4 min read · updated 16 October 2026

Cold email for an internship: templates that get replies

Most good internships are never advertised, or get hundreds of applications when they are. A short, specific email to the right person is one of the few things that reliably works. Here is the structure and four templates.

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Why cold emails work (and why most fail)

A busy manager decides in seconds whether to read an email. Most student emails fail for the same reasons: they are long, generic, ask for “any opportunity”, and could have been sent to a hundred people. The ones that work are short, specific to the person, and easy to say yes to.

The five-part structure

1. Subject line: specific and plain. “Internship enquiry: 3rd-year B.Com, financial modelling” beats “Hello sir”.
2. Who you are (one line): course, college, year.
3. Why them (one or two lines): something real you noticed about their work, team or product. This is what makes it personal.
4. Proof (one or two lines): one project, result or skill that is relevant to them.
5. A small, clear ask: “Would a 15-minute call next week be possible?” or “Is there an internship opening, and who should I send my résumé to?” End with thanks, your name, phone and LinkedIn.

Keep the whole email under about 120 words. Attach your résumé as a PDF and say so.

Template 1: to a hiring manager or team lead

Subject: Internship enquiry: [Course, Year], [one skill]

Dear [Name],

I’m [Your name], a [year] [course] student at [college]. I’ve been following [specific thing: a product, a report, a post] from your team, and [one specific observation about it].

I recently [one relevant project or result, with a number if true], and I’d like to learn by contributing to work like yours. Is there an internship opening for [month to month], or someone I should send my résumé to?

I’ve attached my résumé. Thank you for your time.

Regards,
[Name] · [Phone] · [LinkedIn link]

Template 2: to an alumnus for a referral or advice

Subject: [College] student: quick question about [Company/role]

Hi [Name],

I’m [Your name], a [year] student at [college]. I saw you graduated from [college] and now work at [company] in [team]. I’m interested in [role] and would value 15 minutes of your advice on how you got there and what the team looks for.

If it’s easier, I’m happy to send two or three questions by message instead. I’ve linked my LinkedIn below.

Thank you,
[Name]

Ask for advice first, not a referral. If the conversation goes well, a referral often comes up on its own.

Template 3: the follow-up

Subject: Re: Internship enquiry: [Course, Year], [one skill]

Dear [Name],

I’m following up in case my earlier email got buried. I remain very interested in [role/team], and I’ve attached my résumé again. If now isn’t the right time, I’d be grateful if you could point me to someone else.

Thank you,
[Name]

Send one follow-up after five to seven working days, and at most one more after another week. Then stop; silence is an answer.

Template 4: the thank-you

Subject: Thank you

Dear [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I especially appreciated your advice on [specific thing]. I’ll [what you will do, such as work on a case study or apply to the opening you mentioned] and will keep you posted.

Regards,
[Name]

LinkedIn connection notes

Connection notes have a short character limit, so keep it to two sentences: who you are and why you are writing. “Hi [Name], I’m a [year] [course] student at [college] interested in [field]. Your path from [college] to [company] is exactly what I’m aiming for. Would love to connect.” Do not attach a sales pitch to the first note.

What to avoid

• Mass-sending the same email to everyone; it shows.
• “Respected Sir/Madam” openings and three-paragraph life stories.
• Asking “do you have any opening?” with no detail about what you can do.
• Attachments with huge file sizes or no PDF.
• Guessing email addresses without checking; use the company’s own pages and LinkedIn.
• Paying anyone to “get you an internship”.

Common questions

How do I find the right person to email?

Start with the team’s page or LinkedIn. Look for a manager in the function you want, or a recent alumnus from your college. The company’s careers page may list a recruiter contact.

What if I don’t get a reply?

Follow up once or twice politely, then move on. Many emails go unanswered because of volume, not because of you.

Should I attach my résumé?

Yes, as a PDF named with your name, and mention it in the email.

Is it okay to email during exams or holidays?

It is fine. Mornings on weekdays are a sensible time. Don’t expect instant replies.

Keep reading

• ATS résumé tips for freshers: pass the screen and the recruiter

  How applicant tracking systems read résumés, and a simple checklist for freshers: one-page format, keywords, strong bullet points and common mistakes.

• How to spot a fake internship or job offer (and what to do)

  Red flags of fake internship and job scams in India, a five-minute check to verify a company, and what to do if you have already paid or shared documents.

• “Tell me about yourself”: how freshers should answer

  A simple present-past-future structure for “tell me about yourself”, with three sample answers for freshers, common mistakes and how to adapt it.

Written by the Shortlists team for students in India. General information, not professional advice. Last updated 16 October 2026.