If your current email address is connected with a social media profile that contains any unprofessional content, create and use a different address. Also, adjust your privacy settings on social media. [2] X Research source
With LinkedIn you can see which of your contacts’ contacts work at a firm. Do not hesitate to ask your contact to connect you with one of their contacts. Do be tactful, though, and do not ask the same person for assistance repeatedly. Many universities provide online alumni databases. You can search for people with certain jobs or workplaces through these sites. Alumni who provide their contact information often are open to receiving emails or phone calls from students. [5] X Research source When discussing the company with your contact, mention that you are interested in an internship. Ask about the company’s organizational structure, work environment, goals, etc.
When you cannot find the name of any employee, address your email to “Dear Sir or Madam. "
If you cannot determine the person’s gender, address the person with his/her full name. For example, write “Dear Bobbi Reynolds. " If the person you are writing to has a doctorate, be sure to refer to them as “Dr,” i. e. “Dear Dr. Reynolds. "
Describe work experience with strong verbs. Rather than writing: “I was a marketing intern for two years,” declare “As a marketing intern, I created fresh content, designed digital and print brochures, and managed social media outlets for a business with fifty employees. “[9] X Research source Skills can include social media, event organization, or myriad other things.
Instead of using adjectives to describe yourself, use concrete examples that show your qualities. For instance, rather than saying “I am an ambitious student,” write “I have consistently remained in the top 10 percent of my class. "
Some employers may specify that they do not open email attachments. If so, include your cover letter and resume in the body of the email. Make sure to space them apart to make it easier for the employer to distinguish each document.