How to Cold Email for an Internship and Actually Get a Response

Landing your dream internship can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. You’re up against hundreds, maybe even thousands, of other applicants. But what if I told you there’s a secret weapon that can help you skip the line and get your application directly in front of the right people? It’s called the cold email.

Now, I know what you’re thinking. Cold emailing? Isn’t that just a fancy word for spam?” And you’re not entirely wrong. Most cold emails are terrible. They’re generic, self-serving, and get deleted faster than you can say “internship.” But a good cold email? A good cold email is a work of art. It’s personal, persuasive, and shows that you’ve done your homework. It’s a direct line to the decision-makers, and it’s your chance to make a killer first impression.

In this guide, we’ll break down the art of the cold email and give you the tools and templates you need to craft a message that not only gets opened but gets a response.

Why Cold Emailing is Your Secret Weapon in the Internship Hunt

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. Why should you bother with cold emailing when you can just apply through the company’s website? Here are a few reasons:

• Less Competition: When you apply through a job portal, you’re competing with a sea of other applicants. A cold email, on the other hand, is a direct line to the person in charge. You’re not just another resume in the pile; you’re a person with a story.
• Shows Initiative: Taking the time to research a company and craft a personalized email shows that you’re proactive and resourceful. These are qualities that every employer looks for in an intern.
• Uncovers Hidden Opportunities: Not all internship opportunities are advertised. By reaching out to companies you admire, you might just stumble upon a role that’s a perfect fit for you.

The Anatomy of a Perfect Internship Cold Email (The AIDA Framework)

To write a cold email that gets results, you need a framework. And the AIDA framework is one of the most effective copywriting formulas out there. It stands for Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action.

A – Attention: Crafting a Killer Subject Line

The subject line is your first impression. It’s what will determine whether your email gets opened or ignored. Here are a few examples of subject lines that work:

• BAD: Internship Application
• GOOD: Aspiring [Your Field] Student Seeking Internship at [Company Name]
• BAD: Question
• GOOD: Inquiry from a [Your Major] Student at [Your University]

I – Interest: A Personalized Opening That Grabs Their Attention

Once they’ve opened your email, you have a few seconds to grab their interest. Don’t start with a generic “Dear Sir or Madam.” Do your research and find the name of the hiring manager or the head of the department you’re interested in. Then, start with a personalized opening that shows you’ve done your homework.

• BAD: I am writing to inquire about internship opportunities at your company.
• GOOD: I’ve been following the amazing work [Company Name] has been doing in [Industry], and I was particularly impressed by [Specific project or achievement].

D – Desire: Showcasing Your Value and How You Can Help Them

Now that you have their attention, it’s time to create desire. This is where you sell yourself. But instead of just listing your skills, show them how you can add value to their team. Connect your skills and experiences to their company’s goals and needs.

• BAD: I have skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2].
• GOOD: I’ve been honing my skills in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] through projects like [Briefly describe a relevant project], and I believe I could contribute to your team by [Explain how you can help them].

A – Action: A Clear and Confident Call to Action

Finally, you need to tell them what you want them to do next. Be clear and confident in your call to action. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want.

• BAD: I hope to hear from you soon.
• GOOD: Would you be open to a 15-minute call next week to discuss how I can contribute to [Company Name]?

The Do’s and Don’ts of Cold Emailing for an Internship

Do	Don’t
Personalize every email	Send generic, mass emails
Keep it short and to the point	Write a novel
Proofread for typos and grammar mistakes	Send an email with errors
Follow up if you don’t hear back	Be pushy or demanding
Be confident and enthusiastic	Sound desperate

A Plug-and-Play Cold Email Template You Can Steal

Here’s a template you can use as a starting point. Remember to personalize it for each company you reach out to.

What to Do After You Hit “Send”

So you’ve sent your cold email. Now what? The waiting game can be tough, but don’t just sit on your hands. Here’s what you should do:

• Follow up: If you don’t hear back within a week, send a polite follow-up email. A simple, “Just wanted to follow up on my previous email” is all you need.
• Keep applying: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Keep applying to other internships while you wait to hear back.
• Stay positive: The internship hunt can be a long and frustrating process, but don’t give up. With persistence and a little bit of luck, you’ll land the perfect internship for you.

Now go out there and start sending those cold emails. Your dream internship is waiting for you.

What are your biggest challenges when it comes to cold emailing? Share them in the comments below!