How to Cold Email for an Intership

Entering the professional world as a student or a recent graduate can be intimidating.

This is where internships come into play.

Internships, whether paid or unpaid, offer valuable experience, a glimpse into the company culture, and sometimes, a path to your dream job.

In a competitive business world, where job opportunities are limited and the hiring process is rigorous, knowing how to cold email for an internship can give you an edge over others.

What is Cold Emailing?

Cold emailing is a strategy often used in the professional world, specifically for job searching and networking. It involves reaching out to someone you don’t personally know or have prior connections with and expressing an interest or request. For instance, if you’re a student or recent graduate looking for an internship, a cold email to a hiring manager or HR manager at your dream company might be your first step.

Contrary to popular belief, cold emailing is not akin to spamming. An unsolicited email becomes spam when it lacks personalization, relevancy, or is sent in bulk to a contact list with brute force. A well-crafted cold email, on the other hand, is tailored to the recipient, genuine in its purpose, and respectful in its approach.

Is it OK to Cold Email for an Internship?

Yes, it’s absolutely fine and common to send a cold email for an internship. Cold emailing can help you make connections in the professional world, possibly leading to internships and job opportunities. But before you start sending out those cold emails, you need to understand the anatomy of a successful cold email.

How to Begin Cold Emailing for an Internship?

Begin the cold emailing process by identifying whom to contact. This means you need to find the right person within a company who would be most relevant to your internship goals. Often, this will be a hiring manager or someone who supervises internships. You can use LinkedIn search operators to find the right people at your targeted companies. Implement relevant filters such as job title, industry, and location to narrow down your search results.

Once you’ve identified your contact, the next step is to find the person’s email address. You might find it directly from their LinkedIn profile, personal blogs, or company website. However, if the email isn’t readily available, you can use professional email account databases or email verification tools to help. Always respect privacy rules and norms in this process, and make sure to use this contact detail for its intended purpose: a meaningful conversation about internship opportunities.

The next crucial part of the cold emailing process involves crafting your cold email subject line. The cold email subject lines’ line is the first thing your recipient sees, so it needs to be compelling enough to make them open your email. Crafting a catchy subject line is an art. Whether you’re writing an internship email subject line or a cold email subject line, it must be concise, specific, and compelling.

A good internship email subject line can look something like this: “XYZ University Student Seeking Internship in Your Department.” It’s clear, direct, and gives the recipient a good idea of what the email will be about. Subject lines for cold emails need to grab the recipient’s attention and make them want to read more.

Now that you’ve found the right person and crafted a captivating subject line, the next step is to write the cold email body. This is where you pitch yourself, showcasing why you’d be a good fit for an internship at the company. Remember, your aim is to establish a connection, express your interest in an internship opportunity, and start a meaningful conversation, not to relay your whole life story.

The Perfect Cold Email Template for Internship

When it comes to drafting your cold email for internship here, following a tried and tested cold email template can be beneficial. Here’s a simple but effective cold email template for an internship:

Subject: [Your Subject Line]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I am a [Your Major] major at [Your University]. I am writing to express my interest in the [Internship Title] position at [Company Name] that I came across on [Where You Found the Internship].

I have been following your company’s work for some time and admire [Something Specific You Admire About the Company]. I am particularly drawn to your company’s commitment to [Specific Company Value, Project, or Initiative].

Given my background in [Your Field or Related Coursework] and my experience in [Specific Experience or Skills], I believe I can contribute effectively to your team. I have attached my resume for your consideration.

I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss the potential for an internship with [Company Name]. Would you be available for a quick call or meeting at your convenience?

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name].

Best,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Remember, while using this cold email template, it’s crucial to customize it to fit your situation and the specific internship you’re applying for. After all the preliminaries, your cold email for an internship is ready to be sent from your professional email account.

Now you know why cold emailing is important and how to begin the process. In the next sections, we’ll delve deeper into crafting successful cold emails, the intricacies of follow-ups, and other tools that will help you get your dream internship. And remember, Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, can make your cold emailing journey smoother and more efficient. Sign up today!

