You've found companies to target. Now comes the important part: reaching out effectively. Here's how to make a strong first impression.
Choose your approach
You have several options for making contact:
- Phone: Most direct, but can feel intimidating
- Email: Gives them time to consider, less pressure
- LinkedIn: Professional context, see who they are
- In person: Dropping by – can work for small companies
We'll cover phone and email in detail in the next guides. For now, understand the principles that apply to all approaches.
Key principles for any approach
1. Do your research
Before contacting any company, know:
- What they do
- Recent news or projects
- Why you're specifically interested in them
2. Lead with value
Don't just ask for an internship. Explain what you can offer:
- Your relevant skills
- What you can help with
- Your enthusiasm for their work
3. Be specific
Generic messages get ignored. Reference:
- A specific project or product you admire
- Why your background fits their work
- What you hope to learn from them
4. Make it easy to say yes
End with a clear, low-commitment ask:
- "Would you have 15 minutes for a call?"
- "Could I send you my CV?"
- "Would you be open to a brief meeting?"
Following up
Many people don't respond to the first contact. Follow up is essential:
- Wait 5-7 days before following up
- Keep it brief – reference your first message
- Stay positive, not pushy
- After 2-3 attempts, move on to other companies
Key takeaways
- Research every company before reaching out
- Lead with what you can offer, not just what you want
- Be specific about why this company interests you
- Follow up if you don't hear back