Graduate > Additional Correspondence > Networking Letter Model

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Model for a Networking Letter

Use this model when you have become aware of someone with whom you might like to network. Note the emphasis on information gathering rather than probing for job or internship openings. Networking targets will be much more inclined to share expertise and experience than they may be to share knowledge of current or future openings; they will need to know and trust you before doing that. Click below to examine an example, then use a situation from your own realm of potential contacts and build the letter paragraph by paragraph and let a career consultant critique it with you.

Your street address
City, State
Date

His or her name
Title
Organization name
Street address
City, State

Dear Mr. or Ms. (Last name),

Use the first paragraph to establish how you come to be writing, either at someone’s suggestion in a referral situation (elaborate if necessary on your relationship with the referrer), or how you got their name if it is a letter to a stranger. Introduce yourself, i.e. your status at SU and your major. State that you are conducting an information gathering effort relative to your career interests and that you are hoping they would be willing to share some of their experience and perspectives on their field in a personal meeting (or by phone if there is a distance between you). Assure the reader that you are seeking only information, and that your purpose is not to discuss their unique staffing needs and how you might fill them. It is okay to acknowledge that you are familiar with their organization, however.

Use the second paragraph to briefly outline two or three of the areas of information on which you would hope to receive guidance. You might actually pose a few questions right here to alert the reader to what you would like to cover. (Asking for only a few things avoids overburdening the reader with your total expectations, reinforces that you will not be pitching for a job, and makes them more likely to agree to further contacts).

Use the last paragraph to assure them that you will only take 15-20 minutes of their time. Indicate how and when you will be following up. Offer to send a resume for the sole purpose of summarizing your background to date if they would like it. (Sending a resume with this message might be misinterpreted, taken as an indication that you are really looking for a job.) Offer a phone number or email as a way they might respond to you before your intended follow-up. Thank them in advance for any assistance they may be willing to offer.

Your closing,

Your signature

Networking Letter Example