How to Cold Email for an Internship (+8 Templates to Save Time)

How to Cold Email for an Internship (+8 Templates to Save Time)

How to Cold Email for an Internship (+8 Templates to Save Time)

Email Campaigns

Email Campaigns

Email Campaigns

Jul 3, 2025

person sensing an email - How to Cold Email for an Internship
person sensing an email - How to Cold Email for an Internship
person sensing an email - How to Cold Email for an Internship
person sensing an email - How to Cold Email for an Internship
person sensing an email - How to Cold Email for an Internship

Cold emailing can be intimidating, especially when you're reaching out to someone you don't know at all. This is particularly true when you are searching for an internship to kickstart your career. The prospect of introducing yourself to a stranger and asking for something you want can be daunting. But what if we told you that with the right strategies and tools, you could turn cold emailing into an organized and easy process? This article will show you how to cold email for an internship, so you can confidently reach out to companies and land valuable internships- without wasting time guessing what to say. We will also touch upon effective email closing lines.

Inframail's email infrastructure can help you achieve your cold-emailing goals by boosting your deliverability and response rates. With Inframail, you can rest assured that your emails will land right in your recipient's inbox so you can focus on crafting the perfect message to get you noticed. 

Table of Contents

Cold emailing can be intimidating, especially when you're reaching out to someone you don't know at all. This is particularly true when you are searching for an internship to kickstart your career. The prospect of introducing yourself to a stranger and asking for something you want can be daunting. But what if we told you that with the right strategies and tools, you could turn cold emailing into an organized and easy process? This article will show you how to cold email for an internship, so you can confidently reach out to companies and land valuable internships- without wasting time guessing what to say. We will also touch upon effective email closing lines.

Inframail's email infrastructure can help you achieve your cold-emailing goals by boosting your deliverability and response rates. With Inframail, you can rest assured that your emails will land right in your recipient's inbox so you can focus on crafting the perfect message to get you noticed. 

Table of Contents

Cold emailing can be intimidating, especially when you're reaching out to someone you don't know at all. This is particularly true when you are searching for an internship to kickstart your career. The prospect of introducing yourself to a stranger and asking for something you want can be daunting. But what if we told you that with the right strategies and tools, you could turn cold emailing into an organized and easy process? This article will show you how to cold email for an internship, so you can confidently reach out to companies and land valuable internships- without wasting time guessing what to say. We will also touch upon effective email closing lines.

Inframail's email infrastructure can help you achieve your cold-emailing goals by boosting your deliverability and response rates. With Inframail, you can rest assured that your emails will land right in your recipient's inbox so you can focus on crafting the perfect message to get you noticed. 

Table of Contents

What is an Internship Cold Email and Why is it Important?

email loading up - How to Cold Email for an Internship

An internship cold email is an unsolicited email sent to a potential employer to inquire about internship opportunities. Unlike a job application, a cold email is not a response to a posted position. Instead, it’s an opening for communication that can help you learn about available internships, even if they’re not publicly advertised. That’s why cold emailing can be especially useful for students and recent grads trying to break into competitive industries. Cold emailing helps you proactively network and uncover hidden opportunities that could give you a leg up in the hiring process. It also helps you demonstrate initiative and stand out as a candidate, even when no internships are advertised.  

Why are Internships Important?

Internships are crucial stepping stones for college students and recent graduates. They provide invaluable real-world experience that bridges the gap between academic knowledge and professional application. However, due to intense competition, limitations in experience and internship opportunities, a lack of networking, and ambiguity regarding industry requirements, securing an internship opportunity is easier said than done. This is where cold emailing can be a powerful tool in your arsenal. An internship cold email is a message you send to businesses or professionals you don’t know asking about available internship opportunities. Sending cold emails for an internship is important because it can build your network and discover internship opportunities that may not be publicly available.   

Do Cold Emails Even Work?

