#1: Requesting an informational chat with an early-career Alum!
Hi, Mr/Mrs. X!
My name is Danny Lawrence, and I'm a Freshman studying Computer Science at Florida
International University. I recently came across your profile when I was looking into X and saw
that you were a fellow alumni!
I was wondering if we could potentially set up a short 10-15 minute phone conversation to
connect, I'd love to ask you about your career path and how you got into X after your
undergraduate studies. I understand you're a very busy person, so any time of yours is much
appreciated!
Thanks,
Adrien Tech
#2 Informational Chat with someone you don’t know but admire
Hello Mr/Mrs. X,
My name is X, and I am a student in the X School of X at X University studying X and X. I
became familiar with your work when “briefly describe how you discovered this person” and
wanted to reach out to tell you how much I admire your “skill or specific experience”. If you’re
open to it, would like to connect with you to learn more about your work at X. Would you have
time for a 15-minute Zoom call next week?
I look forward to connecting,
Name
#3 Alumni + Shared interest
Hi X,
As a fellow X Alumni, I was thrilled to come across your profile — especially given our shared
interest in X. I’d love to learn from your experience working at X doing X! I know you must be
incredibly busy, but any chance you would have 15-30 minutes for a quick Zoom chat next
week?
Thanks for considering!
Best,
#4 Connection request w Referral
Hello Mr/Mrs. X,
My name is X, and I am an acquaintance of X who passed along your contact information to me
and suggested I contact you. X mutual contact and I met at X and [how you know each
other]. X's mutual contact’s name mentioned that we share a [passion for/interest
in/experience with] X and said you’d be a great person to get to know.
So, I thought I’d reach out, introduce myself, and let you know that I’d love to find out more
about you and your experience with X.
Looking forward to connecting!
#5 To the point networking with someone that is or already had the role you want
X, your professional journey at X doing X really stood out to me. I’m very interested in building
my career in a [role]. Since you’ve been in that position, would you have some time to offer me a
bit of advice on pursuing this? I would really appreciate a brief call at your convenience.
#6 Reaching out to someone for help with a resume through a contact
Hi X, you’ve built a really interesting career in X, and [mutual contact] mentioned you were a
great resource as she revised her resume. Since I’m hoping to advance from [my current role],
I’d love to get your brief take on my [Resume/Cover letter] if your schedule allows it.
Best,
#7 Inquiring about a specific job
Hi X,
I saw that your company is recruiting X position + job id/post. Since it seems you’d work
directly with this person, it would be wonderful to hear your thoughts on the role. I’m looking to
get some clarity on the role and responsibilities before I apply. Do you have a few minutes to
speak with me about it in the next week or two?
#8 Potential mentorship request
X, your posts/research/perspectives on X industry in the X medium where you see the
work have been really thought-provoking! I’ve interned for a few companies/startups in this
space and am excited about my own next steps — but I definitely could use some guidance
from an experienced professional like you. Would you be open to chatting about this?
#9 Reaching out to a startup decision-maker for a role/internship
X, I’m looking to join a mission-driven team like yours and just happened to see your colleague’s
post about the X role/internship. I’m super interested in what X startup is doing and wanted to
congratulate you on the X event! Would you be the right person to ask about the role? Let me
know if I could send an email your way with my qualifications and motivations.
#10 Request for an informational interview via LinkedIn
Hi Ms. X,
Through the X Alumni Linkedin group, I discovered that you currently work in X. As I finish up
my X degree at X school, I am contacting fellow alums in related fields for advice. The work you
are doing as Director of X greatly interests me. Given your extensive background in this field, I
would greatly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you. Would you be able to meet with me
for 15-30 mins in the next few weeks? I can be reached at Phone # or via [email protected].
Thank you, X
