Why Cold Emails Still Work
In an age of LinkedIn job boards, automated applications, and AI-powered recruitment, you might think cold emailing is outdated.
The truth? It’s still one of the most underrated and effective ways to reach decision-makers — especially in industries where competition is fierce.
For students studying abroad or early-career professionals, a cold email can:
- Get your CV noticed when hundreds apply online
- Connect you directly with hiring managers, not just HR filters
- Help you discover “hidden jobs” that aren’t advertised publicly
The Common Mistake Most People Make
Most cold emails fail because they look like spam:
- Vague subject lines
- Generic “To whom it may concern” openings
- No personalisation
- Long paragraphs without a clear ask
If your email feels mass-produced, the recipient will treat it that way — and hit delete.
Step 1: Do Your Research
Before you write a single line, find the right person to contact:
- LinkedIn: Search for job titles like “Hiring Manager,” “Team Lead,” or “Recruitment Officer” in your target company.
- Company Websites: Check the “About Us” or “Team” page for direct contact info.
- Industry Events & Webinars: If you meet someone virtually, follow up with a personalised email referencing your interaction.
Pro Tip: Avoid sending to generic email IDs like [email protected]. You want a real person.
Step 2: Craft a Subject Line That Gets Opened
If your email isn’t opened, nothing else matters.
Aim for short, clear, and curiosity-driven subject lines:
- “Aspiring Data Analyst — Inspired by Your Recent Project”
- “UWS London MSc Graduate Interested in Your Cybersecurity Team”
- “Following Up on Your Panel Talk at [Event Name]”
Keep it under 50 characters so it displays well on mobile.
Step 3: Personalise the First Line
Your first line should prove you’ve done your homework:
- Reference something specific about their work, company, or recent achievement.
- Avoid generic compliments like “I admire your company” — they sound copy-pasted.
Example:
I saw your interview in TechUK Weekly about AI in healthcare — and your point about ethical data use really resonated with me.
Step 4: Keep It Short but Value-Focused
Busy professionals don’t have time to read your life story. Aim for 100–150 words:
- Who you are (name, current role/study programme)
- Why you’re reaching out (specific role, department, or interest)
- What value you bring (skills, experience, achievements)
- Call-to-action (request for a short call, informational interview, or portfolio review)
Example Structure:
My name is [Name], and I’m currently completing my MSc in Information Technology with Data Analytics at UWS London.
I’m passionate about applying AI to retail forecasting, as demonstrated in my recent project where I improved demand prediction accuracy by 18%.
I’d love to schedule a quick 10-minute call to learn more about your team’s work at [Company]. Would you be available next week?
Step 5: Add Proof of Credibility
Link to:
- Your LinkedIn profile
- Online portfolio or GitHub
- A relevant project or publication
Make it easy for them to verify your skills without opening attachments (attachments from unknown senders can be a red flag).
Step 6: Close With Clarity
Don’t end with a vague “Hope to hear from you.”
Instead:
- Suggest a timeframe: “Would you be available for a quick call sometime next week?”
- Show flexibility: “Happy to work around your schedule.”
Step 7: Follow Up — But Don’t Stalk
If you don’t hear back in 7–10 days, send a polite follow-up:
Just checking in to see if you had a chance to review my earlier email. I’d still love to connect about opportunities within [Company/Team].
Limit follow-ups to two attempts. After that, move on — but keep them in your network for future outreach.
Special Tips for International Students in the UK
- Mention your Graduate Route visa timeline if relevant (shows availability to work).
- Highlight skills in high-demand sectors like AI, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Luxury Branding, and Project Management.
- Leverage your university network — name-dropping a shared connection can increase your response rate.
Cold Email Templates You Can Adapt
1. Internship Request
Subject: Aspiring Cybersecurity Analyst — UWS London MSc Graduate
Dear [Name],
I recently read your article on preventing phishing attacks in SMEs, and it aligned closely with my dissertation research.
I’m completing my MSc in Cyber Security at UWS London and am keen to apply my skills in real-world scenarios. I’d be grateful for the opportunity to intern with your team, even on a short-term basis.
Could we schedule a 10-minute call to discuss potential openings?
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn] | [Portfolio Link]
2. Informational Interview
Subject: Inspired by Your Work in Luxury Brand Strategy
Hi [Name],
Your recent campaign for [Brand] was featured in Luxury Daily, and the way you integrated digital storytelling was inspiring.
I’m currently pursuing my MBA with Luxury Branding at UWS London and am eager to learn from leaders like you. Would you be open to a brief virtual chat to share your insights on entering this field?
Many thanks,
[Your Name]
[LinkedIn]
How Erudmite Helps With Cold Emailing
At Erudmite, we don’t just tell students to “network” — we show them how to do it effectively:
- One-on-one sessions to refine email copy
- Guidance on finding the right contacts
- Feedback on follow-up strategy
- Industry-specific templates for fields like AI, Cybersecurity, Finance, and Luxury Branding
Because in a competitive market, a single well-crafted cold email can change your career path.
Final Thought
Cold emailing isn’t about begging for jobs — it’s about starting conversations that create opportunities.
When done with research, personalisation, and clarity, it can open doors you didn’t even know existed.
So stop waiting for the perfect job posting. Write that email today.
FAQs
1. How long should a cold email be?
Aim for 100–150 words — concise, clear, and value-driven.
2. Should I attach my CV?
No. Link to your LinkedIn or portfolio instead.
3. How many follow-ups are too many?
One to two polite follow-ups are fine; more can feel pushy.
4. Can I cold email without a mutual connection?
Yes — if it’s personalised and relevant.
5. Does this work for all industries?
Yes, though approach and tone may vary between sectors.
