How to Write Cold Emails for Internship with Free Ready-to-use Templates

Let's face it, writing cold emails is not as easy as it appears, especially when you have to send them seeking an internship opportunity in the professional world. Most of the time, you don't know what to write, whom to write to, or even how to approach someone. 

After reading this article, you will know how to execute your outreach with cold emails for an internship in large companies, how to draft those emails, what to include, etc. Additionally, you will also have 5 free cold email templates for internship that you can use right away. So, without further ado, let's get started.

Basics of how to start outreach with cold emails for internship

Reaching out to the right person at the right time is the key to maximizing your chances of successfully landing an internship opportunity. Outreach to anyone and everyone is not the answer. You have to be very specific if you need to bag a good internship opportunity. Here are some steps you can try:

1. Narrow down the industry: First of all, decide which industry you wish to work in according to your skills and interests. It will clear up your mind and bring your focus only on a single industry

2. Shortlist companies: Now, prepare a list of companies that you wish to work with on a spreadsheet. Your criteria for selecting companies may involve the kind of internship opportunity they have, work ethics, work environment, amenities, etc. You can find out about these aspects by reaching out to current employees of the company through social media.

3. Prepare an excel sheet: Once you have shortlisted the companies, prepare an excel sheet with company names and emails. You can find the emails on their websites. You can also find social media links for HR managers.

4. Send cold emails: Once you have all the data you need, you can start sending out cold emails. The details on how to draft a perfect cold email for an internship are discussed in later sections of this article. You can also use the cold email templates for internships shared in this article.

5. Keep track of the updates: Lastly, you can use a few more columns to make entries like: 

• Sent an email
• Received a reply
• Follow-up

This will help you keep track of your cold emailing cycle and will guide you on what to do next. Furthermore, you can also keep track of what is working and make changes accordingly.

On top of these steps, you can also reach out to recruiters on Linkedin and your alumni network. Here is how: 

Contact your alumni network 

Alumni networks can be a valuable resource for finding internships. They often have a large network of professionals who work in the industry you're interested in. They can connect you with a potential internship opportunity and make introductions to hiring managers in their contact list.

Moreover, you can also get insider information about a company and the hiring process, giving you an edge over other applicants. You can also leverage your network to get recommendations and meet employers.

Reachout on LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is a great platform for job seekers to connect with potential employers and explore new opportunities, including internships. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively reach out on LinkedIn to find an internship:

Optimize your profile

Before reaching out to potential employers, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and professional. This includes having a clear profile picture, a headline that highlights your skills and experience, and a well-written summary that showcases your interests and goals.

Research potential employers

Look for companies or organizations that offer internships in your desired field. You can use LinkedIn's search function to find relevant profiles and learn more about the company culture and potential opportunities.

Connect with relevant people

Reach out to professionals in your desired field and ask for an introduction to someone in the company responsible for hiring interns. You can also connect with alumni from your school or current employees for insights and recommendations.

Follow up

If you don't hear back after your initial message, don't be afraid to follow up. A friendly reminder can help keep your message at the top of their inbox and increase your chances of getting a response.

Check out our blog, ‘How To Message Someone On Linkedin (+ Email Templates),’ for more insights and tips on reaching out on LinkedIn.

Follow a process 

Instead of taking a random step every time you remember something, it is better to follow a step-by-step process. Let us explain why.

Suppose you draft an email and then realize that you should also do your research about the company. Now, you will have to rewrite or edit that email based on your findings, wasting a lot of time. 

Here is the process that you can follow to save time and effort:

Research 

Research companies, alumni networks, and professional social media to identify a potential internship opportunity and make a list of contacts.

Preparation

Prepare a cold email template for internship that introduces yourself, highlights the core skills that will make you an asset, and explains why you're interested in an internship with the company. You can also refer to any cold email template for internship shared in the later section of this article. Customize each email for every company.

First email

Send an initial email to your contact, briefly introducing yourself and asking for an opportunity to discuss an internship. Keep the email concise and professional, and avoid asking for an internship outright.

Follow-up email

If you don't receive a response, follow up with another email after a few days. Mention your initial email and reiterate your interest in an internship opportunity.

Reaching out on professional social media

If you still haven't received a response, consider reaching out to the company on professional social media (LinkedIn, for example).

Personal meeting

If you receive a positive response, try to schedule a personal meeting or call to discuss the opportunity further. This is a great chance to showcase your skills and build a relationship with the company.

It's important to be persistent and professional throughout the outreach process while also respecting the company's time and communication preferences.

