How to Spot AI-Generated Cold Emails: Three Key Indicators from a Seasoned Writer and Consultant
In today’s digital landscape, artificial intelligence tools are increasingly being used to craft outreach emails, especially cold emails aimed at potential clients or partners. While leveraging AI for creating outlines or initial drafts can be a smart efficiency booster, over-reliance on AI to generate entire messages can make your outreach feel impersonal and transactional. Over the past two decades working as a writer and consultant, I’ve developed a keen eye for identifying when a cold email is simply a templated message generated by AI, and not a genuine human attempt to connect.
In this article, I’ll share three subtle yet telling signs that your personal cold email might be entirely AI-produced—not based on grammar or punctuation, but on the underlying tone and language cues that reveal a lack of authentic human engagement.
- The Opening: An Impersonal Elevator Pitch
A common hallmark of AI-crafted emails is their opening line—often designed to sound professional but missing human warmth. If your first sentence jumps straight into a value proposition or an overly enthusiastic “quick question” without any personal touch, it’s likely automated. For example, openings like:
“Hope this message finds you well; my name is [Name], and I specialize in optimizing workflow solutions for industry-leading professionals…”
are classic examples of boilerplate language. They read like a script generated from a template, devoid of real curiosity or context. These openings tend to be polished but cold, lacking the nuance that comes from genuine interest or familiarity.
Instead, aim for direct, clear communication that feels authentic. A brief mention of how you came across their work or a specific detail related to their business can make a significant difference in establishing trust and encouraging engagement.
- The Use of Cliché or Vague Flattery
AI has an uncanny habit of sprinkling emails with generic compliments—phrases like “deeply impressed by your thought leadership” or “admire your innovative approach.” These statements often lack specificity and can sound manufactured, especially when used repeatedly across different outreach efforts.
A telltale sign is when such compliments feel disconnected or could be applied to almost anyone in a successful role. For example, when I receive 14 variations of similar phrases in my inbox, it’s a clear indication that the message is pulled from a database of buzzwords rather than reflecting genuine admiration.
Authentic praise requires context. Mentioning a particular article, speech, or accomplishment makes your comment more
