Crafting an email to someone you’d like to network with is tough. What should you say? How long should it be? Should you attach a resume?
As you craft your message, ask yourself what you’re hoping to accomplish by contacting them. Are you hoping to learn more about a particular career path or company? Or are you hoping to expand your network by reaching out to fellow alumni? Once you’ve determined the 2-3 key points of your message, you can then begin to build content around them.
And, don’t underestimate the power of an effective subject line. If you were referred by someone the person you’re reaching out to knows, be sure to use that as your subject line ex. “Referred by Shawn Graham.” Or, you can include the name of your undergraduate institution. Whatever you decide, you want to include a common point of reference that will pique their interest enough to open your email.
A lot of job seekers ask if they should attach a resume when writing an introductory email. I usually recommend holding off until you’ve been able to establish a rapport or until they ask for one. If you decide to attach your resume, consider saying something along the lines of “a copy of my resume is attached for your reference.”
Now on to a sample email:
Dear …………:
I located your contact information in the University of Pittsburgh alumni network and I was hoping we might be able to connect over the telephone for 15 minutes at your convenience. It would be great to learn more about your background including how you got started in marketing at Johnson and Johnson and to connect with a University of Pittsburgh alum.
Just to give you a quick overview of my background, I am a rising senior at Pitt with a concentration in marketing. This summer, I will be interning in brand marketing at Johnson and Johnson.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Steve
Steve Smith
University of Pittsburgh ‘10
I agree with you – I think it’s really tough nowadays to get that kind of networking without seeming too cheesy. While It’s weird to say that sites like Facebook are becoming great job networking sites, I’ve always found that online job search engines are great places to find jobs and connections. I recently stumbled across a fabulous job search engine called Hound.com. The thing that caught me was it’s not something where I’ll be searching personals or a third party thing – it’s direct from employer’s pages! Not to mention it’s one of the top 20 job search engines in PC magazine!! I guess it’s good to know you’re in good hands is all I’m saying, just like when readers read your blog, they know they’re getting the best advice out there!
@Rachel-It sounds similar to indeed.com. But, for undergraduates and MBAs, there’s still no substitute for making contact with alumni at organizations of interest before applying to jobs. If nothing else, it gives you a reference point when writing a cover letter, sending an email, or something you can use during the interview when you’re asked why you want to work for them.
The networking email is completely under-utilized as is the introduction email, where you get someone with greater influence/access to do an email intro to a person you’re trying to reach. They are extremely powerful tools, particularly in a tough job market. In either type of email, the paragraph about you “I’m a senior at Pitt…” is critical to getting the email recipient to believe it’s worthwhile to spend some of their time helping you. I just wrote 2 advice pieces on what should be in these emails and who you should target for introduction emails.
The Email Introductions Most Likely to Open Doors
http://tinyurl.com/delrgg
Email Introductions that Generate Job Leads
http://tinyurl.com/cex7td
@Andrea-Thanks for the comment and for sharing those links. I think it’s also important to remember that networking doesn’t always occur in a straight line. You might have to reach out to an alumni connection working at the company but in a different department or role than what you’re looking for and then look for a referral.
I think that this is some very good advice. Another thing to keep in mind that can make these anonymous and thus more difficult e-mails unnecessary is to take advantage of networking events. Try to attend campus career fairs and meet alumni and make sure to send a follow-up e-mail. If you make these connections then you won’t need to send these “anonymous” networking e-mails. Some good pieces of advice I’ve seen on the subject are:
How to Make a Lasting Impression on the Recruiter at a Career Fair
http://www.gottamentor.com/viewAdvice.aspx?a=256
Follow Up: An Important Networking Tool
http://www.gottamentor.com/viewAdvice.aspx?a=204
@Jonathan-Great advice. When potential networking contacts from companies of interest show up (literally on your door step) during on-campus recruiting events, that’s one of the best ways to form connections. The same holds true for attending events held by professional associations for those who are out of college.
That is great advice! I’ll be graduating from college with a degree in Business Administration this spring, and could definitely use these pointers. Thanks alot.
@Richard-Thanks for the comment and good luck with your search. Although I know it’s an overused term, networking is becoming more and more important for undergraduates.
If you haven’t already done so, also be sure to create a LinkedIn profile. I recently heard a stat that there are more than 37,000 university-related LinkedIn groups.