If you want to learn how to cold email for an internship, you’ll have to answer a key question first: is it even worthwhile to try? If you poke around online, you’ll see many negative comments from people who have emailed dozens of professionals and gotten poor results. Negative outcomes are certainly possible, but if you have the right profile and you use cold emails correctly, you can get positive responses. When cold emails don’t work, it’s usually because: 

  • The person used them incorrectly (e.g., they contacted the wrong people, used poor templates, or failed to follow up after the initial message). 

  • The person using them had an inappropriate profile (e.g., a post-MBA professional emailing boutique banks to ask about “unpaid internships”). If you avoid these two problems, cold emails can work quite well.   

Write a Unique, Engaging Cold Email

Cold emails are sent as what could be referred to as an informed shot in the dark. As the writer, you know who you’re sending it to, you know what outcome you’d like to achieve, and you know what you’re offering. The recipient, however, knows nothing about you. Chances are they don’t even know you exist. That means that your cold emails need to be written in a way that is engaging, enticing, and non-threatening. People received dozens, potentially hundreds, of unsolicited spam emails every day. You need to ensure that you don’t look like spam; then, it’s all about making yourself stand out from everyone else.

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How to Cold Email for an Internship

gmail inbox - How to Cold Email for an Internship

1. Formulate Your Goals Before Cold Emailing for an Internship

Starting out, know that cold emailing for an internship can help you land your dream opportunity. Before you begin the process, you’ll need to complete some basic preparation first. Several factors should be considered when preparing to send a cold email for an internship. The most important step is to understand the internship's goal. This usually involves asking yourself questions such as what field you are interested in, whether you want to fill your summer vacation, gain experience for your resume, or consider a career change. Answering these questions will assist you in determining the primary goal of the internship, which is essential when crafting a targeted and effective cold email. 

2. Create a New, Professional-Sounding Email Address

This cannot be overstated, especially if you’re a college graduate seeking to make a strong first impression on potential employers. The choice of your email address will impact how recipients perceive your cold email. If your sender ID is something like “gamer4life@xyz.com” or “party_animal@xyz.com,” it may create a negative impression. Recipients might be naturally averted or skeptical, as these email addresses can convey a lack of professionalism or seriousness. 

Here are a few examples of professional-sounding email addresses: 

  • Simple Combination: 

    First name + Last name: johnsmith@example.com 

    First initial + Last Name: jsmith@example.com 

  • Including Professional Designation: 

    First name + Last name + Degree: johnsmithmd@example.com 

    First name + Last name + Profession: johnsmithlawyer@example.com 

  • Using Your Professional Domain: 

    First name + Last name + Domain: johnsmith@smithconsulting.com 

    First initial + Last Name + Domain: jsmith@smithengineering.net 

  • Adding Location or Industry: 

    First name + Last Name + Location: johnsmithnyc@example.com 

    First name + Last Name + Industry: johnsmithfinance@example.com 

  • Combining Initials: 

    First initial + Middle initial + Last Name: jmsmith@example.com 

3. Research Companies

The next factor is considering if the company can actually help you achieve your goal. Look for companies that offer internships in your field; ones that align with your interests, values, and career goals. Try to gather information about the type of internships they offer and their internship culture. Employee reviews can provide valuable insights in this regard.

Your dream companies may not explicitly advertise internships or may only have limited information publicly available about them. You can still list them down and contact them directly via cold emails to express my interest and offer myself for an internship. Given the low response rate to cold emails, it is best to pursue only a handful of every 100 sent, as this maximizes your chances of securing an internship opportunity with as many companies as possible.

4. Track Down Contact Information (Email Addresses) of Relevant Personnel

When researching to find key personnel at each firm, identify 3 to 4 individuals who hold relevant positions or have decision-making authority. Some good keywords to look for in their job titles are:

  • Manager

  • Director

  • Team lead

The next hurdle is figuring out how to contact them. While gathering email addresses can be challenging, you can utilize various techniques to locate or infer their contact information. Look for sections such as Our Team, Leadership, or Management on company websites. These will give you insights into individuals’ roles and positions within the company. Tap into your college or university’s alumni network to connect with professionals at companies of interest. Reach out to those in mid- or senior-level positions to explore internship possibilities or seek advice on approaching the company.