Mistakes to avoid while reaching out for internship opportunities 

Here are 10 mistakes that can result in your application being rejected: 

1. Inadequate research 
2. Poorly written emails
3. Impersonal subject lines
4. Failing to grab the attention 
5. No clear call to action (CTA)
6. Being too pushy or aggressive
7. Being too occupied to follow up
8. Forgetting to add attachments or links
9. Neglecting professional etiquette
10. Sending mass emails 

Instead, take these steps:

1. Do your research to personalize your email
2. Draft well-written, professional, and error-free emails
3. Avoid generic subject lines and make them personalized 
4. Grab the recipient's attention and make them want to read on
5. Clearly state what you want and make it easy for them to respond
6. Be professional and polite in your approach, and avoid being too friendly
7. If you don't receive a response, follow up in a polite and professional manner
8. Make sure that the email contains all attachments, like your CV and cover letter
9. Double-check to ensure your emails are professional and follow basic email etiquette
10. Customize each email to the recipient instead of sending mass emails to a large group of people

Process of crafting a perfect cold email for internship 

Cold emailing for an internship is a 3-step process that involves the following:

1. Creating a clear subject line
2. Writing a body that contains all the necessary details and elements necessary for a cold email for an internship 
3. Finishing it with a proper ending

You need to pay attention to all 3 steps to ensure that your cold email for internship is perfect. After all, a perfect email increases your chances of being noticed, right? So, let's see what you can do to nail all 3 steps.

Internship Email Subject Line 

Your subject line should be very clear and eyeball-grabbing. Try to keep it as short as possible while keeping all the important information and avoid words that trigger spam. 

Here are 7 examples to inspire you to write a catchy subject line to get noticed among a pool of internship emails: 

1. Seeking internship opportunity in [Field] at [Company]
2. A passionate [Field] student seeking an internship at [Company]
3. Maximizing my [Field] skills through an internship at [Company]
4. Bringing a fresh perspective to [Company] as an Internship Candidate
5. Exploring [Field] internship possibilities at [Company]
6. From the classroom to [Company]: An Internship Application
7. Ready to add value as an intern at [Company] in [Field]

What to include in the cold email 

While writing cold emails for internship job opportunities, it is important to know what are all the important elements that you should include in your email. So, create a cold email internship template to ensure that your email contains all these elements:

Introduction

Start with a brief introduction that includes your name, educational background, and the purpose of the email.

Explanation of your interest in the company

Explain why you are interested in the company and would like to intern with them.

Relevant qualifications

Provide information on your qualifications and relevant skills that would make you a good fit for the internship.

Your resume and portfolio

Send your resume and portfolio to the recipient to showcase your skills and experiences.

Ask for an opportunity

Ask for an opportunity to discuss the internship further, whether it be through a phone call or an in-person meeting.

How to end the email 

The ending of the email is as important as the subject line. Based on how well you end the email, the user might remember and consider you for the internship opportunity. Here are 2 aspects that you have to pay attention to:

Closing statement

End the email with a closing statement thanking the recipient for considering your application and expressing hope that you can discuss the opportunity further. 

Signature

Include your full name and contact details like phone number and email link for easy follow-up.

Here are 5 examples for the closing statement to increase the response rate of your cold email for the internship:

1. I have uploaded over 100 articles to the [Platform]. This summer, I am available to work full-time for 2 months, and I can produce 60 SEO-optimized blog posts, to improve ranking in search results. Do you wish to discuss this further? 
2. If you are available this week or next week, I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you to gain a deeper understanding of your firm and the potential for a [Time Period] internship.
3. I would greatly appreciate it if I could book some of your time for a call at your earliest convenience and learn more about your hiring process
4. Do you have any time to schedule a call? Also, I've attached my resume below - please let me know if you have any questions!
5. I would be delighted to arrange a call with you to discuss the opportunity and my background in greater detail. I have openings in my schedule on [mention Date and Time]. You may reach me via the details given below. I look forward to hearing from you.

5 cold email templates that you can use right away 

To get considered for an internship offer, you should ensure that you contact them through professional cold emails. We will share 5 categories and a cold email template for internships under each category. You can customize these to suit your requirements.

Generic cold email template for internship 

A generic cold email internship sample is a great way to reach out to shortlisted companies.

Subject: Seeking an internship opportunity at [Company] 

Dear [Recipient Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my interest in the [Company Name] Internship Program. I am currently a [Your Current Status], and I believe this internship would provide me with valuable hands-on experience and help me grow in my field.

