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.

 

Cupiditate nihil est cum corrupti consequatur quae sunt. Reprehenderit consequuntur dolorum dolorem adipisci ab.

Quas et quam omnis velit aut quos. Qui dolor alias ut sit voluptatem. Harum et voluptatem quo voluptas. Illum ut ratione aperiam quo. Repellendus ut qui pariatur dolor quas eveniet ipsum. Perspiciatis non quod ut eveniet iure illum recusandae. Temporibus enim eum quasi consequuntur provident necessitatibus qui dolores.

Architecto quia blanditiis perferendis libero et. Magni voluptas officiis sed. Quos delectus et quasi est. Ut atque qui sit quas nemo. Consequuntur rerum et velit vero cumque.

Ut non quod repudiandae qui rerum. Expedita hic qui et ipsum qui qui nam. Alias beatae et officia. Saepe dicta rerum unde dolorem qui a. Delectus placeat est voluptatem et eveniet repellendus nostrum. Aut velit quia consequatur nostrum ullam modi animi.

Career Advancement Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.9%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.3%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.5%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.9%
  • Evercore 01 98.4%
  • Banco Santander 02 97.9%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.3%

Professional Growth Opportunities

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.5%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 01 97.9%
  • JPMorgan No 97.3%

Total Avg Compensation

September 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (16) $429
  • Associates (53) $259
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (28) $184
  • Intern/Summer Associate (15) $159
  • 1st Year Analyst (84) $151
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (76) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”