Cold messaging recruiters and hiring managers on LinkedIn to inquire about internship opportunities can be an effective way to land your dream internship. However, it’s important to approach these messages strategically and professionally to create a good impression. Here are some tips on how to effectively cold message an internship opportunity on LinkedIn:
Do Your Research
Before reaching out, learn as much as you can about the company, the hiring manager, and the potential internship itself. Studying the company’s website, social media, news articles, and employee LinkedIn profiles can help you understand their mission, values, and current initiatives. This allows you to tailor your message and show them you have genuine interest in their organization. Make sure to also review any internship postings they have.
Customize Your Message
A generic inquiry won’t make you stand out. Personalize your note with details about why you’re interested in that particular company and internship program. Mention projects, values, or current events that resonate with you. Share why you feel you’d be a great cultural add to their team. This thoughtful approach demonstrates initiative.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences
Succinctly explain how your academic coursework, past internships, volunteering, leadership roles, and other experiences have prepared you for this internship opportunity. Choose accomplishments that align with the company’s needs. This can show the hiring manager the value you can bring to their organization.
Attach Your Resume
Include your resume as an attachment to showcase your qualifications. The hiring manager can easily review your education, skills, and experiences at a glance. Make sure your resume is updated and free of typos.
Express Enthusiasm
Convey genuine excitement about the prospect of interning for the company. Use enthusiastic language like “extremely interested” and “greatly appreciate.” Avoid sounding desperate or pushy.
Crafting Your Message
Follow these steps when drafting your cold message:
Grab Their Attention
Start your note with a compelling opening sentence that piques their interest right away. You could mention why you’re interested in their company, complement their work, or state that you’d love to apply for their internship program.
Introduce Yourself
The next 1-2 sentences should briefly explain who you are, including your academic program, year of study, and perhaps a key fact about yourself. Provide just enough context before diving into the main ask.
Explain Why You’re Reaching Out
Politely share that you are interested in being considered for their internship program. Mention the exact program name and/or team you wish to intern with if known. Include 1-2 sentences summarizing why you are drawn to their company and internship program specifically.
Highlight Your Qualifications
Briefly call out 2-3 experiences, skills, or accomplishments that make you qualified. This demonstrates you have what they are likely seeking in an intern.
Express Interest in Learning More
Close your message by thanking them for their time and consideration. Extend an offer for them to reach out to you if they have any questions. Express enthusiasm for the prospect of learning more about the internship opportunity or scheduling a chat.
Proofread Thoroughly
Be sure to carefully proofread your note for any spelling, grammar, or formatting errors. Ask someone else to review it as well. This polished approach will leave a positive impression.
Sample Cold Message
Here is an example cold message inquiring about a social media marketing internship:
Subject: Social Media Marketing Internship at [Company Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well. My name is [Your Name], and I am a second year Marketing student at [Your University]. I came across the social media marketing internship posting on your company’s careers page, and I am extremely interested in applying.
[Company Name] has always been one of my top choices for an internship due to your values of sustainability and innovating for good. I would welcome the opportunity to intern with your social media marketing team this summer and contribute my skills in content creation, digital analytics, and community management. My past internship at [Relevant Company] allowed me to develop expertise in crafting branded social campaigns and influencer partnerships.
I have attached my resume for your review. Please let me know if there is any other information I can provide, or if you would be open to hopping on a quick phone call to discuss the role and my qualifications. I truly appreciate you taking the time to consider me for this internship program. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your LinkedIn Profile Link]
When to Send Your Message
Timing your outreach strategically can boost your chances of catching their attention:
Apply Early
Don’t wait until the internship deadline to reach out, as many spots may be filled by then. Aim to message hiring managers 1-2 months before the start date. However, if it’s already late in the hiring timeline, apply right away.
Avoid Busy Times
Monday mornings and Friday afternoons tend to be busy periods for most professionals. Sending your note at less hectic points in the week increases visibility.
Watch Their LinkedIn Activity
If they are actively using LinkedIn, like sharing content or posting on their feed, they are more likely to see your message soon after you send it. Capitalize on their online availability.
Following Up
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t immediately hear back after sending your cold message. Here are some tips on following up:
Wait 1-2 Weeks
Allow the hiring manager some time to review your application and potentially discuss it with colleagues before reaching out again. Following up too soon can seem pushy.
Send a Brief, Friendly Reminder
Briefly re-introduce yourself and restate your interest in the internship opportunity. Consider adding a time-sensitive detail like an upcoming application deadline to spur a response. Stay cordial and avoid sounding impatient.
Offer to Provide More Information
Mention you would be happy to provide any additional details about your qualifications or answer any questions they may have. Offer to schedule a quick phone call as well.
If No Response, Follow Up One More Time
If they still don’t reply after your second message, it’s best not to continue reaching out. Send one last friendly follow up, and then focus your efforts elsewhere.
Tips for Messaging on Mobile
If you are messaging hiring managers about internships on your mobile phone, keep these tips in mind:
Double Check Recipient and Content
Carefully verify you are sending your message to the correct person before hitting send. Also review the content thoroughly to prevent errors.
Use Proper Grammar and Punctuation
Write professionally using complete sentences and proper punctuation. Avoid abbreviations and emoji that may seem too casual.
Format Clearly
Structure your message into clean paragraphs to aid readability on a small screen. Use proper capitalization and spacing.
Attach Resume as PDF
Convert your resume file to a PDF before attaching, as this format will be easily viewable across all devices.
Send from a Laptop if Possible
Crafting longer professional messages is often easier from a full keyboard. Use your mobile as a last resort only if a laptop isn’t accessible.
Do’s and Don’ts
Follow these top dos and don’ts when cold messaging for an internship:
DO:
- Research the company thoroughly
- Personalize your message with details about their organization
- Succinctly explain how you’re qualified
- Proofread extensively before sending
- Express genuine interest and enthusiasm
- Follow up if you don’t hear back, but avoid pestering
DON’T:
- Use a generic template message
- Have typos, grammar errors, or informal language
- Use flashy gimmicks or subject lines
- Get discouraged if you aren’t instantly hired
- Harass the hiring manager with constant follow ups
Conclusion
Cold messaging on LinkedIn can be an effective way to discover and pursue intriguing internship opportunities at your dream companies. The key is taking a strategic approach – researching thoroughly, crafting a compelling personalized note, and following up professionally. With practice, you can master the art of the cold message and land yourself an amazing internship experience. Wishing you the best of luck as you embark on this exciting next chapter of your career journey!