Networking Outreach Templates & Sample Questions

This document contains strategies and email templates for reaching out to people you would like to network with. Once a contact has agreed to talk with you, it is important to enter the informational interview prepared. The last page contains sample questions you can ask in conversations like this.

Outreach Tips

• Always include how you came across someone’s name
• Mention shared connections in your outreach, such as a shared friend, referral, college major, or affiliation 
• Database websites such as Zoominfo, RocketReach, and Getemail.io are great tools to use when identifying an individual’s email address at a large, well-known firm. Although there is a cost associated with these websites, you are able to get 10 free searches a month with some. You can also review company websites that publicly list emails and identify an email formatting pattern, making it easier for you to reach out via email (note: this trick usually works better for smaller companies).
• When possible, always give several business days between your request and when you would like to meet. Unless you are deciding on an offer and have a deadline, it is ideal to make your ask at least a week in advance.
• Build into your outreach a follow-up plan. You may need to follow up on your initial message as people can easily miss emails, or messages may be sent to a spam folder. If you do not hear back within 5 to 7 days, follow up with another email inquiring if they received your initial email.
• Always send a thank you follow-up within 24 hours of when you talk to someone. For guidance, see our Interview and Networking Follow-up Resource.  
• Keep a “Networking Log” where you record contact info, date of contact, and a summary of each conversation. Creating and maintaining a searchable spreadsheet of information will help you stay organized and look professional.
• For guidance specific to your needs, schedule an appointment with a CPD coach using Handshake! A CPD coach will happily do a mock networking session with you as well, to help you feel confident before your next meeting.

Alumni Networking

Subject Line: Dartmouth Student Seeking Career Advice

Dear <<insert name>>,

I came across your name on the Dartmouth LinkedIn page as an alum working in <<insert field or organization name>> I am currently (note your academic year and what you are exploring, occupations you are investigating, whether you are researching particular employers, etc.). I was hoping for the opportunity to talk with you and learn more about your experience post-Dartmouth and at X-organization, if your schedule allows.

I look forward to hearing back from you and the opportunity to connect with you in the near future. I am available by email or phone at 123-456-7890. For a phone or video chat, I am free to connect from 12:00-1:00pm Eastern and 5:00-8:00pm on weekdays. Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

<<Your Name>>

Networking with Referrals

Only use the below referral templates when you have permission of your shared contact to make the outreach.

Referral Networking Email – Professor

Subject Line: Referral from Professor Wright

Dear <<Insert Name>>,

John Wright, my Psychology professor, encouraged me to reach out to you to learn more about your work with the National Institute of Health. As a Psychology major, I have a growing interest in the health field, and in particular, how I can expand my research interests beyond Dartmouth. Professor Wright shared with me your recent research being published on health challenges in low-income communities. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to talk with you and learn about your post-Dartmouth experience and any advice you have for me as a student looking to enter the health field. I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,

<<Your Name>> 

Referral Networking Email – Family/Friend

Subject Line: Referral Follow-up from <<Insert Name>>

Dear <<Insert Name of Recipient>>,

My name is <<insert your name>>, and I am a member of the Class of 2024 at Dartmouth and a friend of <<insert friend’s name>>. While talking with <<insert friend’s name>> last week, we discussed in-depth my interest in learning more about the field of Environmental Consulting. I am planning to declare my major in Environmental Studies. <<Friend>> noted that you two recently spoke and encouraged me to reach out to you for an opportunity to set up an informational interview. If your schedule allows, I will be in the Washington DC area the first three weeks of December for my winter break, and I would appreciate the opportunity to meet and learn more about your role with the Environmental Working Group. Would you be available between 4 and 6pm any day of the week in December? 

Thank you in advance and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Kind Regards,

<<Insert Your Name>>

Cold Calls and Emails 

• Use the cold call method if you have no contacts within a particular organization or field.
• Identify a contact at the organization, either within a department of interest, or a leader of the organization as a whole. Use Handshake, the organization’s website, or databases available through Dartmouth’s library to support your search.
  • If you cannot identify anyone to contact by email, call the main line of the organization (often provided in the Contact Us section of a website). 
  • Many of the databases accessible through the Dartmouth Undergraduate Job Hunting Guide provide contact information:
    • For-Profit Organizations: D&B Hoover’s
    • Private Companies: PrivCo
    • Nonprofit: GuideStar
    • Government Contacts: See Leadership Federal & Leadership Congress
      

Email Inquiry

Subject Line:  Dartmouth College Student Inquiry re: Fleur Museums

Dear <<Name>>

My name is <<insert name>>, and I am a current student at Dartmouth College majoring in Art History. Through recent online research I came across your organization. I was thrilled to read about the innovative work the team is doing at Fleur Museums, in particular the new exhibit series on post-colonialism in Africa. As a student with a growing interest in museums, and curatorial work in particular, I was hoping for the opportunity to speak with you or a member of the team. I would like to learn more about all the great work that is being done at Fleur Museums and what advice you may have for me as a current student wanting to gain more exposure to the field.

Thank you in advance for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you. I am also available by phone at (123-456-7890) from 12:00-1:00pm Eastern and 5:00-8:00pm on weekdays.

Sincerely,

Tiffany Smith 

Phone Inquiry

“Good morning, my name is <insert name>>. I am a current student at Dartmouth, and I came across X organization through online exploration. I was hoping to learn more about your organization. I am calling to see if I could schedule a time next week to speak with someone about their role and any advice they may have for me as a student interested in learning more about the field of <<insert field name>>.” 

Sample Questions for Informational Interviews

As you prepare for a networking or informational interview, it is important to remember: you have a story only you can tell—and so does the person with whom you are speaking. Your goal in the conversation is to listen to the other person’s story. Ideally, you want the Informational Interview to flow like a conversation. Ask questions in your own words that focus on what you want to know more about.