Wait, How Do I Write This Email? by Danny Rubin Summary

Wait, How Do I Write This Email? provides over 100 customizable templates for networking, job applications, LinkedIn outreach, and professional documents like resumes and cover letters. Danny Rubin emphasizes concise communication, turning routine emails into opportunities to showcase professionalism and build relationships. The book also teaches core writing principles for clarity and impact, making it a practical guide for career advancement.

This book is ideal for students, recent graduates, career changers, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking to improve their written communication. It’s widely used in schools, workforce programs, and by military veterans transitioning to civilian careers. Anyone needing to craft cold emails, follow-ups, or LinkedIn messages will benefit from Rubin’s structured approach.

Yes—the book saves time, reduces stress, and boosts confidence in professional communication. Its actionable templates help users navigate complex scenarios, like applying for unadvertised jobs or reconnecting with alumni. Educators also use its lesson plans to teach networking and writing skills, reinforcing its practical value.

Rubin combines his background in screenwriting (Groundhog Day) with years of teaching communications at Harvard and other institutions. His focus on storytelling and brevity helps readers craft messages that stand out, while his templates reflect real-world scenarios tested in classrooms and workplaces.

Rubin includes templates for LinkedIn connection requests, profile optimization, and follow-ups. He advises personalizing messages by referencing shared affiliations or interests and using concise subject lines to increase open rates. These strategies help users build meaningful professional networks.

It advocates for a one-page resume with bullet-point achievements and a storytelling-driven cover letter. Rubin emphasizes highlighting specific examples of problem-solving or leadership rather than listing generic duties. This approach aligns with modern hiring trends favoring narrative-driven applications.

Yes—Rubin provides scripts for cold emails to potential mentors, alumni, or hiring managers. Key tips include starting with a clear purpose, mentioning mutual connections, and ending with a low-pressure call to action (e.g., “Would you have 15 minutes to share advice?”).

The book stresses brevity, audience-focused language, and professionalism. Rubin discourages overly formal tone and encourages editing drafts ruthlessly. A core lesson: treat every email as a chance to demonstrate competence and build rapport.

It includes templates for post-interview thank-you notes, salary negotiation emails, and follow-ups after job rejections. Rubin also teaches how to leverage LinkedIn to identify hiring managers and tailor applications to company values.

Yes—four sets of classroom activities and lesson plans cover networking, job searches, LinkedIn, and writing skills. These resources make the book a popular choice for high school, college, and workforce development programs.

Unlike generic writing guides, it combines templates with foundational communication strategies. Rubin’s focus on real-world applicability—like handling delicate conversations or career pivots—ensures relevance across industries and experience levels.

Rubin provides scripts for post-meeting follow-ups, reminder emails, and reconnecting after long gaps. He advises balancing persistence with respect for the recipient’s time, often suggesting a “three-touch” rule before moving on.