How to Craft a Compelling Cold Email for Internships.
Peak Career Mentors
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Cold emailing can be a powerful tool for junior students seeking internships.
It’s an email sent to someone without previous interaction, even having no connections in mutual, to ask for a favour.
Reaching out to a stranger via email or LinkedIn may seem awkward at first, and you may often receive very few responses. However, when done right, it can give you an advantage to your peers: helping to develop and nurture your network at targeted firms, gain valuable insights, secure interview referrals, and even gain mentorship!
The key is crafting a compelling cold email.
Here are our tips:
1. Develop a target list
Before preparing your emails, you should develop a list of individuals you wish to connect with from your targeted firms/sector. You should ideally target individuals with the following similarities as yourself:
·?????? Your alumni
·?????? Those who have worked for the same organizations as you
·?????? Having common interests
Alumni connections are a recommended source for you to use. The school community often encourages seniors to assist juniors in their job search. Check your school's Alumni database for connections at your target firms. Even if none are found, seek general career advice – they're likely to be more than willing to assist you, having been in your shoes before.
LinkedIn is the second most valuable resource. Begin with targeted keyword searches like 'Investment Banking' or 'Blackstone'. Use LinkedIn's advanced filters to refine results by criteria like School, Position, and Industry. If the recipient's email isn't readily available, try Google, tools like hunter.io, or make an educated guess based on the company's standard format (e.g., [email protected]).
2. Create a Catchy Subject Line
To boost your chances of the target reading your message, you will need an interesting subject line to spark their interest!
Our advice? Be short and structured Make sure it’s short enough to be able to read fully even on smartphone devices (25-30 characters: 6 to 8 words). Use special characters: ( ) – | : [ ] to separate different parts of your content, making it easier and more structured to read.?
Personalize the interaction:
Include their name or mention a shared connection or insight, demonstrating this email is exclusively for them.
Example: Professor Smith from NYU recommended that I reach out
Engage in Meaningful Conversation:
If possible, initiate a discussion on a topic within their expertise.
Example: 'Do you see opportunities after Air BNBs IPO like I do?'
?Showcase Your Value:
Clearly articulate the unique value you bring to the table, especially when inquiring about a job opening.
Example: Research Analyst with Modeling expertise interested in joining the team
How to ask for an internship and develop your cold email.
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Introduction
This should be a 1 to 2 sentence introduction. You should start by entering your value proposition OR talk about similar connections that you have with the target. You can even touch upon why you are sending the message.
Examples:
Dear [Name],
I’m Hannah, a 2023 graduate from NYU. I was recommended by Professor Smith to connect to your for career advice in Private Equity.
Dear [Name],
I’m Jack, a 2023 graduate from NYU. I was intrigued to find out your publications on ESG initiatives in finance, a topic of my interest – one that I’d love to discuss with you more about its application in Finance.
Next Paragraph
Talk briefly about your experience / current status, and an overview of HOW they can help you/
Examples:
During my time at Barclays working with institutional clients, I have developed an interest in creating innovative financial models and frameworks. As I am planning this transition from Barclays to a Private Equity firm, I need advice from a seasoned professional who actually walked down the path like you.
I recently applied for the Summer Internship position at your firm. I am writing to follow-up with you because I have not yet heard back about my application status. Your firm is my first choice, so I would?greatly appreciate the opportunity to interview with your team.
?A call to action
State specifically what you need them to do.
What can they help you with (do you want a referral, a phone call or meeting?) When do you suggest the recipient take action (on which specific day, at what time?)…
Rather than making a pushy, imperative, presumptuous requiry, please bring that up as a gentle ask: keep a grateful tone, and prioritise the recipient’s schedule over yours.
Example:
Would you be free for a quick 10-minute phone call any day of the upcoming week, from?12 p.m. to 4 p.m. EST??I hope you could let me know when you’re available, I truly hope to schedule some precious time to hear about your journey in the Banking industry.
Attach your resume
You should attach your resume for 2 reasons:
1.???? When you need to add credibility for the recipient to take you seriously.
2.???? You’re urgently applying for a job opening, and willing to be more up front
A polished resume might even be the first thing they notice in your email, a quick attention-getter if done right, so consider that to boost your credibility.?
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