How to do Cold Email?

Cold emailing is a powerful tool for students to connect with potential employers, mentors, and collaborators. Whether you're seeking an internship, freelance work, or just career advice, a well-crafted cold email can open doors. But how do you write one that actually gets a response? Let's break it down.

1. Define Your Goal

Before writing, be clear about what you want:

● Internship/job (e.g., "I’m interested in an internship at your company.")

● Collaboration (e.g., "I’d love to contribute to your open-source project.")

● Mentorship (e.g., "I admire your work and would appreciate career guidance.")

● Freelance work (e.g., "I can help build a website/app for your business.")

2. Find the Right Person

● Use LinkedIn, company websites, GitHub, or Twitter to identify relevant people (CTOs, hiring managers, project leads, etc.).

● Try Hunter.io or Apollo.io to find professional email addresses.

3. Write the Email (Structure & Example)

Subject Line (Short & Clear)

● “Excited about [Company Name] – Seeking Internship Opportunity”

● “Interested in Contributing to [Open-Source Project]”

● “Web Developer Available for Freelance Work”

Email Body (Keep It Brief)

(1) Personal Introduction

● Who you are (Name, University, Year, Skills).

● Why you are reaching out (Specific reason).

(2) Why Them? (Personalization is Key!)

● Mention their work that inspires you.

● Show that you did your research (e.g., refer to a project, blog post, or recent achievement).

(3) Value Proposition

● How you can help (skills, experience, portfolio).

● If asking for a job, mention relevant experience/projects.

(4) Call to Action (CTA)

● Ask for a short call or if they can guide you further.

● Keep it simple: “Would you be open to a quick 15-minute chat next week?”

(5) Signature

● Your name, LinkedIn, GitHub, Portfolio, Resume link (if applicable).

Cold Email Example (Internship Inquiry) :

Subject: Excited about [Company Name] – Seeking Internship Opportunity

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope you're doing well. I’m [Your Name], a 2nd-year Computer Science student at AKTU University with a passion for Web & App Development. I came across your work on [specific project/blog/company initiative] and was truly inspired by it.

I have experience in MERN Stack, Next.js, and React Native, and I’ve built projects like [mention a relevant project] that showcase my skills. I’d love the opportunity to apply my skills in a hands-on setting, and I believe I could contribute effectively to your team.

Would you be open to a quick chat next week to discuss potential internship opportunities? Looking forward to your response!

Best regards,

[Your Name]

[Your LinkedIn] | [Your GitHub] | [Portfolio (if available)]

4. Follow-Up Strategy

If no reply in 5-7 days, send a polite follow-up.

Example:

“Hi [Name], I just wanted to follow up on my previous email. I’d love to connect and discuss potential opportunities. Let me know if you’re available for a quick chat!”

5. Pro Tips for Cold Emailing Success

✅ Personalize each email (never mass email).

✅ Keep it short & to the point (under 150 words).

✅ Show how you can add value (not just what you want).

✅ Proofread before sending (grammar & clarity matter).

✅ Follow up if no response.

Cold emailing is an art that, when done right, can open doors to exciting opportunities. Whether you're looking for internships, freelance gigs, or mentorship, a well-crafted email can make all the difference. Take the time to research, personalize, and communicate your value—and you'll significantly increase your chances of getting a response.

Need help crafting a specific cold email? Drop your query in the comments, and I’d be happy to help!