Emailing hiring manager before or after sending in application for a job posting?

I'm a first year student and found a summer internship opening which is open to all undergrads, even first years. Although I have relevant experience and good grades, I feel like my status as a first year student will greatly reduce my chances to land this internship. I have never sent a cold-email before, and don't have much experience doing 1-on-1 coffees. However, I am a confident individual with a real story to tell (personal).

If I was to reach out to the hiring manager, would you recommend that I do so before sending in my application (due roughly two weeks from now) or after? Would you recommend I reach out at all?

6 Comments
 

Yea, always reach out. If the hiring manager doesnt respond, maybe find someone in the company that is an alumni and try talking to them. You have nothing to lose: worst case, it gets ignored; best case, they respond to have a quick chat or at least they take note of your name and go look at your resume.

You've never written a cold email before so search this site for possible templates, pick one you like and tweak it to your situation, make sure its concise.

 

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