I have been following [Company Name] for a while now, and I am impressed by the innovative work you are doing in [Industry/Field]. Your commitment to [Company's Mission/Values] aligns with my own career goals, and I believe I would be a great fit for your team.

I have attached my resume and a cover letter for your consideration. In the cover letter, I have highlighted my skills, experience, and achievements that make me an ideal candidate for the internship.

If you have any availability next week, I would greatly appreciate the chance to speak with you and learn more about your firm and the possibility of completing a [Time Period] internship there. I am available for a call [insert your availability].

Thank you for taking the time to read my email. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further how I can contribute to the success of [Company Name].

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

Cold email to reach out on LinkedIn for internship 

Reaching out to a prospective employer on LinkedIn is often a better idea than sending an email, as it shows your enthusiasm. You can use this cold email for internship example to reach out on LinkedIn:

Subject: A Passionate [Field] Student Seeking Internship at [Company]"

Dear [Recipient Name],

I saw your last post about [Topic], and your outlook inspired me a lot. I am reaching out to express my interest in the [Company] Internship Program.

As a [Your Current Status], I am eager to gain hands-on experience in the [Industry/Field], and I believe that the internship at [Company] would provide me with a unique opportunity to do so. 

I have attached my resume for your review. I have successfully completed [Name of the course] and also have some knowledge/experience in [mention relevant skills or college projects] that make me a good fit for this opportunity.

I would be happy to discuss the opportunity and my knowledge of search operators in greater detail. Please let me know the best time to arrange a call. You may reach me via the details given below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you.

Thanks in advance,

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

Email template for internship at a startup 

Most students prefer to apply for internships in startups because of the higher placement chances. If you are also interested in reaching out to startups, this cold email internship template can help:

Subject: [Your Name] - Interest in [Startup Name] Internship Program

Dear [Person’s name],

First of all, congratulations on grabbing the venture capital. My name is [Your Name], and I am reaching out to express my interest in the internship program at [Startup Name]. I am currently a [Your Current Status], and I am passionate about the [Industry/Field] and eager to gain hands-on experience in a startup environment.

I have been a [Industry Name] enthusiast, and I am amazed by the innovative solutions you are offering in [Industry/Field]. Your entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to [Startup's Mission/Values] align with my own career goals, and I believe I would be a great fit for your team.

I have attached the necessary documents for your review. I am a hustler, and my drive to keep learning makes me a suitable candidate for this internship role.

I would love the opportunity to speak with you further about the internship program and my experience. I am available for a call [insert your availability].

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss further how I can contribute to the success of [Startup Name].

Warm regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

Email template for internship at an NGO

This internship cold email template can be used to reach out to an NGO:

Subject: [Your Name] - Interest in [NGO Name] Internship Program

Dear [Recipient Name],

I'm reaching out to you today with the hope of turning my passion into a career through the [NGO Name] Internship Program. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Current Status] with a passion for [Cause/Mission of the NGO].

I have been following the work of [NGO Name] for some time now, and I am deeply impressed by the impact you are making in [Cause/Mission of the NGO]. Your organization's commitment to [NGO's Mission/Values] resonates with my values, and I believe my hard work and perseverance could make a meaningful contribution to your team as an intern.

Please find attached my resume to see what makes me a strong candidate for the internship. I have [relevant experience/skills] that I believe would be beneficial to [NGO Name].

I would be honored to have the opportunity to speak with you further about the internship and how I can contribute to the success of [NGO Name]. Please let me know if you have any availability in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss my skills further.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

Followup email template 

Use this cold email template for internship to follow up after 3-4 working days of sending the initial email.

Subject: Following up on [Internship Position] at [Company]

Dear [Recipient Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I applied for the [Internship Position] at [Company Name] a few weeks ago. I wanted to follow up on my application and see if there has been any progress regarding the selection process.

I am extremely passionate about the work that [Company] does, and I am eager to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to your team. I have [relevant experience/skills] that I believe would be an asset to [Company Name], and I can take up the [Name of the project] as an intern.

I understand that you may be busy, but I wanted to express my continued interest in the internship opportunity and inquire about the status of my application. I would be grateful for any updates or feedback that you may have.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing back from you soon.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email Address]

If you are looking for sales introduction email templates, check out this blog, ‘15 Sales Introduction Email Templates To Boost Your Sales.’

Checklist to follow while looking for internship opportunities 

You need a well-structured and thorough approach when it comes to leveraging cold emailing to search for internships. Here's a detailed checklist to help you land an internship offer:

Identify your goals and interests

Before you start your search, it's crucial to determine what you want to get out of your internship. This includes determining what fields or industries you are interested in, what skills you want to develop, and what type of work environment you prefer.

