Email Templates

A framework for cold outreach, followed by templates ready to personalise and send.

Cold Outreach Framework
Before you write a single word, understand what you're actually doing.
What you're doing
  • Pitching your value
  • Making it easy for someone to say yes
  • Not writing a cover letter
  • Not asking for a job
Structure
  • 1. Personalised hook
  • 2. One-line credibility
  • 3. How you add value
  • 4. Simple call to action

Keep it under 120 words.

The hook - never say
  • "I admire your company"
  • "I'm passionate about..."
  • "I came across your company"

Reference something specific - a deal, a hire, a funding round, a LinkedIn post, an award.

Sell value, not yourself
  • "I'm looking to gain experience"
  • "I'd love an internship"

Say instead:

  • "I'd love to add value to your team"
  • "I'd be happy to support live projects"
Use their language

Replace generic skills with job-specific tasks:

  • Financial modelling
  • Due diligence
  • Competitor analysis
  • Deck building
  • Valuations
  • Market research
Credibility in one line

Mention: university, degree, year, most relevant experience.

"Second-year Economics student at Manchester with experience building financial models through student consulting projects."

Avoid sounding weak
  • "If you have time..."
  • "Sorry to bother you..."
  • "No worries if not."
  • "Even if there isn't an opportunity..."

Sound confident. Not entitled.

The ask
  • Can I have an internship?
  • "I'd love to add value to your team"
  • "Happy to jump on a 15-minute call"
  • "Available between [dates]"
Follow-up strategy
  • Follow up every 2-3 business days
  • Reply to the same thread
  • Maximum 3 follow-ups
  • Keep each under 50 words
Subject lines
  • Keen to add value to [Company]
  • [University] student keen to support [Company]
  • Quick question about [Company]
  • Internship application
  • Looking for work
Volume mindset

A good email sent to 100 firms beats a perfect email sent to 10.

Personalise the first sentence only. The rest stays almost identical.

Mindset shift

"Why would they hire me?"

"How can I make their job easier?"

That framing comes through naturally in your writing.

Remember: Many firms on Nscope have offices across multiple cities. Always specify which location you're targeting - for example: "I'm particularly interested in your Manchester office."
Direct Outreach
For when you're pitching your value directly to a firm. Lead with a personalised hook, keep it short, and make saying yes as easy as possible.
Initial email
First cold outreach
Subject: Adding value to [Company]
Hi [Name], I came across [specific deal / hire / news] at [Company] and found [specific detail] really interesting. I'm a [Year] [Degree] student at [University] with experience in [relevant experience]. I'd love the chance to support [Company] and add value wherever I can - whether that's [task 1], [task 2], or taking some work off your plate. I'm available from [dates] and happy to work around your schedule. Best, [Name]
Follow-up
Chasing after no reply
Subject: Re: Adding value to [Company]
Hi [Name], Just following up in case this got buried. I'd still love the chance to support [Company] and add value to the team. Would you be open to a quick chat? Best, [Name]
Network First
For when you're building a relationship before asking for anything. Start with a coffee chat request, then follow up after the call. The goal is to get referred onwards and build your network - not to ask for a role directly.
Coffee chat
Requesting a call or meeting
Subject: Quick chat?
Hi [Name], I came across your background and was really interested in your journey into [industry / company / role]. I'm a [Year] [Degree] student at [University] exploring opportunities in [industry]. I'd really appreciate hearing about your experience and any advice you might have. If you have 15 minutes over the next couple of weeks, I'd love to grab a coffee or jump on a quick call. Thanks for considering it. Best, [Name]
Thank you + referral
After the call - keep the network moving
Subject: Thanks for your time
Hi [Name], Thanks again for taking the time to speak with me. I really appreciated your advice and learning more about your experience. I found your insights genuinely useful and will be taking them on board. I was wondering if there's anyone else you'd recommend I speak to. Any introductions or recommendations would be hugely appreciated. Thanks again, and hope to stay in touch. Best, [Name]