Cold email templates

Six templates we've seen actually get replies. Each one is short, asks for a specific thing, and gives the recipient an easy out. Copy, adapt the bracketed bits, send.

One rule — replace every bracketed placeholder. Hiring managers spot a generic template instantly. The whole point is to feel like a person, not a funnel.

Cold ask for advice

You want to talk to someone at a company you admire but have no prior connection.
Subject
Quick question about your work on [team/project]
Body
Hi [First name],

I'm a [year] at [school] studying [major]. I've been following [Company]'s work on [specific product/project] and would love to learn how [team] thinks about [specific problem you've researched].

Would you be open to a 15-minute call in the next two weeks? Happy to send three questions ahead of time so it's easy on your side.

Either way, thanks for the work you put out — [one specific thing you genuinely admire].

Best,
[Your name]

Referral request

There's an open role at their company and you want them to refer you.
Subject
Referral for [role] on your team?
Body
Hi [First name],

I saw [Company] is hiring a [role] on your team. My background is in [1 specific skill] and [1 specific project] — both of which line up with what the JD describes.

Would you feel comfortable referring me? I've attached my resume. Totally understand if not — I know referrals are a vouching thing and we haven't worked together.

Either way, big fan of the [recent product/announcement] launch.

Best,
[Your name]

Coffee chat (low pressure)

You want to hear about someone's career path — no immediate ask.
Subject
Coffee chat about your path to [Company]?
Body
Hi [First name],

I'm a [year] at [school] trying to figure out how to get into [field/role]. Your path from [previous company/role] to [Company] is exactly the kind of move I'm trying to plan for.

Would you be open to a 20-minute coffee chat? Virtual works too. I'm not asking for a referral — genuinely just want to hear how you decided what to optimize for.

Best,
[Your name]

Alumni reach-out

You share a school with the recipient.
Subject
Fellow [School] alum — quick question
Body
Hi [First name],

I'm a current [year] at [School] in [your program]. I came across your profile while researching folks who've gone from [School] into [field] — your path is exactly the kind of jump I'm thinking about.

Would you be open to 15 minutes on a call? I want to ask how you decided between [option A] and [option B], plus what surprised you about the early years.

Best,
[Your name, class of YYYY]

After they spoke at a campus event

You heard them speak (panel, club talk, recruiting event).
Subject
Following up on your talk at [Event]
Body
Hi [First name],

I was at the [event/panel] last [day]. Your point about [specific thing they said] stuck with me — I'd been thinking about [related question] and your framing reframed it for me.

Two questions if you have a minute by email — or 15 minutes on a call if that's easier:
1. [Specific question 1]
2. [Specific question 2]

Best,
[Your name]

Polite follow-up after no reply

You sent a cold email 7–10 days ago and got nothing back.
Subject
Re: [previous subject]
Body
Hi [First name],

Bumping this in case it got buried. No worries if the timing is off — I know things get busy.

If a 15-min call doesn't work, I'm also happy to send a single question by email and you can reply when you have a minute.

Best,
[Your name]

Skip the manual copy-paste

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