Networking is an important part of developing your career, but it can be intimidating to reach out to a stranger. The Muse suggests this simple template to make things a little less awkward.
Picture: stokpic
It’s hard to ask someone you don’t know for help, even if it’s just picking their brain for a few minutes. Maybe you’re not sure what to say or how to ask. This template keeps things short and to the point, without being impersonal. The Muse’s Aja Frost suggests:
Dear [first name],
My name is [your name], and I’m a [job title] who works in [your location]. I’m reaching out because [reason why you want to speak with this person]. I’d love to learn more about [two or three things you’d like to learn from the person].
I’m sure you’re busy, so even 20 minutes would be appreciated.
Thanks so much,
[Your name]
You can tweak the template to match your own voice, but the important elements are there: who you are, why you’re contacting this person, and what, specifically, you’re asking of them.
Check out Frost’s full post for more detail.
Introducing: the Email Template That will Get You a Meeting With Anyone You Ask [The Muse]
Comments
4 responses to “This Template Makes Introduction Emails Easier”
Starting an email with “My name is …” is awful. It sounds like you’re a child presenting at show-and-tell in. It should be blatantly obvious what your name is from both your email address and your signature.
“I’m reaching out because…”
*DELETE EMAIL WITHOUT READING FUTHER*
Ugly, awful Americanism.
I’m reaching out because –
I’ve put my keyboard too far away.
My chair’s gas spring just collapsed.
Both my arms are in casts and I can’t bend them at the elbow.
Sounds like a Nigerian introduction letter.
But sir
I’m sure you receive hundreds of these emails but I am the heir to the royal prince Hubba Bubba, click HERE for proof