positions.

An email that contains any of one of these 6 human needs is sure to connect with the reader in a meaningful way

The last email you write this year could break open your career in 2024. It's not just another message; it's an opportunity to connect, share, and express gratitude. So, take a moment to compose it thoughtfully, and who knows, it might be the key to unlocking new doors in your professional journey.

And remember, it's okay if you are tired from a tough year of job searching. I know I don't need another task to add to my plate and feel guilty for not doing it. There's always next year, celebrate the new year in your own way, there is nothing wrong with that and there is nothing wrong with you. To each of us a happy new year full of love, joy, and the careers of our dreams.

About the author:

About the author: Justin Dux is a Sr. Salesforce Administrator for Be the Match. We save lives by matching unrelated donors to patients in need of cellular treatments. Text "TalentStacker" to 61474 to learn more. Justin is also a job interview preparation expert for Talent Stacker Career Development Program. Talent Stacker is the leading Salesforce professional training program where members have lifetime access to resources from experienced admins, developers, business analysts, and even AI.