Most students never follow up, never ask for referrals, and never send speculative applications — which means the ones who do stand out instantly. Copy these, replace the [brackets], and keep them short.
1. Follow-up after applying
When: 5–7 days after submitting an application with no response.
Subject: Following up — [Job Title] application, [Your Name]
Dear [Hiring Manager's name / Hiring Team],
I applied for the [Job Title] role on [date] and wanted to confirm my application was received. I'm particularly interested in this position because [one specific reason tied to the company].
Since applying, [one new relevant thing — finished a project, a module result, a certification]. I'd be glad to share more in an interview.
Thank you for your time — I look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone] · [LinkedIn URL]
2. LinkedIn connection note (recruiter or employee)
When: Connecting with someone at a company you want to join. 300-character limit, so every word counts.
Hi [Name], I'm an MSc student at [University] targeting [role type] roles. I saw [company] is hiring and your work in [team/area] stood out. I'd love to connect and learn what makes someone successful there. Thanks!
3. Asking for a referral
When: After you've connected with an employee and had at least one exchange. Never as a first message.
Subject: Quick question about the [Job Title] opening
Hi [Name],
Thanks again for [the advice / your reply about X]. I've decided to apply for the [Job Title] role on your team — it lines up well with my experience in [skill/project].
Would you feel comfortable referring me? I've attached my CV so you can check the fit first, and absolutely no problem if not — your earlier advice was already a big help.
Best,
[Your Name]
4. Speculative application
When: Targeting a company you'd love to work for that has no advertised role. Works especially well with SMEs and agencies.
Subject: [Skill] support for [Company] — speculative application
Dear [Name],
I've followed [Company]'s work on [specific project/product] and noticed [a genuine observation — growth, new market, a gap you could fill].
I'm an MSc [course] student at [University] with experience in [2–3 relevant skills]. For example, I recently [one concrete achievement with a number].
If you ever need an extra pair of hands — part-time, placement or graduate — I'd love a 15-minute chat. My CV is attached either way.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
5. Thank-you after an interview
When: Within 24 hours of any interview. Almost nobody sends these.
Subject: Thank you — [Job Title] interview
Dear [Interviewer's name],
Thank you for your time today. I enjoyed our conversation about [specific topic discussed] and it confirmed how much I'd like to join [Company].
One thing I reflected on afterwards: [a brief addition to an answer, or a relevant idea]. I thought it was worth sharing.
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything else.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
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