Disclaimer: The advice shared here is drawn from my personal experiences in searching for software engineering internships and new grad roles between 2016 and 2020. Please note that some details may not apply to those with more experience, and I am not a recruiter.
I've been mentoring an undergraduate student seeking software engineering internships, and we discussed emailing recruiters (or hiring managers, if known).
When emailing recruiters, write concise messages with a clear request. Be polite, but don't bury the ask. Recruiters receive numerous emails daily, so make your email easy to read and act upon.
When contacting recruiters, you can request an interview opportunity. The best-case scenario is securing an interview. The worst case is being redirected to the standard application process or receiving no response. Whether you're requesting an interview or following up on an existing application, keep your message brief and highlight your qualifications in a sentence or two. Make it easy for the recruiter to quickly grasp your request and respond positively.
Example email:
Subject: 'Software Engineer - New Grad' Application follow up
Hi [RECRUITER],
Hope you're doing well! Just wanted to follow up on my application for the Software Engineer New Grad role (ID: 12345).
Would it be possible to move forward with an interview?
[PITCH YOURSELF IN 1-2 SHORT SENTENCES]. I've attached my resume for convenience.
Thank you,
[NAME]
B.S. in Computer Science, Univ. of College, 2024
The above example isn't personalized for the company. Consider customizing on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you're passionate about the role or possess relevant expertise, add a sentence expressing your enthusiasm or experience. Avoid and omit generic fluff.
It's likely most of your emails to recruiters will receive no response. That's okay. Sending a large number of emails can be well worth it for the one or few opportunities it may lead to.