From inbox to interview: mastering employer outreach

Reaching out to employers may seem intimidating at first, but remember you’ve done your homework and have a lot to offer.

Every email you send is a chance to put your best foot forward and showcase what makes you a great fit. With a little preparation, you’ll be ready to make a strong first impression. Plus, you will learn and improve along the way

5 tips to reach out to employers

Personalise your email

We encourage you to draft a template email to make the process easier, but resist the urge to send the same message to multiple companies. Make each message unique to the company and the person you’re contacting to show that you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and genuinely want to work there.

Example You’re applying for an internship at JENZA, in your outreach email mention a specific aspect of JENZA that resonates with you: I was drawn to JENZA’s mission of empowering young people to explore the world while gaining valuable work experience. Unfortunately, I missed out on a chance to do an exchange program because I wasn’t aware of these opportunities growing up. That’s why I am so passionate about helping raise awareness and making sure that others benefit from these life-shaping experiences.

Keep it short and sweet

Employers are busy. They don’t have time to read long emails. Be polite, professional, direct and concise. Share the essential details, but leave out long explanations, wordy examples, and anything else that’s unnecessary at this stage. The goal is to capture attention. You can add more details during your interview.

Craft a strong subject line

Think of a subject line as your first impression. Make sure it clearly summarises your email’s purpose in a short sentence, but don’t be afraid to be creative.

A few examples to get you inspired: Excited to bring my skills to [company name]- application for [position title] Exploring internship opportunities with a passion for [company focus] Aspiring [job title] interested in internship opportunities in [company name]

Always follow up

Sending just one email isn’t enough. People are busy and your message might get lost in their inboxes. If you don’t hear back send a follow-up! We recommend a total of three emails—this keeps you top of mind without being pushy.

Help them understand your visa arrangements

Many employers will not be familiar with the visa type available for your international internship. Be upfront and include a short informative explanation to help them understand your status and anything that might be required from them. If an employer asks for more detail on visa sponsorship, you can download our employer information letter here

Example Intern UK I am eligible to work in the UK under the Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa, which is designed for internships. The visa allows me to work legally in the UK for up to 12 months. The visa is sponsored by a government-approved visa sponsor (BUNAC). The process is straightforward and there is no administrative burden other than submitting company paperwork and a training plan and no cost for you as the employer. You can see more details here.

Intern USA I am eligible to intern in the U.S. under the J-1 Intern visa, which is specifically designed for international students and recent graduates. The visa is sponsored by an authorised visa sponsor. There is no administrative burden other than submitting company paperwork and a training plan and no cost for you as an employer. You can find more information here.

Remember, reaching out to employers is just the first step toward landing your dream internship. Stay positive, be persistent, and don’t be afraid to follow up and try different outreach methods. Take a look at some example email outreach templates and follow up messaging you can adapt and make your own.

By now you’ve had the chance to review everything you need to consider when starting your internship search. Make sure you’ve reviewed all sections of the hub before moving on to the coaching and interview prep section of the hub