Crafting Successful Cold Emails

Making the First Impression Count

The first few lines of your cold email can make or break the deal. It’s not enough to just send an email; the goal is to get the email read and elicit a response. In the professional world, where top venture capital investors, large companies, and busy individuals receive hundreds of cold emails daily, the initial impression is crucial.

Start your email with a personalized greeting and an introduction that clearly explains why you are reaching out. Show genuine interest in the recipient and the company, establishing that you have done your research and understand what they do.

Remember to be concise and get to the point quickly. A busy professional might not have the time to read through lengthy paragraphs. Hence, keep your sentences short, clear, and persuasive.

Showcasing Value

To craft a successful cold email, you need to explain what you can bring to the table. What makes you a strong candidate for the internship? Do you have any unique skills or experiences that are relevant to the company or the role?

Perhaps you’ve held leadership positions in student organizations, or maybe you’ve worked on projects that align with the company’s goals. Maybe you’re familiar with specific tools or platforms that the company uses. Highlight these aspects in your cold email. However, remember that your whole life story isn’t required here; focus on the most relevant parts.

Professional Etiquette

Professional etiquette is crucial in all business communications, especially in cold emails. Using polite language, proper grammar, and correct spelling shows respect for the recipient and highlights your attention to detail.

Avoid common email etiquette sins like writing in all capital letters, overuse of exclamation points, and forgetting to attach relevant documents. Always remember to attach your resume if you mention that you have your “resume attached” in the email.

Call to Action

Successful cold emails end with a clear call to action (CTA). What do you want the recipient to do next? Do you want them to review your resume? Or do you want to set up a call to discuss the internship opportunity?

A CTA can be as simple as, “Could you direct me to the right person to discuss internship opportunities at your company?” or “Could we schedule a quick call to talk about potential internship roles that I may contribute to?” Be specific about the next steps.

Proofread and Send

Before hitting the ‘send’ button, proofread your email for any typos, grammatical errors, or information gaps. Check if your email sounds polite, professional, and eager without seeming desperate.

Use your professional email account to send the email. It’s always better to send such emails on weekdays, preferably in the morning when people check their emails.

Remember, even the most successful cold emails don’t always get responses immediately. So be patient and prepare to follow up.

In the next section, we will discuss one of the most crucial aspects of successful cold email-ing – following up. And before we move on, consider signing up for Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software. With features like automated follow-ups and performance tracking, it’s a perfect tool to support your cold emailing efforts.

The Art of Following Up

The Power of Persistence

You’ve learned how to craft the perfect cold email for an internship, but the cold emailing process doesn’t stop there. One crucial aspect often overlooked in cold emailing is the follow up.

A single cold email can easily get buried under the recipient’s overflowing inbox. Hence, it’s important not to give up after the initial response rate of cold email but to send follow-up emails. Studies show that follow-ups can significantly increase response rates.

Crafting the Follow-Up Email

Follow-ups should be respectful and professionally persistent. Like your initial cold email, your follow-up email should have a strong subject line. Try to reference your previous email in the subject line or in the beginning of your email body, such as “Following up on my previous email regarding an internship opportunity”.

In the body of the follow-up email, express your continued interest in the internship opportunity. You could include any additional thoughts you have had since your initial email or highlight your qualifications again.

Here’s a simple follow-up email template:

Subject: Following Up: [Your Subject Line]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the email I sent last [When You Sent the First Email] about the potential internship opportunity at [Company Name].

I remain very interested in the opportunity to [What You Want to Do]. Since my last email, I have [Any New Developments or Thoughts].

I understand that you have numerous commitments, so I appreciate any time you can spare to discuss this potential opportunity. Please let me know a suitable time for you.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to [Company Name].

Best,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Timing Your Follow-Ups

The timing of your follow-ups is important. You don’t want to come across as pushy by sending too many emails in a short span of time. It’s generally recommended to wait at least a week before sending your first follow-up.

After the first follow-up, if you still don’t receive a response, you can send another follow-up email after another week or two. Remember, the key is professional persistence.

Follow-ups are a powerful tool in your cold emailing arsenal. Don’t underestimate their power in helping you secure your dream internship. In the next section, we’ll discuss utilizing various email templates, verification tools and LinkedIn search operators to streamline your cold emailing process.

