How to Master Writing Cold Emails (Part 4) – Sample Email, Analysis, & Resource Toolkit

In this final installment of my cold-email series, you’ll see a complete sample message crafted using the strategies from Parts 1–3, followed by a breakdown of why each element works. Then you’ll find a curated toolkit of downloadable resources—templates, checklists, and tracking spreadsheets—that you can adapt for your own outreach. Consider this your turnkey system: study the example, grab the tools, and start sending.

Sample Cold Email

Subject: BLAH CRISPR Lab Summer Internship Inquiry

Dear Dr. Thompson,

I recently read your Nature Biotechnology paper on optimizing CRISPR actuator specificity using machine-learning-guided libraries. I was particularly fascinated by your use of convolutional neural networks in Figure 3 to predict off-target editing, since my research project applies uncertainty estimation to genome-editing algorithms with similar goals.

I am writing to inquire about the possibility of a summer internship in your lab. As a rising senior at Manalapan High School, I developed a Python prototype that reduced off-target predictions by 15% through adaptive modeling. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute to your research on CRISPR specificity and learn advanced lab techniques under your mentorship.

Would you be available for a brief 15-minute Zoom next week to discuss potential projects and expectations? I am flexible with scheduling and can adapt to your availability. Please let me know what time works best!

Best regards,

Jophy Lin | Rising Senior, Manalapan High

Schooljophy.lin@example.com | GitHub: github.com/jophylin | Portfolio: bit.ly/jophy-portfolio

Analysis

The subject line “BLAH CRISPR Lab Summer Internship Inquiry” does several things at once: it names the institution (“BLAH”), highlights the lab’s focus (“CRISPR Lab”), specifies the request (“Summer Internship”), and flags that this is an inquiry. At six words, it stays within our sweet spot, immediately signaling relevance and avoiding any hint of spam or clickbait.

The opening paragraph jumps straight into a genuine engagement with Dr. Thompson’s work. By naming the journal, summarizing the paper’s key method, and referencing Figure 3, the writer shows they’ve read the work closely. This establishes credibility in under thirty words and transitions smoothly into why the writer’s own project connects, setting up a two-way conversation rather than a generic pitch.

In the second paragraph, the ask is stated clearly and concisely: a summer internship. It then supports that request with the writer’s most relevant achievement—a 15% improvement in off-target prediction—while specifying the tools used (Python prototype). By framing this as both a contribution (“contribute to your research”) and a learning opportunity (“learn advanced lab techniques”), the paragraph balances confidence with humility.

The third paragraph closes with a specific next step, a 15-minute Zoom, in a polite, flexible tone. This paragraph also reinforces adaptability to the recipient’s schedule, reducing issues around coordination.

The signature is succinct yet complete: it lists the writer’s name and role, provides direct contact information, and links to both GitHub and a portfolio. It avoids images or excessive formatting, ensuring deliverability and readability.

Throughout, the tone remains professional but approachable. The language is active, jargon is used sparingly and only when directly relevant, and paragraphs are kept short for easy scanning. Overall, this example transforms our framework into a real email that respects the recipient’s time, showcases genuine preparation, and invites the next step.

Resource Toolkit

Below are downloadable tools I created to jump-start your own cold email campaign:

https://jophylin.gumroad.com/l/cold-email

Use these tools to customize your outreach, track every interaction, and keep your momentum as you turn emails into real-world opportunities. Good luck!

What’s the biggest challenge you face when sending cold emails?

• Finding the right contacts
• Writing a compelling email
• Getting replies
• Following up effectively

About the Author: I'm Jophy Lin, a high school junior and researcher. I blog about a variety of topics, such as STEM research, competitions, shows, and my experiences in the scientific community. If you’re interested in research tips, competition insights, drama reviews, personal reflections on STEM opportunities, and other related topics, subscribe to my newsletter to stay updated!