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How to write a cold email for a job or internship
The structure of cold emails that get replies from recruiters, founders and hiring managers in India, with subject lines, a 120-word template and follow-up timing.
Write your cold email freeQuick steps
- Find the right person. The hiring manager or team lead, not a generic careers inbox.
- Write a specific subject line. Role plus one proof point.
- Open with why them. One line showing you know what they are working on.
- Give one or two lines of proof. Your most relevant result, with a number.
- Make one small ask. A 15-minute call or a referral, not 'any opportunity'.
- Follow up once or twice. After 4–5 working days, then a week later.
Subject lines that get opened
- Backend intern — built a Go service handling 5k req/s
- Data analyst applicant: found ₹40L/month payout leak at my last role
- Question about the Growth role on your team
- IIT Delhi '26, built the feature you just launched (for fun)
A 120-word cold email template
Hi Priya, I saw your team just launched UPI autopay on the app; the mandate setup flow is the smoothest I have used. I'm a final-year CSE student at NIT Trichy. Last summer I built the payments retry service at a fintech startup, which cut failed transactions by 30%. I'd love to apply for the backend intern role on your team. Would you be open to a 15-minute call next week, or could you point me to the right person? My resume and GitHub are linked below. Thanks, Arjun
Mistakes that kill replies
- Starting with 'I hope this email finds you well' and your life story.
- Attaching a resume with no line on why you fit.
- Asking for 'any opportunity'.
- Sending the same email to 200 people with the name changed.
- Following up every day.
Make it stronger with a hiring brief or portfolio link
A link to a one-page hiring brief (their problems, your 90-day plan) or a portfolio page with a short video intro gives the reader something to forward. Both are free on ResumeSutra.
Frequently asked questions
Is it okay to cold email for a job in India?
Yes. Founders, startup teams and many hiring managers respond to short, specific emails.
How long should a cold email be?
Under 150 words. Ideally about 100–120.
When should I follow up?
After 4–5 working days, and once more about a week later. Then stop.
Should I attach my resume?
Link it, or attach a PDF under 1 MB. Mention it in one line.
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