Consider signing up for Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, to easily manage and automate your cold email campaign and follow-ups. It’s a must-have tool for anyone looking to succeed in the professional world.

Leveraging Tools for Success

Email Verification Tools

In the world of cold emailing, bouncing emails are a no-go. They can hurt your sender reputation and impact the deliverability of your future emails. This is where email verification tools can be a game changer.

Email verification tools help you ensure the email addresses you have are valid before you send your cold emails. These tools can help increase your email deliverability, improve your sender score, and thus your response rate.

LinkedIn Search Operators

LinkedIn is a gold mine when it comes to finding the right person to send your cold email for an internship. LinkedIn search operators can help you narrow down your search results, so you can find exactly who you want to contact. For the internship example above, you could use search operators to find HR managers or hiring managers at your target company.

By using LinkedIn, you can find out more about the person’s professional background, which can be useful for personalizing your cold email. You can mention shared connections, mutual interests, or relevant details from their LinkedIn profile to make your email more engaging.

Other Helpful Tools

Consider using other tools to improve your cold emailing process. For example, Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, offers features like automated follow-ups, performance tracking, and more.

In addition, tools like CRM software can help you manage your contacts, while project management tools can help you keep track of your cold emailing process.

Now that we’ve covered the cold emailing basics and the tools to enhance your process, the upcoming section will guide you on handling responses and nurturing professional relationships. Remember to sign up for Mailarrow to facilitate your cold email outreach and boost your chances of landing the dream internship.

Handling Responses and Building Relationships

Dealing with Different Types of Responses

Now that your cold emails and follow-ups are out in the professional world, responses will start trickling in. But not all responses will be acceptances or rejections; some might request more information or a formal application.

If a response asks for more information, provide what’s asked and use the opportunity to showcase why you’re a great fit for the company. If the response is a rejection, thank them for their time and ask if you can stay in touch for future opportunities. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow your professional network.

Nurturing Professional Relationships

In cold emailing, landing an internship is the immediate goal, but building long-term professional relationships is equally important. Keep the conversation going even after you’ve received a response. This is not only about nurturing a relationship but also about creating a meaningful conversation that might lead to other opportunities down the line.

Express gratitude when you receive a response, regardless of its content. Thank them for their time and consideration. If the response is positive, follow up promptly with the next steps. If it’s a rejection, politely ask for feedback to improve and express interest in staying connected for future conversations and opportunities.

Managing Rejections

Rejections are a part of the cold emailing process. However, don’t be discouraged by them. Each rejection brings you closer to a ‘yes’. Plus, every interaction is an opportunity to learn and improve.

Seeking Other Opportunities

While waiting for responses, continue to seek other internship opportunities. Look at job opportunities on company websites, LinkedIn, or job boards. Consider joining student organizations to gain valuable experience and make connections.

You are now equipped to handle responses and build strong resume and relationships in the professional world through cold emailing. In the next section, we will discuss about understanding company culture and aligning it with your goals, as well as leveraging personal blogs for your advantage.

Don’t forget to try Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, to facilitate your cold email outreach and elevate your internship search.

Understanding Company Culture and Leveraging Personal Blogs

A Deep Dive into Company Culture

Securing an internship isn’t just about gaining professional experience; it’s also about finding a company culture that aligns with your values and career goals. As you send cold emails for internships, spend time researching the company culture of your target companies. This shows that you’re not only interested in the role but also the company as a whole.

Visit the company’s website, check their social media platforms, read reviews on Glassdoor, or even talk to current or former employees if you can. Understanding the company culture can also help you tailor your cold emails more effectively.

Leverage Personal Blogs

Personal blogs can be a goldmine of information when you’re researching about a company or an individual. They can provide insights into the person’s work, their values, and their interests, which can be used to personalize your cold emails.

In addition, having your own personal blog can also be beneficial. It can showcase your passion, your skills, and your thought leadership in your field. You can reference your blog in your cold emails to give the recipients a deeper insight into who you are and what you can bring to their company.