Leveraging LinkedIn and Email Patterns for Prospecting

LinkedIn’s People section on every company profile page is a valuable resource. You can even reach out to connections directly via LinkedIn. The platform’s free version allows a limited but sufficient amount of emails (InMails) to be sent. You can also send a cold message if you ask someone to connect with me on LinkedIn. Many companies follow common email address formats, such as firstname.lastname@company.com or firstinitiallastname@company.com. You can guess at potential email addresses that you can verify via online tools. 

5. Verify Those Emails

Once you've done that, make sure that the email address is correct and up to date. If I'm using a cold email tool, such as Instantly, you can verify emails automatically, meaning you can be sure that emails will end up in inboxes rather than bounce. 

6. Draft Your Email

The next step is one of the hardest. Drafting the email itself. There are lots of parts to consider here. The subject line, the greeting, the body, and a call to action. The list goes on. We’ve created some templates at the end of this article for you to use as inspiration. The key here is personalization. People tend to ignore emails that seem like they’ve been sent to many, many addresses. The more personalization you can include in the email, the better. That means, at a minimum, addressing the person by name and, at best, including personal connections or networking. 

7. Address Your Recipient Correctly

You should know how to address the recipient while you are writing a cold email and you need to pay special attention to the title by which you are going to address that person. Determining someone's title, such as:

  • Mr.

  • Ms.

  • Dr.

But, addressing them with the right tone and title shows that you have done your research well and you want to make a personal connection. You can start your research by following the company's website links.

8. Craft a Meaningful Introduction

A cold email is like a condensed version of a cover letter. You should discuss why you are interested in that company and why you will prove to be a better fit than the other candidates they have had. This will demonstrate that you have conducted thorough research and will enhance your chances of success. Whatever you write, you must indicate your desire to work with them and explain why you want to work with them. While mentioning these things, please state the time frame during which you will be available. Whether you are interested in a winter or summer internship opportunity, please specify this. This section will outline your connections with the company for the remainder of the paragraphs. 

Here’s an example of a strong introduction: 

“I have been following your company’s vision and mission to develop more opportunities in the technology sector for the past few months and want to know about available internship opportunities for the same, if any.” 

9. Conclude with a Call to Action

This is your call to action as you will include your details here. You may frame it like: “Thank you for taking out time to review my application and resume attached below. Hoping to hear from you soon. Please feel free to email me at the same Email and you can also call me at (attach phone number) to discuss the opportunity further.” 

10. Initial Cold Emails

You want to keep these short and sweet, which means no more than 5 sentences: Subject: Name-drop a university name, firm name, referral, or mutual connection to get their attention. 

  • Sentence 1: Immediately ask about an internship at the firm (you can also ask about it later in the email, but it’s better to do so upfront in most cases). 

  • Sentence 2: Describe who you are, your previous experience, and the relevant skills you’ve gained. 

  • Sentence 3: Explain why you are interested in this firm, specifically (i.e., how it matches your background). 

  • Sentence 4: Make a “soft request” for a call to ask about completing an internship at this firm. 

  • Sentence 5: You could add a “reason why” or split one of the other sentences into two. Since you are contacting senior bankers, it’s fine to be more formal and use “Mr.” and “Ms.” in the beginning. 

Don’t propose dates or times in this initial email because you’ll almost certainly have to send a follow-up message. If you have at least one internship, you can attach your resume or CV; if not, please don’t send it until requested.

Here’s an initial cold email template:

SUBJECT: [Firm Name] – [Time Period] Internship for [University Name] [Student / Graduate]

Mr. / Ms. [Name],

I am writing to you to see if [Firm Name] might be interested in taking on a [Time Period] intern with [a start date of X / an immediate start date]. I am a [Student at / Recent Graduate of] [University Name] with a degree in [Major / Degree Name] and [Summarize grades / academic results]. I have also completed coursework in [Relevant Areas] as well as internships in [Summarize the most relevant fields and firm names]. I am especially interested in your firm because of your focus on [Industry Name or Deal Type], [Explain my personal or professional connection to this industry or deal type].