Research potential employers

Make a list of companies or organizations that align with your goals and interests, and research them thoroughly. Look into their company culture, values, mission statement, and recent news or events.

Network

Attend career fairs, networking events, or workshops, and reach out to alumni or professionals in your desired field. Building relationships with individuals in your target industry can lead to valuable leads and opportunities.

Utilize job boards and websites

Popular job boards and websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and Handshake are great resources for finding internships. Creating a strong profile on these platforms is a good idea to make an impressive first impression. Actively search for opportunities that match your interests and skills.

Check with your university or college 

Many universities and colleges have career services departments that can help connect students with internships. Additionally, some universities have established partnerships with companies and organizations to offer internships to students.

Make sure the opportunity is a good fit

Once you've found an internship opportunity, carefully review the job description and responsibilities to ensure it aligns with your goals and interests. Consider the location, hours, and compensation as well.

Prepare your application materials

Create a strong resume and cover letter tailored to the internship opportunity. Highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements. Additionally, preparing for any potential interviews by researching the company and practicing your answers to common interview questions is a more practical approach.

Follow up

After you've submitted your application, follow up with the hiring manager to ensure they received your materials and to express your dedication and continued interest in the opportunity. If you receive an internship offer, thank them, show gratitude, and ask for the next steps.

Tips to remember as you write cold emails for internship 

It is important to write effective cold emails that catch the recipient's attention and convey your message effectively. Follow these tips when writing cold emails for an internship:

Do your research

Before writing the email, the first step is to research the company or organization you're reaching out to and find out more about the internship program. Make a list of these employers and determine the best point of contact for each one, such as the HR department, a hiring manager, or a mentor in your field.

Also, research the person you are sending the email to. Finding out what they do and what they are looking for in an intern is a better way to help personalize your email and show the recipient that you're truly interested in the opportunity.

Use a professional email address

Use a professional email address that includes your full name, such as [first name].[last name]@[email service provider].com (ab.c@gmail.com). Avoid using personal or casual email addresses with quirky words, such as wizard, princess, king, queen, dementors, xtreme, etc.

Use a clear subject line

A good subject line is the first thing the recipient sees, so make sure it's attention-grabbing and relevant to the company and your purpose. See the examples mentioned above.

Start with a strong introduction

The first few sentences of your email should be captivating. Start the email with a brief introduction of yourself and your background in a professional manner. State your purpose for reaching out and why you're interested in the internship opportunity. Mention why you are interested in the company and how you came across the opportunity.

Keep it concise 

A successful cold email is brief and to the point. Limit the length of your email to a few paragraphs. Aim for no more than 4-5 short paragraphs. Don't include unnecessary details or ramble on and avoid using complex language or long sentences.

Highlight your relevant skills and experiences

In the next paragraph, explain your education and why you would be a good fit for the internship. Highlight your skills, education, and experience relevant to the company and the internship.

Use specific examples to showcase your relevant skills and experiences that make you a strong candidate for the internship opportunity. This will help you stand out from other applicants.

Provide value

Explain how you can bring value to the company or organization through your skills and experiences. Emphasize how the internship will help you meet your goals and further your career. You can also offer to take on specific tasks or projects and show that you have done your research on the company.

Be polite and professional

Make sure to use the right tone, proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and avoid using informal language. Be courteous and respectful in your email, and avoid making any negative comments about previous employers or experiences. Refer to any cold email template for internships above.

Include a call to action

End your email with a clear call to action, such as asking for a call or email to discuss the internship opportunity further. Provide your contact information and express your interest in hearing back from the recipient.

Proofread

Before sending the email, make sure to proofread it for typos and grammar errors. Check that it is well-structured, professional, and persuasive.

Time to start using AI to write emails 

If you still find it all a bit too overwhelming, it is high time to rely on Scalenut's AI-powered SEO and content marketing platform to generate high-quality cold emails that get you noticed. It helps you write high-quality, relevant, and human-like content using artificial intelligence. 

The best part is that our tool can generate innovative cold emails in 4 simple steps:

1. Write your name
2. Describe yourself and your background
3. Describe the context of the email 
4. Click on the ‘Generate’ button 

Based on the latest GPT3 AI technology, the generator can curate authentic cold emails customized to your needs. Scalenut helps you write concise and appealing cold emails to reach out for internships, as well as to follow up with the company. Sign up today to get started!