When reaching out to a professional contact on LinkedIn regarding an internship opportunity, the message you send can make or break your chances. A thoughtful, personalized message shows initiative and professionalism, while a generic, low-effort note may be ignored or even offend the recipient. Follow these tips to craft an effective internship outreach message on LinkedIn.
Do Your Research on the Company and Contact
Before reaching out, learn as much as you can about the company, department, and contact you plan to message. Peruse their LinkedIn profile, company website, and any other available info. Look for clues about their priorities, challenges, and initiatives. This helps you tailor your note and show you’ve done your homework.
For example, if the contact’s profile mentions they lead green initiatives, you could say: “I read on your LinkedIn profile that you lead sustainability efforts at ABC Company. I’d love to learn more about those projects.”
Introduce Yourself and Your Interest
Early in your message, explain who you are and why you’re reaching out. For example: “I’m a junior at University of XYZ studying marketing. I’m very interested in an internship with your marketing department this summer.” This gives context upfront.
If you have any connection to the contact (same school, mutual connections, etc.), mention it to help get their attention: “We both graduated from University of XYZ, so I wanted to reach out.”
Explain Why You’re a Strong Match
Next, summarize your skills, experiences, and interests that make you a great fit for this internship. Mention specific coursework, activities, or past internships that align with the role. Speak to the value you could bring the company.
For example: “Through my marketing classes and role in the business club, I’ve developed strong skills in social media marketing and analytics. I also interned at DEF Agency last summer supporting their account teams. I’d love to apply this experience to an internship at your agency.”
Express Enthusiasm and Interest in Learning
Let your passion and excitement about the opportunity shine through. Emphasize your eagerness to learn from the team and develop new skills.
For example: “I’m very excited about the prospect of interning with your marketing team. I’d welcome the chance to gain hands-on experience executing campaigns and to learn from your talented staff.”
Make a Clear Request or Call to Action
Wrap up your note with a specific request or call to action, so the recipient knows what you want them to do. For example: “Would you be open to discussing internship opportunities at ABC Company this summer? I’d be happy to send you my resume and set up a phone call at your convenience.”
Or: “Please let me know if summer marketing interns have already been placed or if opportunities remain for this year. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Proofread Closely
Before sending your message, proofread closely for typos, grammar issues, or unclear phrasing. Read it aloud and check for awkward or overly casual language. Ask someone else to review it if possible.
Small mistakes can undermine the polished, professional tone you want to achieve. Take the time to polish your writing.
Personalize Each Message
If you’re reaching out to multiple contacts, resist the urge to copy and paste the same generic note. Take the time to customize and tailor each message to the individual recipient and their company. Personalized messages have a much higher success rate.
Follow Up Politely
If you don’t receive a response after about a week, consider a short, polite follow-up note. Remind them who you are and reiterate your interest in interning. But don’t stalk or harass the contact.
If they don’t respond after a follow-up or two, move on and look for other opportunities rather than continuing to message them.
Express Thanks
If the contact responds positively and seems open to your internship inquiry, always send a thank you note. Thank them for their time, reaffirm your interest, and share any additional materials they request like a resume or portfolio.
A gracious thank you makes a strong impression and paves the way for an interview or internship offer down the road.
Sample LinkedIn Internship Outreach Message
Here is an example internship outreach message incorporating the above tips:
Subject line: University of XYZ Marketing Student Seeking Summer Internship
Dear Ms. Johnson,
I hope you are having a wonderful start to the new year! I wanted to introduce myself – I’m a junior at University of XYZ studying marketing, and am very interested in interning with the marketing department at ABC Company this summer.
I noticed on your LinkedIn profile that you’ve led impactful social media campaigns for ABC Company. I have experience executing both organic and paid campaigns through my marketing coursework and social media internship at DEF Agency. I’d love to learn from your team this summer.
My classes in digital marketing strategy, consumer behavior, and market research have equipped me with skills in data analysis, campaign execution, and content creation. I’m also an active member of the business club on campus. I’m eager to apply my experience to an internship supporting ABC Company’s marketing efforts this summer.
Would you have a few minutes to discuss summer internship opportunities at ABC Company? I’d be happy to forward you my resume and am very flexible on timing for a phone call. Thank you so much for your time – I look forward to hearing from you!
Best regards,
[Your name]
Key Takeaways
- Research the company and contact before reaching out.
- Introduce yourself and explain your interest in interning.
- Highlight your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications.
- Express genuine enthusiasm for learning and the company.
- Make a clear request or call to action.
- Proofread closely and personalize each message.
- Follow up politely if needed.
- Always say thank you for any positive response.
With a thoughtful, tailored approach, you can craft effective LinkedIn outreach messages to contacts at your desired companies. Show them you’re a strong candidate hungry to gain meaningful experience through their internship program.
