300+ proposals sent, dozens of templates tested. Current structure gets ~40% response rate (industry average is 5-15%).
Structure:
Opening (2 sentences MAX):
Reference something specific from their job post. Not "I saw your job." Something specific: "Your mention of Stripe integration with custom metering caught my eye — I've built this for two SaaS clients."
Proof (3-4 sentences):
One specific measurable past result with numbers. Not "I have experience" — an actual outcome: "For a fintech client, I reduced API response time from 800ms to 120ms, cutting their infrastructure bill 40%."
Two smart questions:
Show domain expertise. Separate yourself from template-spammers.
Soft CTA:
"Happy to hop on a 15-minute call to see if there's a fit." Not "please hire me."
Current stats: 40% response rate, 22% close rate.
What's yours? Drop your structure in replies.