Every placement season, I see students pouring hours into tweaking their resumes, filling out forms on Naukri or LinkedIn, and then waiting sometimes for weeks, hoping for a miracle. Most of them never hear back. No call, no email, not even a polite rejection.
But then, every year, there’s always that one student who surprises everyone. They land an interview at a company that’s ignored everyone else from their batch. And when you ask how, the answer is almost always the same: They reached out directly. No portal, no reference, just a simple, gutsy email to the hiring manager.
That’s when it really hits you
If you’re only applying through job portals, you’re basically a drop in a digital ocean. For some entry-level roles, HRs in India get 5,000+ applications. Imagine your resume in that pile it’s like trying to get noticed at a cricket stadium by waving a handkerchief.
But here’s the thing, most students never try cold emailing. Maybe it feels awkward, or you’re worried you’ll sound desperate. I get it. I’ve seen students rewrite their emails five times, overthink every word, and still feel like they’re sending it into a black hole. But the truth? Cold emails work. I’ve seen it happen for friends, juniors, and plenty of students who just took that extra step.
Why Cold Emails Works (And Why Most People Don’t Bother)
Let’s be real:
- You’re not fighting with 5,000 other applicants.
- You can actually show you care about the company, not just “any job.”
- You get to tell your story, not just hope your resume does the talking.
And in India, where a little initiative goes a long way, this is the move that can set you apart.
How to Write a Cold Email?
Here’s what I wish someone had told me:
- Find a Real Person
Don’t send your email to “info@company.com.” Stalk LinkedIn, ask alumni, or even check the company’s “About Us” page. Find a name. - Keep It Short, Keep It Real
Nobody wants to read an essay. Say who you are, why you’re writing, and what you like about their work. If you’re an engineer, mention a project you built. MBA? Talk about a campaign you loved. - Don’t Just Say “I’m Hardworking”
Give them something real. “I built a solar water distillation unit in college” or “I helped my fest team raise ₹1 lakh in sponsorships.” That’s the stuff that sticks. - Attach Your Resume, But Don’t Make It Awkward
Just a line like, “I’ve attached my resume in case you’d like to know more about my background.” - Be Polite, Not Pushy
End with a simple, “Would love to connect or hear your advice.” No begging, no demands.
Practicing Your Pitch
I’ll be honest, my first few cold emails were awkward. I’d overthink every word, and sometimes I’d get no reply. But the more I practiced, the better I got not just at emails, but at interviews too.
If you want to get good at this stuff (and trust me, it’s a skill), check out our Interview Skills Training Program. We do real practice—mock interviews, cold email reviews, the works. I’ve seen students go from “I have no idea what to say” to “I just got a call from my dream company.” It’s not magic, it’s just practice and feedback.
10+ Free Cold Email Templates (Download & Edit)
I know writing your first cold email is scary. That’s why I’ve put together a file with 10+ templates real ones, not the copy-paste stuff you find online. These are for Indian engineering and MBA students, and they actually work.
Fill out the form below to get instant access. Edit them, make them yours, and start reaching out.
Last Word: Don’t Wait for Luck
If you’re tired of waiting for replies that never come, try something different. Cold emailing isn’t just a hack, it’s a skill that’ll help you for years, whether you’re looking for your first job or your next big break.