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.

Best regards,
[Name] 

11. Send The Emails

The next step sounds simple. Send those emails to all of your found email addresses. Depending on how many I’m sending to, this could be quick or it might take days. Remember that using a tool that automates this process for you will take a small investment but will save you a great deal of time. 

12. Track The Analytics

This step is only really valid if I’m using an email tool, but it’s a critical part of the process. Email analytics include stats such as deliverability, open rate, link clicks, response rates, and more. All of this will give me an idea of how successful my campaign has been, and if required, it’ll give me an indication of where I need to improve next time. 

13. Follow Up

Very few people respond to the first email that they receive. It might require 2, 3, or more emails before their interest is piqued and they consider sending a response. Follow-ups should be polite and still engaging with your value attached. You're not chasing them. You're offering something more to grab their attention. After sending my initial cold email, you give the recipient some time to respond. In the meantime, create a well-scheduled follow-up strategy.

Send another email if you don’t receive a reply within a week. The recipient may be busy and appreciate a brief follow-up message. Be sure to keep my follow-up message concise, though. Politely remind them of your previous email and express your continued interest in exploring internship opportunities. You can also ask if they require any additional information from me. 

Here is a standard template of a follow-up email seeking an internship opportunity: 

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to follow up on the inquiry email I sent last week regarding potential internship opportunities at [Company Name]. I’m still interested in exploring the possibility of interning at your esteemed organization. Please let me know if you require any additional information or documents to further consider my application.

I look forward to discussing internship opportunities or any updates you may have regarding the application process. Thank you for your time.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

If I don’t receive a response to my follow-up email within another week, it’s worth sending a second follow-up. Persistence is key to landing an internship. Before sending the second follow-up, be mindful of not coming across as pushy or desperate. 

Here is a simple template: 

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

This is a quick follow-up regarding the internship inquiry I made a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to respectfully inquire if there have been any updates regarding internship opportunities at [Company Name]. I remain very interested in the possibility of interning and contributing to your company’s success.

If you have any questions or if there's anything else I can do, please don't hesitate to reach out. I am available for a call or meeting at your convenience. Thank you again for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]

14. Move On To Other Contacts and Firms

If I have not received a response from a person after two follow-ups, email other individuals within the same firm and repeat the follow-up process. If I haven’t received a response from multiple individuals at the same firm, it may be a sign that the company is not currently considering internship applications. I can stop pursuing the company and focus on others. 

15. Prepare Your Response

Strategize a response scheme if and when a company expresses interest in your internship inquiry. Anticipate potential questions they may ask during an interview or follow-up email.

Here is a list of questions you could ask in response to a company’s internship call or email response: 

  • What are the specific responsibilities and tasks involved in this internship? 

  • What is the duration of the internship, and what are the expected start and end dates? 

  • Will there be any opportunities for mentorship or guidance during the internship? 

  • Are there specific projects or initiatives that interns typically get involved in? 

  • What are the expectations for interns in terms of work hours and commitment? 

  • Are there opportunities for full-time employment after the internship? 

16. Time It Right

The earlier you begin my outreach, the better your chances of securing coveted internship positions before they fill up. For example, companies may start hiring for summer internships in April, but you could beat the pack by reaching out in March. In terms of specific days to send your cold emails, experts recommend avoiding Mondays and Fridays. On Mondays, recipients may be inclined to skip reading miscellaneous emails due to the accumulation of more urgent work messages over the weekend. Fridays may not be ideal either, as people may be in a more relaxed, end-of-week mindset.  

17. Target Mid- to Senior-Level Employees

Managers, directors, and other “higher ups” often possess hiring authority or can forward your request to the appropriate department, such as HR or the hiring manager. It increases the likelihood of my email getting attention and being taken seriously. 