Putting It All Together

Now, armed with all the information and tools needed, you’re ready to launch your cold email campaign for securing your dream internship. Remember, cold emailing is more than just a one-time communication; it’s a process that involves research, personalization, follow-ups, and relationship building.

In the next section, we will discuss the do’s and don’ts of cold emailing, providing you with essential tips to avoid common email etiquette sins and elevate your cold emailing game.

To streamline your cold emailing process, consider using Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software. It’s designed to help you manage and automate your cold emails and follow-ups, ensuring a professional and effective approach to your internship search.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Cold Emailing

The Do’s

Do Personalize Your Emails: Personalization is the key to successful cold emails. Show genuine interest in the person you’re emailing and their company. Use their name, reference their work, and show that you’ve done your homework.

Do Keep It Short and Sweet: Time is valuable, especially in the business world. Keep your emails concise and to the point. Your whole life story is not required; instead, focus on how you can add value to their current company now.

Do Be Professional: Use a professional email account, proofread your emails before sending, and maintain a polite and respectful tone throughout your correspondence.

Do Follow Up: The power of follow-up emails should not be underestimated. If you don’t get a response to your initial cold email, don’t be afraid to send a polite follow-up email. Most successful cold emails involve at least one follow-up.

The Don’ts

Don’t Spam: Sending unsolicited emails to a large number of people, also known as spam folder brute force email, is not recommended. This approach can damage your reputation and is often ineffective.

Don’t Be Discouraged by No Responses: Not everyone will respond to your cold emails, and that’s okay. It’s a numbers game, and persistence is key.

Don’t Forget to Attach Your Resume: If you mention that your resume is attached, make sure it is. Neglecting to attach your resume could come across as unprofessional and disorganized.

Don’t Use Overly Salesy Language: While it’s important to sell yourself in your cold emails, avoid using overly salesy or aggressive language. Instead, aim to spark a genuine, meaningful conversation.

Cold emailing for an internship might seem daunting, but with the right strategies and tools, you can make it a successful venture. Just remember, even if you don’t land your dream internship right away, the experience and skills you gain from the process will be invaluable in your professional journey.

We encourage you to try Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, to streamline your cold email outreach and maximize your chances of landing that dream internship.

Cold emailing can be an effective way to land an internship, but it’s important to approach it with the right strategies and tools. Through research, personalization, strategic follow-ups, and professional relationship building, you can increase your chances of getting a positive response to your cold emails. And remember, even if you don’t land your dream internship right away, the experience and skills you gain from the process will be invaluable in your professional journey. Happy internship cold emailing!

You’ve reached the end of this comprehensive guide on cold emailing for internships. Happy emailing, and don’t forget to sign up for Mailarrow, our cold email outreach software, to make your cold email outreach as effective and efficient as possible!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you start a cold email for an internship?

Starting a cold email for an internship involves an attention-grabbing, catchy subject line, followed by a professional and friendly introduction. Make sure to personalize the email, mentioning the recipient’s name and the reason why you’re reaching out to them. Your email should explain why you are interested in the company and the role, highlighting relevant skills or experiences.

Should I cold email for an internship?

Yes, cold emailing can be an effective strategy for securing unpaid internships, especially at companies that do not have formal internship programs. It shows initiative and passion, qualities that employers appreciate.

What do you write in an email for an internship?

In an email for an internship, include a brief introduction about yourself, your interest in the company and the specific role, your relevant skills and experiences, and why you would be a good fit for the company. Attach your resume and provide any other information they may need to evaluate your application.

What is the subject of a cold email for an internship?

The subject line of a cold email for an internship should be concise, professional, and intriguing. It should make the recipient want to open the email. For example, “Aspiring Software Engineer Interested in XYZ Company’s Innovations.”

Is it okay to cold email for an internship?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to cold email for an internship. It’s a proactive approach that shows your initiative and interest in the company.

How do you write a cold mail for an internship?

Writing a cold email for an internship involves doing research about the company and the recipient, crafting a compelling subject line, and writing a personalized email body. The email should highlight your personal interest in the company and role, your relevant skills and experience, and your potential contribution to the company.

How do you write an email for an internship?

