1. A recruiter, for a role that is open
Use this when a posting exists. Name the role exactly as the posting does, and echo one technology from it that you really use.
Subject: [Role] intern, built [project]
Hi [First name], I'm a [year] [degree] student at [school] looking for a [role] internship from [month]. I built [project], which [one sentence on what it does and the technology]. [Link]. Your posting mentions [technology from the posting], which is what I use. Is the [role] internship still open, and could I send you my resume? Thanks, [Full name] [GitHub or portfolio link]
2. A recruiter, when nothing is posted
Many teams hire interns they never advertise. Ask a question that is easy to answer, and ask who to write to if they aren't the right person.
Subject: Question about [team or area] internships
Hi [First name], I'm a [year] [degree] student at [school] and I'd like to intern at [company] in [area] from [month]. I built [project], which [what it does]. [Link]. [One true sentence on why this company: a product you have used, a technology you share.] I couldn't find a posting. Do you take interns for [area], and is there someone I should write to? Thanks, [Full name]
3. An engineer or engineering manager
Lead with the technical substance. Engineers reply to specific questions about their work, not to requests for a job. Only ask the question if you are really curious about it.
Subject: [Project], and a question about [their area]
Hi [First name], I'm [first name], a [year] student who has been building [area] for [time]. Last term I built [project], which [what it does, with one real detail of how] ([link]). I'm trying to understand how teams like yours handle [specific problem]. Would you be open to a 15 minute call, or could you point me to the person who owns it? Thanks, [Full name]
4. A founder at a small startup
Founders read their own inbox and decide fast. Show that you have used the product, say one specific thing you noticed, and offer something small.
Subject: [Product], and something I built
Hi [First name], I used [product] to [what you did with it]. I noticed [one specific, true observation or small idea]. I'm a [year] student and I built [project] ([link]). If you take interns, I'd like to help with [specific area]. Could we talk for ten minutes, or would a small task be better? Thanks, [Full name]
5. An alum or someone who could refer you
People are often glad to help someone from their college. Ask for a short chat first. A referral is something they offer, not something you demand.
Subject: [School] student, question about [company]
Hi [First name], I'm a [year] student at [school] and saw that you work at [company] on [team]. I'm applying for the [role] internship and built [project] ([link]). Would you be open to a short chat about your team, or willing to refer me if you think I'd be a fit? I understand if not. Thanks, [Full name]
6. A follow-up, about four days later
Reply in the same thread so the person sees your first message. Add something new only if you really have it.
Subject: Re: [original subject]
Hi [First name], Bumping this in case it got buried. [One new thing, if you have it: a new release, a merged pull request.] If [role] is closed, is there someone else on the team I should write to? Thanks, [Full name]
7. A last note, about ten days after the first
Close the loop politely and stop. Leaving the door open is the point: people remember the candidate who didn't push.
Subject: Re: [original subject]
Hi [First name], I'll stop writing here so I don't fill your inbox. If a [role] internship opens up later, I'd be glad to hear about it. Thanks, [Full name]
How to fill a template honestly
- Use only projects you built and numbers that are true. If you don't have a number, describe what it does instead.
- Write the reason for the company yourself. If you can't give a true one, delete the sentence.
- Replace every bracket. Search the message for "[" before you send it.
- Read it aloud. If it sounds like a form letter, rewrite the first line in your own words.
- Change the project line and the reason when you write to a second company. Reusing them is how a message starts to read as bulk mail.
Frequently asked questions
- Is it okay to use a template for a cold email?
- Yes, if every personal detail is real. Reuse the structure, not the sentences, and write the project line in your own words.
- How long should a cold email be?
- About 70 to 110 words. Every template above fits. If yours is longer, cut the background and keep the project, the reason and the question.
- Should I use the same email for every company?
- No. Keep the structure, but the project you lead with and the reason for writing to that company should differ. If they don't, the message reads as bulk mail.
- Should I put my resume in the first email?
- Offer it or link to it instead. Attachments in a first message can trigger spam filters, and most people will ask if they want it.