18. Consider Company Size

Large companies often have established and structured (often lengthy) processes for onboarding interns. They may even have specific time windows for internship programs. These established enterprises will give me access to experts, industry experience, and powerful networking capabilities.

Smaller companies, particularly startups, offer more flexibility when it comes to internships. They provide more personalized attention and one-on-one experiences, which is something that may be hard to come by in bigger businesses. Consider my goals and preferences when evaluating opportunities at both large and small companies. Adjust my cold emailing strategy accordingly. 

InfraMail: Revolutionizing Cold Email Infrastructure for Scalable Outreach

At Inframail, we are revolutionizing cold email infrastructure with unlimited inboxes at a single flat rate. We provide Microsoft-backed deliverability, dedicated IP addresses, and automated technical setup to help agencies, recruiters, and SDRs scale their outreach efforts efficiently.

Main benefits of using our service: 

  • Automated SPF

  • DKIM

  • DMARC setup

Dedicated email servers for each user, and 16-hour priority support daily. Unlike traditional providers that charge per inbox and leave you wrestling with technical configurations, Inframail streamlines the entire process. We handle the complex infrastructure setup while you focus on reaching more prospects. Whether you're an agency looking to scale outreach, a recruiter connecting with candidates, or an SDR driving sales, InfraMail provides the robust email infrastructure you need without the usual technical headaches and per-inbox costs. Start buying domains now and setup your email infrastructure today with our email infrastructure tool.

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8 Great Internship Cold Email Templates To Copy and Paste

person typing - How to Cold Email for an Internship

1. Requesting Internship Information (Primary Intent) 

Subject Line: Seeking Information about Internship Opportunities at [Company/Organization Name]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am currently a [year/semester] student at [Your University/College], majoring in [Your Major]. I am reaching out to inquire about internship opportunities at [Company/Organization Name].

I have been researching companies in the [industry/field], and I am particularly interested in [Company/Organization Name]’s reputation for [mention a specific aspect that caught your attention, such as innovative projects, company culture, or community involvement].

It would be great if you could provide any information regarding internship programs at your organization. Specifically, I would like to know about the application process, the qualifications you seek in interns, and potential start dates for internships. Thank you for considering my request.

I would be grateful for the opportunity to connect with you further to discuss internship openings or to learn more about [Company/Organization Name]’s internship program.

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

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information: Phone number and Email Address]

2. Expressing Interest in Specific Internship Opening 

Subject Line: Application for [Internship Position] at [Company/Organization Name]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to express my strong interest in the [Internship Position] advertised at [Company/Organization Name].

I am currently a [year/semester] student majoring in [Your Major] at [Your University/College]. Throughout my academic journey, I have developed a keen interest in [specific area or field] and have been actively seeking opportunities to apply and expand my knowledge.

Upon reviewing [Company/Organization Name]’s website and learning about your [mention relevant projects, initiatives, or values], I am confident that interning with your organization would be a valuable and immersive learning experience.

Please find attached my resume for your review. It highlights my academic achievements, relevant coursework, and applicable experiences. I’d be happy to further discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to the success of [Company/Organization Name].

Thank you in advance for considering my application.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information: Phone number and Email Address]

3. Networking Referral 

Subject Line: Referred by [Mutual Contact’s Name] | Inquiry about Internship Opportunities

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well.

My name is [Your Name], and I am reaching out to you upon the recommendation of [Mutual Contact’s Name]. They spoke highly of your work at [Company/Organization Name] and suggested I connect with you regarding internship opportunities.

I am a [year/semester] student studying [Your Major] at [Your University/College]. I am strongly interested in gaining practical experience in [industry/field]. After researching [Company/Organization Name], I am impressed by your [mention specific projects, achievements, or values that caught your attention].

I am writing to inquire if any internship positions are available at [Company/Organization Name]. I would appreciate any information or guidance regarding the application process and the qualifications you seek in potential interns.

Thank you in advance for considering my inquiry. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to the success of [Company/Organization Name].

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information: Phone number and Email Address]

4. Template 4: Alumni Connection 

Subject Line: [Your University/College] Alumnus Seeking Internship Opportunity at [Company/Organization Name]

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well.

