Use this to write cold emails for your next Job/Internship applications.
How to apply for a job and attach a resume/cover letter
Subject: [First and last name], you found the right candidate for [position]
Hi [name of person who should receive the application; if you don’t know a name, write “Dear Hiring Professional”],
My name is [first and last name] and I’m applying for the position of [job title] at [name of company].
I have attached my cover letter and resume to this email.
You’ll notice my cover letter tells a short story about how I [tease the cover letter and make the reader want to check it out; for instance, “uploaded an entire donor database in a weekend to ensure the organization was ready for a big pledge drive the following Monday”].
Thanks, and please let me know if you have any questions.
- Your first name
Email signature [Optional]
How to apply for a job at the same place where you’ve been turned down
Subject: [First and last name], you found the right candidate for [position]
Hi ______, My name is [first and last name] and I’m applying for the position of [job title] at [name of company].
You might recognize my name because in [month of year; for instance, “December of 2012”] I applied for the position of [job title].
Since then, I have gained new skills and believe I’m a great fit for the [job title] position.
Please see my attached cover letter and resume.
You’ll notice my cover letter tells a short story about how I [tease the cover letter and make the reader want to check it out; for instance, “overcame my toughest day at Acme Corporation and still came through for the client”].
Thanks so much, and let me know if I can provide additional information.
- Your first name
Email signature [Optional]
How to ask about internships or an internship application
Subject: Interested in an internship at [name of company/organization]
Hi ______, My name is [first and last name], and I’m a [graduate, student, etc…at ______].
I hope you’re doing well. I see [name of company/organization] offers internships, and I want to learn more about the application process.
I’m interested in [particular field; for instance, “urban planning”] and hope to gain skills and real-world experience with your team. [Give one sentence on why you like what the company does; for instance, “I researched your website and read all about your plans for Acme Apartment Complex. The project looks fantastic, and I would love to observe and be part of the planning process.”]
A bit more about me: [provide two to three more details that make you look appealing; for instance, “I’m on the Big State University volleyball team, a peer mentor and also the president of my dorm”]. I’m a hard worker, dependable and happy to help [name of company/organization] any way I can as an intern.
I have attached my resume to this email. Please let me know if I can provide any more information.
Thanks so much, and I hope to hear from you.
- Your first name
Email signature [Optional]
How to ask about job opportunities as a recent grad
Subject: Interested in job opportunity at [name of company/organization]
Hi ______, My name is [first and last name], and I’m a [senior/recent graduate at/from ______].
I hope you’re doing well. I’m interested in a job in the [name of industry; for instance, “banking”] field and would like to learn more about [name of company/organization].
I read through [company name’s] website and respect your efforts, in particular [name two and link to them; for instance, “the initiatives to teach money management in elementary schools and educate young adults on the proper use of credit . Those are innovative programs, and it seems like they make an impact”].
As a student at Big State University, I developed my [name of industry; for instance, “finance”] skills when [how you honed your ability to work in the field; for instance, “I was treasurer of my junior class and served as a TA for a freshman course called Introduction to Financial Basics”].
Here are a few more examples of my work:
- [link to examples, if available; you can also attach files if it makes more sense]
- Example #2
- Example #3
NOTE: Examples you can share: blog posts about your work in the particular field, articles that show your efforts or accomplishments and photos of events or activities in the industry. The “examples” section is why you need a blog or online portfolio to chronicle your work - you will need to demonstrate success in an email to employers.
I have attached my resume to this email. Please let me know if I can provide any more information.
Thanks so much, and I hope to hear from you.
- Your first name
Email signature [Optional]
How to apply even if the company has no openings at the time
Subject: [“Recent graduate from ______ ” or your job title; for instance, “Fundraising specialist”] interested in career opportunities
Hi ______, My name is [first and last name], and I’m a [recent grad from _______ or job title and your expertise; for instance, a “fundraising specialist who has experience with small to medium-sized nonprofits”]. I hope you’re doing well.
I realize you don’t have a job posting for a [job title; for instance, “development associate”], but I would still like to make introductions and explore ways I can help your team on [however you can add value; for instance, “upcoming engagements with nonprofits”].
I checked out the [name of company] website and respect the work you do, in particular [name two; for instance, “the 10K walk to support research on brain cancer and the capital campaign to aid the river clean-up . The two projects were well orchestrated, and it’s clear your team knows how to deliver results”].
NOTE: If you want the people at the company to respect you right away, prove you thoroughly researched the work they do.
For the past _____ years, I have worked with [talk about your experience so far and list examples of past clients; for instance, “nonprofits in Minneapolis on a variety of initiatives. For example, I have fundraised for the Big Nonprofit Association and the Little Nonprofit Association”].
Please see a few examples of my work down below:
- [ link to examples of your work, if available; you can also attach files if it makes more sense]
- Example #2
- Example #3
NOTE: If you are a recent grad with no real-world experience, provide links to college projects, case studies, internships or volunteer efforts. Also, this is why you need a blog or online portfolio — to show employers examples of your work.
I have attached my resume to this email. Please let me know if I can provide more information.
Thanks so much,
- Your first name
Email signature [Optional]
How to thank someone after a job interview
Subject: Thanks again for your time
Hi ______,
Thanks again for meeting with me this [morning/afternoon]. I appreciate your time and enjoyed learning more about the company.
[Then a line from your conversation; for instance, “The market is slow right now, but you’re right to think it will come back around next year.” Or a way you think you can contribute; for instance, “As we discussed, I’m interested in the position and feel my design skills would be a nice complement to your graphics department.”]
NOTE: Don’t write anything which might imply you’re ready to accept the position. You don’t have the job yet.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.
Thanks so much, and…
Two options here:
Make a quick reference again to the conversation. Something like, “Thanks so much, and I hope you enjoy your weekend at the beach.”
Keep it straightforward if you don’t feel comfortable being “chummy” and write, “Thanks so much, and I hope to hear from you soon.”
NOTE: Only be conversational if you developed a comfortable back-and-forth with the interviewer. Otherwise, play it safe.
- Your first name
Email signature [Optional]
How to turn down an internship/job offer
Subject: Internship opportunity at [name of company/organization]
Hi ______,
Good morning/good afternoon.
Thanks again for taking the time to meet with me.
I have decided not to accept the internship at [company/organization]. I appreciate the opportunity, but [explain why you can’t do the internship; for instance, “my course load is too busy this semester, and I don’t have the time to also work as an intern”].
NOTE: If you want to stay in contact, add a line like: “I will be in touch when my schedule allows for an internship because I would love to spend time with your team and learn the business.”
All the best with the search,
- Your first name
Email signature [Optional]
How to make sure the company received your job application
You send off a job application, don’t receive a reply and wonder if anyone at the company saw it. After two to three business days without an answer, consider the email below.
Subject: [Your first and last name], follow up on job application for [job title] position
Hi ______,
NOTE: I know there’s a lot of frustration today over a perceived “black hole” for online job postings, in which the company never responds and says, “Thanks, we have your application.” Rather than wait around for an answer, consider (if you can find it) an email to a person involved in the hiring process, an email to a general address like