Email is often the most practical way to reach companies. It gives them time to consider your request and respond when convenient. Here's how to write emails that get responses.
Email structure
A good internship inquiry email has these parts:
- Subject line: Clear and specific
- Greeting: Use their name if you know it
- Opening: Why you're writing to them specifically
- Your value: What you bring (skills, experience)
- The ask: What you're looking for
- Call to action: Next step you're proposing
- Closing: Professional sign-off
Subject line tips
Your subject line determines whether they open your email:
- Good: "Marketing student seeking internship opportunity"
- Better: "Application for marketing internship at [Company]"
- Avoid: "Question", "Internship", or leaving it blank
Keep it short
Busy people won't read long emails. Aim for:
- 3-4 short paragraphs maximum
- Under 200 words
- Easy to skim quickly
Common mistakes
- Too generic: "Dear Sir/Madam" with no personalization
- Too long: Walls of text they won't read
- No clear ask: They don't know what you want
- Typos: Signals carelessness
- Wrong company name: Copy-paste errors
Following up
If you don't hear back:
- Wait 5-7 business days before following up
- Keep the follow-up even shorter
- Reference your original email
- Maximum 2-3 follow-ups before moving on
Key takeaways
- Write a clear, specific subject line
- Keep emails short – under 200 words
- Personalize every email for the specific company
- Follow up if you don't hear back, but don't overdo it
Congratulations!
You've completed the Company Internship module. You now have the knowledge and tools to find, apply for, and succeed in an internship. Remember: an internship is a stepping stone to employment – use it strategically!