As a fellow [Your University/College] alumnus, I am reaching out to connect with you regarding internship opportunities at [Company/Organization Name].

I am currently a [year/semester] student majoring in [Your Major] at [Your University/College]. I am eager to explore the possibility of interning with your esteemed organization.

I am impressed by [Company/Organization Name]’s [mention specific accomplishments, projects, or values that resonate with you]. I am particularly interested in gaining hands-on experience in [specific area or department]. I believe that interning at [Company/Organization Name] would be a valuable learning opportunity.

I have attached my resume for your review, which outlines my academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, and relevant work experience.

I would be honored to have the opportunity to discuss my qualifications further and learn about potential internship openings at [Company/Organization Name]. I am available for a call or virtual meeting at your convenience.

Thank you for considering my inquiry. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information: Phone number and Email Address]

5. Referral Request Email Template 

Subject: Request for Referral for Internship Opportunity

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this message finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am currently a [Your Current Position/Student Status] at [Your School/University]. I am reaching out to you because I am very interested in applying for an internship at [Company Name], and I hope you can provide a referral.

Having researched [Company Name] extensively, I am particularly impressed by [specific project or value]. My background in [Your Major/Field of Study] and my experience with [relevant skills or projects] would make me a strong candidate for the [Specific Internship Position].

I understand that referrals can carry significant weight in the hiring process, and I would be incredibly grateful if you could support my application. If you require any additional information or materials from me, please don't hesitate to let me know. I am more than happy to provide further details to assist you in making a recommendation.

Thank you very much for considering my request. I truly appreciate your time and assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

6. Sample Follow-Up Email for Internship 

If you have not received a reply to your original message, it’s time to send an internship follow-up email. The key here is to be professional, not pushy.

Instead, you want to remind the recipient about the previous message and encourage them to open and reply to it. You’ll have to strike the right tone of voice to achieve this, or you could come across negatively.

Hi (Recipient's name),

My name is (name), and I recently submitted an application for the (role name) internship. I am contacting you to confirm that you have received my application and to enquire about the next steps in the process.

I am incredibly excited at the opportunity and believe I could offer you and your organization tremendous value. Please get in touch with me via this email address, or you can contact me at (insert details).

Kindest regards,
(Your name)

7. Internship Acceptance Email Sample

Woo hoo, you’ve been offered an internship (congratulations!). Now it’s time to create an accepted internship email.

Here’s how to accept an internship offer via email:

Hi (Recipient's name),

Thank you for your email offering me the internship position. I would 100% like to accept it!

Please take this email as official confirmation that I accept the position. Please let me know the next steps in the process and who I need to speak to. I’m hugely excited to be joining such an established and exciting business. I can’t wait to get started.

Many thanks, (Your name)

8. Thank You Email Template 

Subject: Thank You for the Internship Opportunity

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to intern at [Company Name]. It has been an enriching experience, and I am genuinely grateful for the chance to learn and grow under your guidance.

Throughout my time here, I have gained invaluable insights into [specific field or project], and the dedication and expertise of the entire team has inspired me. The skills and knowledge I have acquired will undoubtedly play a significant role in my future career endeavors.

I particularly appreciated the opportunity to work on [specific task or project], which allowed me to apply my academic knowledge in a practical setting. Your feedback and support have been instrumental in my development, and I am thankful for the mentorship I received.

Once again, thank you for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to staying in touch and hope to contribute to [Company Name] in the future. Please let me know if there are any additional ways I can assist or if there are any upcoming projects where my skills might be of use.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]

Mistakes To Avoid When Sending Cold Emails for an Internship

man reading an email - How to Cold Email for an Internship

Generic emails scream, “I don’t care.” When a potential employer receives a carbon copy email, they can immediately tell they are one of many recipients. Instead of sending a personalized email, you are sending an automated response one that a robot could have generated. Don’t robot your way into an internship opportunity. Generic emails almost always go to the junk folder (if they’re lucky) or earn an instant delete.

