Sample Email for Internship: 7 Tips for Crafting Perfect Cold Emails
It is common practice for college students or fresh graduates to search for internship opportunities as part of their study requirements or to lay a foundation for their dream careers. Internships are a great way to test the waters of a particular field without going all in. A proper cold email for an internship request might be all you need to get started. This article will provide some essential tips while constructing your email and a sample email for an internship so you can see how it should look.
Introduction to Writing Email for Internships
Why are Emails important for Internships?
Anyone who has sent a few embarrassing emails in their lifetime will tell you that knowing how to construct an efficient email message is an underrated skill. Sending an email to request an internship could do a lot for you. Some benefits include the following:
- Help Your Application Stand Out: Many internship applications happen through a dedicated application portal or by emailing your resume. When you email your application, you can provide additional points and do something different from the other applicants; this could range from adding more information to your application to giving context to what is already there. Being different in this manner can be very good for your application.
- Show Your Commitment: By choosing to go the extra mile and stand out, you prove to your potential employers how committed you are to getting what you want. At the very least, commitment is a trait any employer would want their employee to have.
- Start a Useful Relationship: One way to get your intentions known to your potential employer is by cold emailing. A cold email is an email sent to a receiver without prior notice. Suppose you directly contact an employer who did not put out a call for applications or who provided a separate means of application. In that case, that is a cold email. A cold email establishes a relationship between you and a person in that organization, which could be helpful to you in the future whether or not your application is successful. To write a cold internship email request, apply some rules on how to write an effective cover letter.
7 Tips to Consider When Writing an Email Request for an Internship
#1. Do Your Research on the Company
One of the most impressive things you can do when you send an email request for an internship is to show some knowledge about the company. Suppose you include in your email some project the company recently carried out or some organizational culture that makes you want to work with them. In that case, it shows initiative and could be great for your application.
#2. Choose a Catchy Subject Line
When sending an email request for an internship, your subject line should clearly state what the email contains. The email could be treated as spam if the subject line is not catchy enough.
#3. Be Mindful of Your Grammar
As much as you want to sound enlightened enough, you must avoid bombarding your internship email with many big words. Please keep it simple and straight to the point.
Try to use editing tools to check for grammatical errors, and be mindful of your tone to sound confident without appearing rude or demanding.
#4. Highlight Your Source (if any)
Most calls for applications are published online on LinkedIn or other social media. It is important to mention where you first learned about the vacancy. However, for a cold email, you were interested in the company and decided to reach out. If you have any connection to the company or the person you’re cold emailing, you can mention it.
#5. Keep It Concise
There is no need to beat about the bush when you send an email request for an internship. You hope to keep the email official and hold the reader’s attention; therefore, you must hit the nail on the head from the first sentence.
#6. Attach Your Resume
After selling yourself and your skills in the email, it is good practice to attach your resume, even if you have applied via another channel. The resume provides the recruiter with a proper reference document if they choose to proceed with your application.
#7. Follow Up
Finally, it is advisable to follow up on your internship email with another if a couple of weeks have passed and you are still waiting to receive a reply from the organization. Most organizations will reply to you even if the answer is no. Hence, ensuring they get the email is good.
2 Sample Emails for Internship
This section presents two examples of what a well-crafted sample email for an internship should look like; you may use any as a template for free. The first is an email sequel to a job ad on LinkedIn, while the other is a cold email to a company staff with whom you wish to intern.
#1. Email Response to an Internship Ad on LinkedIn
Subject: Application for Internship – [Position Name] at [Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I am writing to apply for the internship position advertised on LinkedIn for [Position Name] at [Company Name]. I was eager to contribute my skills to your team when I came across this opportunity.
I am currently a [Insert current status – e.g., “junior at XYZ University”], studying [Insert Major] with a keen interest in [Insert career interest]. I am confident that [Company Name] will provide the perfect platform to gain hands-on experience in this field.
In my previous experiences as a [Insert relevant experience – e.g., “volunteer at ABC organization”], I have developed skills such as [Insert relevant skills]. I can bring these skills to your team and learn from your organization’s experienced professionals.
I have attached my resume to this email and would be happy to answer any further questions you may have. Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
#2. Sample Cold Email to a Company Staff
SUBJECT: Internship Inquiry – [Company Name]
Dear [Staff’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to express my interest in an internship opportunity at [Company Name]. I have been following your organization’s work, and I am impressed by the impact that you have made in [Insert area of impact].
As a student/graduate of [Insert Major], I am eager to gain hands-on experience and confident that [Company Name] will provide the perfect platform to develop my skills. I am very interested in the work that your organization is doing.
I have attached my resume to this email for your consideration. If there are any opportunities for me to join your team as an intern, I would be more than happy to discuss further details with you. I am also available for a call or a meeting to discuss my interests and qualifications.
Thank you for taking the time to read my email. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely, [Your Name]
Popular Questions About Sample Email for Internship
#1. What are the top 5 ways to succeed in an internship?
The top 5 ways to succeed in an internship include;
- Set reasonable goals.
- Network and create relationships that will last.
- Keep an open mind and learn.
- Stay professional.
- Be shamelessly inquisitive.
#2. What are the most important things to look for in an internship?
There are many important things to look out for in an internship. Internships usually help you develop your skills in a field. The most crucial thing in a company should be an environment that allows you to grow and trusts its interns with hands-on jobs while providing appropriate guidance.
Look out for company culture and know which one suits you best. If, in the end, you find multiple companies that check all the boxes, you can choose the one that pays better.
#3. How long should I wait before sending a follow-up internship email request?
After sending in your email for an internship, you should wait a while before sending a follow-up. A decent amount of waiting time would be two (2) weeks.
#4. What should I avoid in my email request for an internship?
Having talked about the things to do when you write your email for an internship, some of the things you should avoid include the following;
- Too much emotion to the point where it feels fake.
- Use of false facts or unverifiable information.
- Grammatical and spelling errors.
- Loads of unnecessary details.
#5. Can I send an email after my internship?
Yes, you can. While the company may not request it, it is polite to send a short email after your internship, thanking them for the experience and appreciating the time you had with them. This message could create a soft landing for you if you want to return to them.
Conclusion
Having presented two sample emails for internship and several tips to guide you, you can now go for your dream internship. Good luck with your application, and don’t forget to follow up.
