In a sea of applicants, it can be hard to stand out. Get an advantage before you apply with Handshake's messaging feature: with contact info right in the job listing, it's easy to connect with employers to introduce yourself and ask questions.
Handshake is the only platform with a network of employers that have actively made themselves available to students. These employers want to speak with you and help you along in your career.
Why should I message an employer?
Not only does it communicate that you’re a self-starter, but messaging an employer first can give you an inside scoop on the job you want. Employers know what the role requires and can answer your questions ahead of time. This insider knowledge can prepare you for interviews and arm you with information that’s not listed in the job description.
We recommend sending a message before you apply. That way, you can tailor your application based on any insider knowledge you may get during your conversation.
What should I say to an employer?
Directly messaging the employer gives you a chance to let them know why you’re interested in a role, and why you’d be a good fit.
Start off with a friendly opening, and tell them a little bit about yourself and where you want your career to go. It helps to say why you're interested in the role or company. (Scroll down for a sample message).
Keep the content of your message directly related to the job role that you’re applying for.
And ask questions! Curiosity about the role is a good sign to the employer that you’re genuinely interested, and a question is more likely to get you a response back.
Sample message
Dear Cindy,
I'm a junior at Acme University majoring in psychology, and I am interested in the Digital Marketing Internship at Eastwestly Labs. I completed a marketing internship last summer, and fell in love with this career path. I am very interested in interning with your company because of your leading role in internet infrastructure.
I did have one question: the role asks for SEO knowledge, and while I did some SEO blog writing in my last internship, that wasn't the main focus of my role. Would that be a deal breaker for this role, or is this a skill I could learn on the job?
Thank you!
Drew