Instead, take the time to personalize each email. This means addressing the recipient by name. In the body, outline specific details about the company. This demonstrates that you have taken the time to research and understand the business. Avoid using generic subject lines. Instead, tailor them to reflect the purpose of your email. It is the first thing recipients see, so entice them to click your message as best you can. 

Keep Your Cold Email Short and Focused

This has always been holy grail-level advice for sending emails of any kind: keep them concise and to the point. Long and wordy emails discourage recipients from reading the entire message. Focus on your relevant qualifications and express your interest succinctly. Be clear with your intention for reaching out, whether you are seeking a specific internship position or requesting information about potential opportunities. 

Avoid Coming on Too Strong

While showcasing your skills and experiences is essential, try not to come across as overly self-promotional or arrogant. Strike a balance by highlighting your strengths while demonstrating humility and a genuine interest in improving your skills. Avoid coming across as desperate or pushy in your email. Maintain a professional tone and respect the recipient’s time and decision-making process.

Proofread Your Cold Email

Sloppy grammar, spelling mistakes, and typos will lead to a negative impression. Proofread your email thoroughly, and use spell checkers or grammar checkers to ensure your message is error-free. Double-check critical details such as the recipient’s name, the subject line, and any attachments you may have included. 

Quick Checklist for Writing a Cold Email

- [ ] Is the email personalized?
- [ ] Does the subject line reflect the content of the email?
- [ ] Is the email brief and to the point?
- [ ] Does the email have a friendly tone and avoid sounding too aggressive?
- [ ] Is the email free of spelling and grammatical errors? 

Here’s an expanded table of mistakes to avoid:

Mistake

Why It’s Problematic

How to Avoid It

Example of Good Practice


Generic content

Shows lack of effort and interest

Personalize each email with specific details about the company and recipient

“I was impressed by your recent AI implementation in predictive maintenance, as discussed in your CEO’s interview last week.”


Overly long emails

Reduces chances of being read fully

Keep your message concise and focused on key points

Aim for 150-200 words, with clear paragraphs and bullet points for easy scanning


Unprofessional tone

Creates a negative impression

Maintain a polite and professional tone throughout

Use a professional email address and sign-off. Avoid slang or overly casual language


Lack of clear purpose

Confuses the recipient

Clearly state your intention and desired outcome

“I’m writing to express my strong interest in a summer marketing internship with your company.”


Spelling and grammar errors

Suggests carelessness

Proofread carefully and use tools like Grammarly

Always double-check names, especially the recipient and company.


Focusing too much on yourself

Fails to address the company’s needs

Balance information about yourself with how you can benefit the company

“My experience in Python and data visualization could contribute to your ongoing efforts to optimize supply chain logistics.”


Neglecting to follow up

Missed opportunities

Set reminders to follow up after a week if no response

“I wanted to follow up on my previous email regarding internship opportunities. I remain very interested in contributing to your team.”


Sending attachments without permission

May be flagged as spam

Mention that you have a resume ready to send upon request

“I’d be happy to forward my resume and portfolio if you’re interested in learning more about my qualifications.”


Using a template without customization

Appears insincere and lazy

Use templates as a starting point, but heavily customize for each recipient

Ensure at least 50% of the email content is unique to the recipient and company


Overlooking the mobile experience

Many emails are read on mobile devices

Keep paragraphs short and use a responsive email design

Use a single-column layout and ensure your email is easily readable on a small screen


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Cold emailing can be a daunting process. You have to find the right contact, write a persuasive email, and then hope that it lands safely in their inbox. You need to set up a cold email infrastructure to help you reach out to all the prospects on your list. This is where Inframail comes in. At Inframail, we provide a robust cold email infrastructure that helps you scale your outreach efforts efficiently. Our solution comes with unlimited inboxes for a single flat rate and Microsoft-backed deliverability. Instead of charging you per inbox, like traditional providers, we streamline the entire process so you can focus on securing your next internship, rather than getting lost in technical configurations. 

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