An email for an internship should be professional and personalized. It should include a concise email introduction (see here for samples), a statement of interest in the company and role, a brief highlight of your qualifications, and a request for consideration.

How do I cold message an internship on LinkedIn?

To cold message an internship on LinkedIn, start by finding the right person to contact, usually a recruiter or hiring manager. Then, craft a brief, personalized message explaining who you are, why you’re reaching out, and why you’re interested in the internship.

How do you title a cold email for an internship?

The title or subject line of a cold email for an internship should be clear, concise, and compelling. It should grab the recipient’s attention and give them a reason to open the email. For instance, “Motivated Marketing Major Seeking Internship at XYZ Company.”

How to do a cold call for an internship?

A cold call for an internship involves calling a company to inquire about potential internship opportunities. Before you call, research the company, prepare a short introduction about yourself and your interest in the company, and have a resume ready to email if requested.

How do you cold email a research internship?

Cold emailing your professor for research or internship involves identifying the right person to contact, usually a lead researcher or a professor, and then sending a personalized email expressing your interest in their research and your qualifications. Make sure to demonstrate your knowledge about their research in the email.

How do you cold email for legal internships?

When cold emailing for legal internships, it’s important to show that you’re knowledgeable about the law firm and the type of law they practice. In your email, introduce yourself, express your interest in the firm, highlight relevant coursework or experiences, and inquire about potential internship opportunities.

How do you write an official email for an internship?

To write an official email for an internship, start with a professional greeting, then introduce yourself and explain why you’re writing. Include details about your qualifications and why you’re interested in the company and role. Finish with a professional sign-off and your contact details.

How do you cold email a company asking for an internship?

To cold email a company asking for an internship, identify the appropriate person to contact (usually a hiring manager or HR representative), then send a concise, personalized email outlining your interest in the company, your relevant skills, and your eagerness to contribute to their team.

How do you send a cold email for an internship?

To send a cold email for an internship, start by researching the company and the recipient. Craft a compelling subject line, write a personalized email body, and use a professional email signature. Use email verification tools to ensure the email address is correct, and consider using a professional email outreach tool like Mailarrow to track your emails and schedule follow-ups.

Can you cold email a company for internship?

Yes, you can see how to cold email a company for an internship. This can be a good strategy, especially for smaller companies that may not have formal internship programs.

How do you send an email requesting an internship?

When sending an email requesting an internship, start with a professional greeting, then introduce yourself and state your purpose. Describe why you’re interested in the company and the specific role, highlight your qualifications, and close with a courteous request for consideration.

How to write a professional email to apply for an internship?

A professional email to apply for an internship should start with a formal salutation followed by an introduction of yourself, a brief explanation of why you’re interested in the internship, a description of your qualifications, and a request for consideration. Always remember to use a professional tone and proofread your email for errors before sending.

What is a good cold email for an internship?

A good cold email for an internship is personalized, concise, and professional. It should grab the recipient’s attention, demonstrate your interest in the company and role, highlight your qualifications, and include a call to action, such as requesting a meeting or feedback.

What is an example for an internship email?

A good example of how to cold email for an internship: email might read: “Subject: Eager Marketing Student Interested in Summer Internship. Dear [Recipient’s Name], I am a final-year marketing student at [Your University] and I’ve been following [Company’s Name] and your innovative marketing strategies closely. I am writing to express my interest in your summer internship program… [Continue with your qualifications, why you’re interested, and your request for consideration]”

What do you write in a cold email for a job example?

In a cold email for a job, write a compelling subject line, a professional email greeting, a brief introduction, an explanation of why you’re reaching out, a description of your qualifications and how they align with the company’s needs, and a call to action, usually requesting a meeting or a phone call.

What should be the subject line of an email for an internship?

The subject line of an email for an internship should be specific, professional, and attention-grabbing. It could reference the specific role you’re interested in, your main qualification, and/or your eagerness to contribute to the company. For instance, “Business Student Seeking Marketing Internship”.

What is a good subject for a cold email?

A good subject for a cold email is concise, specific, and intriguing. It should spark curiosity and give the recipient a reason to open the email. Examples might include “Exploring Internship Opportunities” or “Passionate About [Company’s Industry].”