The Art of a Cold Email

Let’s say you have an idea and a plan to enact this idea, but you have no idea where to start or how to get advice. Enter: the Cold Email, when you send an email to someone you’ve never met before to ask for information or a favor. Cold emailing, though seemingly scary, is the ticket to glory when it comes to getting advice, guidance, or even internships from people with whom you have no preexisting condition.

Before I explain how to cold email, I first provide evidence of its success. Without emailing, you have absolutely 0% chance of your idea coming true. When you push send on the email, no matter what, you raise those odds. I have received numerous internships, networking Zoom calls, meetings with professors, and more, simply because I sent out a carefully-drafted email explaining my case. Never underestimate the power of advocating for yourself!

Step 1: Figure Out What You’re Asking For.

Write a list of exactly what you want the person to respond with, then make sure you actually ask that question. You might send “I wanted to reach out to possibly set up a phone call to learn more about XYZ.” However, in this scenario you never actually ASK if you could talk on the phone. Instead, try “I am really interested in XYZ topic that you specialize in; would you be willing to speak with me via phone call to discuss XYZ?”

Step 2: Find Who to Ask.

Identify why this person in particular is the correct person for you to be reaching out to. Did they go to the same school as you and you accessed them through the alumni network? Did you take part in the same internship they did? Are you both from the same town? Even something as small as playing the same sport and wanting to learn from someone with a similar background is enough to draw a connection and appeal to the person’s human side.

Step 3. Explain Your Reasoning.

Explain exactly why you are seeking this information/guidance/internship experience. This is short and to the point. Is there a quantitative skill you want to see in practice? Say that. Is there a company they know a lot about that you are hoping to learn about? Say that. Do you want to shadow them at work? Say that.

Step 4: Provide Options.

Provide options! Zoom, phone call, or in person. Dates and times. Connecting to a colleague if someone else is better suited to meeting with you. People are busy!! If you don’t provide them with options, they may decline your offer simply because it didn’t fit their schedule. Give yourself the best chance of success by giving alternatives to your Plan A. 

Step 5: Attach Information About You

Include a resume if you have one. That way, you will be able to send a shorter, more concise email because you don’t have to explain all about yourself, and they can search for whatever information about you they are interested in.

Extra: Most importantly, BE NICE.

They are doing you a favor by responding to the email, so you don’t want to burden them further by sending a super painfully long email or being rude. Always end with gratitude and make sure to be respectful in all communication; you never know, down the line this person could be your boss or coworker!

Here is my approximate draft of an email I might send if I were reaching out to someone:

Dear Dr./Ms./Mr. ___,

[Some kind of nice intro greeting!]

My name is ___ and I am [include grad year, education, what you study, background, etc.; whatever information you feel is pertinent to the situation]. I am interested in XYZ and have recently been focused on XYZ.

I am really interested in connecting/meeting/shadowing/speaking/etc. with you about XYZ because of your expertise/specialty/experience in XYZ. Would you be open to [whatever favor you are trying to ask]? I am available [give a few blocks of time], but can suggest other times if those don’t work for you. Thank you in advance for your consideration!

I have attached my resume and am happy to provide any additional information. Thank you again!

Sincerely/Best Regards/Warmly/whichever sign-off you prefer,

Your full name

When sending out cold emails, remember that many won’t respond to you at all. One instance in particular I sent out 29 emails and only got 1 response… you only need 1 though! That one response led to a great internship opportunity and allowed me to learn more about my future career.

Good luck and happy emailing!